January 6, 2003

NDSU to Offer On-Line Agricultural Sales Course

North Dakota State University is offering an agricultural sales course over the Internet beginning Monday, Jan. 27.

The three-credit, eight-week course will allow participants to gain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in sales or other positions that involve interaction with others, explains Cheryl Wachenheim, assistant professor in the NDSU Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics. "The material covered in the course is nearly identical to a traditional classroom section, but students can participate anytime or anywhere," she says.

"We expect this course to be of value to many people already involved in agriculture and sales fields," Wachenheim says. "If you need to explain a product or service to customers, if you really need to listen to others, or if you need to develop strategies on how your product or service can help others, you’ll benefit from this course."

The course begins Monday, Jan. 27 and is open to a limited number of on-line participants. For more information or to obtain a registration permit, contact Shelly Swandal of the agribusiness and applied economics department at (701) 231-7442 or sswandal@ndsuext.nodak.edu. Refer to AGEC350 and section 60585.

"The class is ideal for students who want to pursue a degree and develop some sales skills but have other activities that hinder them from getting to campus three days a week," Wachenheim says. Weekly lessons will be offered over the Internet so students can study during weekends or listen to lectures as their schedules permit. The only requirement is that students have a computer with access to the World Wide Web, Real Player and an open-minded attitude toward learning in a new way.

"The only drawback to on-line classes is that interacting with my students takes a little more preparation," Wachenheim says. "Students will engage in discussions by doing an on-line profile of themselves. They will also have the opportunity to spend a full day with an agricultural salesperson in their area of interest."

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Source: Cheryl Wachenheim, (701) 231-7452, cwachenh@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu