Top schools for recruiting sales students for internships and recent grads for early career jobs

When you’re recruiting students for internships or recent grads for early career sales jobs, which are your favorite schools to recruit from and why? Here is what 8 thought leaders have to say.

• Recruit from Top Business Programs
• Choose Ross for Practical Experience
• INSEAD for Global Sales Perspectives
• Favor Top State University Graduates
• Baylor’s Ethical Selling Training
• Northwestern and Big Ten Universities Shine
• Innovative Thinkers from Entrepreneurial Schools
• Wisconsin and Georgia for Sales Readiness

Recruit from Top Business Programs

In my experience, when recruiting students for internships or recent graduates for early-career sales positions, I prioritize schools renowned for their business programs, such as the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Harvard Business School. These institutions consistently produce graduates with robust analytical skills, strategic thinking abilities, and a strong foundation in sales principles. 

Moreover, they offer ample networking opportunities, access to esteemed faculty, and hands-on learning experiences, all contributing to the development of versatile candidates prepared for success in sales roles. Recruiting from these schools ensures a steady stream of high-caliber talent ready to excel in our sales team.

Alex Constantinou, Managing Director, The Fitness Circle

Choose Ross for Practical Experience

One of my preferred choices for recruiting is the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. This selection is driven by Ross’s renowned business program, consistently ranked among the top in the nation.

Ross offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing students to excel in sales roles from day one. The school’s strong emphasis on experiential learning, including internships and consulting projects, ensures that graduates possess the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the dynamic sales environment.

By recruiting from Ross, companies gain access to a pool of talented individuals who are not only academically accomplished but also well-equipped to thrive in the competitive world of sales.

James Owen, Co-Founder and Director, Click Intelligence

INSEAD for Global Sales Perspectives

During our last hiring round for internships and early-career sales positions, we found ourselves consistently turning to INSEAD Business School. Known globally and based in France, INSEAD has proven to be a rich talent pool for our needs. Our experience with INSEAD graduates has been particularly positive due to their strong foundation in sales and marketing.

INSEAD’s reputation for excellence is evident in their comprehensive programs. The Marketing Strategies for Emerging Markets program equips students with the latest insights and techniques needed to thrive in diverse and dynamic markets. Their Sales Transformation program is particularly impressive, preparing students to adapt and lead in ever-evolving sales environments. Moreover, the Executive Education in Sales Management program ensures that even early-career professionals are well-versed in high-level sales strategies and management practices.

The students from INSEAD we’ve hired demonstrate exceptional analytical skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability. They come prepared with practical knowledge and a global perspective that aligns perfectly with our company’s values and objectives. This combination of rigorous academic training and real-world application makes INSEAD our top choice for recruiting promising talent in sales.

Precious Abacan, Marketing Director, Softlist

Favor Top State University Graduates

As a sales recruiter, my favorite schools are the business schools of the top one or two major universities in each state, such as the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. 

I have recruited or hired hundreds of recent graduates into sales roles and have found the most success with those recent graduates with business-related degrees from top-tier major universities.

Mike Basso, Founder and CEO, Sales Talent Command

Baylor’s Ethical Selling Training

I frequently recruit from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, particularly their Professional Selling program. Baylor’s program stands out due to its rigorous coursework and focus on hands-on training, including live sales labs and role-playing exercises. The school partners with a wide range of businesses, providing students with ample internship opportunities and exposure to various sales environments. 

Furthermore, the program’s emphasis on ethical selling practices and building long-term customer relationships aligns with the core values we look for in candidates. This comprehensive preparation ensures that Baylor graduates are not only skilled but also adaptable and ready to succeed in early-career sales roles.

Alex Begum, Texas Personal Injury Lawyer, Villarreal & Begum, Texas Law Guns

Northwestern and Big Ten Universities Shine

At the top of the list, Northwestern University stands out for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on communication and critical-thinking skills. The students here are not only academically accomplished but also exhibit exceptional interpersonal skills, which are fundamental for a career in sales. Northwestern’s focus on a well-rounded education guarantees its graduates are versatile and adaptable, making them prime candidates for our dynamic sales roles.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is another favorite, particularly for its business and marketing programs. The students here are known for their strong work ethic and practical experience gained through internships and cooperative education programs. Madison’s emphasis on hands-on learning means that its graduates come to us with theoretical knowledge, real-world skills, and a proven ability to apply them effectively.

Michigan State University also ranks highly on our list due to its dedicated sales program. The Eli Broad College of Business at MSU offers specialized training in sales and marketing, producing graduates who are exceptionally prepared for the challenges of a sales career. The program’s focus on sales techniques, negotiation skills, and customer relationship management aligns perfectly with our needs, ensuring that MSU graduates hit the ground running and contribute effectively from day one.

Laurie Hyllberg, Vice President, Kinsa Group

Innovative Thinkers from Entrepreneurial Schools

When recruiting for early-career sales roles, schools with strong business programs, like Wharton or Kellogg, stand out due to their rigorous training in sales strategies and analytics. 

Additionally, institutions with robust entrepreneurial programs, such as Stanford or MIT, are invaluable because they foster innovative thinking and resilience—qualities essential in sales. 

These schools not only equip students with foundational skills but also encourage a mindset geared toward growth and adaptability in dynamic market conditions.

Joe Davies, CEO, FATJOE

Wisconsin and Georgia for Sales Readiness

Among the excellent choices available is the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Business, with its most reputed sales concentration under the marketing major. Its course offerings are crafted to immerse students in the intricacies of sales strategies, customer relationship management, and negotiation skills. Moreover, the university’s Sales and Business Development Program affords students opportunities to put their theoretical studies to the test through sales competitions, role-playing exercises, and internships with large corporations. The theoretical and empirical mix ensures that the graduate is not only well-learned but also competitive in the application of his or her learnings in the sales arena.

The Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia is also the ideal place to recruit top sales talent. The professional selling program of this school is one of the leading programs in the nation, based on experiential learning and strong industry links. The students get to participate in sales labs, live selling labs, and internships to acquire real industry experience. The communication skills, persuasive techniques, and sales technology tools, which the program focuses on, make its graduates fit well into sales jobs. And it does not stop there; the strong alumni network of the school and corporate relationships make the best career placement for its graduates.

Both schools also have very good career services that help place students in jobs through resume workshops, networking events, and job fairs, so we know that the candidates we hire are as well-prepared to make the leap into a sales career as they are to be prepared with academic readiness. By targeting the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Georgia, we are always getting the best candidates who come into their sales careers not only with the motivation to succeed but with the highest levels of professionalism and knowledge, which serve our teams at every level of growth and success.

Kwame McGill, Founder and Owner, Chimney And Stone Masonry LLC.