Sales Education Foundation

Our Contributions

Embracing Innovative Programs

SEF contributes to impact Sales education and the profession by offering innovative programs and resources that support our mission to “elevate the sales profession through university education.”

Our foundation supports Sales research through a yearly call for proposals and awards a minimum of $10,000 annually. SEF donates to numerous academic and educational conferences and workshops on an annual basis. One of our most important contributions to the future of the Professional Sales is our Career Development Program which offers no-cost Chally assessments to university sales students. To date, over 34,000 students have received personalized Chally results to help them navigate the world of Professional Sales.

The publication of our SEF Annual featuring our “Top Universities and Colleges for Professional Education" listing represents our contribution to promoting the universities and colleges offering Professional Sales courses and curriculum to their students.

SEF is a major sponsor of the “Sales Educators’ Academy.” This unique workshop event offers participants the opportunity to attend all sessions and is meant to be a hands-on learning experience. SEA is held each June and alternates locations between Rollins College in Florida and Aston Business School in Birmingham, UK.

To learn more about how you can take advantage of some of the offerings described below, please contact us using the form below.

  • SEF Annual Magazine featuring the "Top Universities for Professional Sales Education Listing"

    The Sales Education Foundation SEF Annual publication showcases top universities and colleges with Sales programs meeting set criteria established by SEF in 2007. Offering pertinent data and contact information for these programs, the magazine has become a go-to resource for recruiters. Each issue includes articles of interest from key industry practitioners and academia.

  • Career Development & Chally

    The Chally Assessment is the feature component of SEF’s Career Development Program. Chally results introduce common Sales career choices and provide various reports on Sales Strengths, Leadership Strengths and Fit for specific roles. Participants are empowered to select a sales career that matches their natural strengths, interests and motivations.

  • SEF Research Grant Program

    Begun in 2011 with the support of renowned Sales guru Neil Rackham, the SEF Research Grant Program recognizes sales-specific research with the potential for application by sales executives, sales managers, and/or the sales force. A Call for Proposals (CFP) is announced each spring with 2-3 papers selected annually by an independent selection committee . Grants of $5,000 are awarded. To date SEF has provided over $150,000 in research grants.

    Visit our Sales Research section of this site to find current CFP info, links to past recipient’s research and other published research/calls.

  • Sales Educators' Academy - SEA

    SEF proudly sponsors this annual summer program to engage sales faculty. Established in 2011, the SEA encourages faculty from all corners of the world to collaborate and develop techniques for expanding their sales curriculum. The Academy alternates locations between Rollins College in the US and Aston Business School in Birmingham, UK. High quality presentations from sales faculty and practitioners make this a unique event!

  • Sales Research

    SEF collaborates with multiple corporate partners and top university researchers to provide support for mutually beneficial sales research. Faculty research is encouraged and SEF will help promote sales research upon request. Past research has addressed areas such as employee onboarding, sales lifestyle benefits, and student success factors.

    A new addition to our site is the "Sales Research Journals" page, found here. On this page you'll find a comprehensive list, including links, to journals for publication.

  • Video Series

    SEF partnered with ThinkTV public television to develop a video series addressing the complexity of professional selling in today’s high-tech, global economy. “The New Selling of America,” won an Emmy for best regional documentary. “The Science of Sales” is narrated by Neil Rackham. Find both videos on our Knowledge Center section. Professors can access these videos to get students excited about Sales!

  • Scholarship Support

    SEF is proud to sponsor individual and endowed scholarships to help some of today’s most promising students participate in university sales programs to prepare for career success.

    Each year the Barbara Giamanco Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to female university sales students to support the emphasis Barbara placed on helping more women succeed in Sales. Thirty-one female undergraduate students have received scholarships with more plans for this year. Find information on donating to this fund and applying for a scholarship here.

  • International Training

    SEF partnered with ThinkTV to develop an international sales training and certification program. Taught by faculty of university sales programs, the week-long program has been delivered globally, in countries such as China and India.