November 6, 2003

 

NDSU to Offer On-Line Agricultural Sales Course

North Dakota State University is offering an agricultural sales course over the Internet beginning Tuesday, Jan. 13th. 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, associate 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. "This course will be of value to many people already involved in agriculture and sales. If you need to explain a product or service to customers, if you want to hone your skills in listening 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 Tuesday, Jan. 13 and is open now to a limited number of on-line participants. For more information, check out the Web page at www.ext.nodak.edu/homepages/aedept/agrisales . To obtain a registration permit, e-mail Shelly Swandal at sswandal@ndsuext.nodak.edu  or phone (701) 231-7442. Refer to Agrisales 350 and section 54968.

"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 I miss the regular face-to-face interaction with my students," Wachenheim says. "However, I do get to know them, and they get to know me, one another, and at least two agrisales professionals. 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