The Northwestern Mutual Sales and Research Lab in Moody Hall is a hub for classroom instruction, career training, networking and job recruitment.
The newly dedicated lab, funded with a blend of state, University and private funds, is used by students, faculty and business professionals.
They use it to sharpen their sales and marketing skills and knowledge, conduct research or polish presentations. The lab also fosters interaction between students and potential employers in simulated work scenarios.
“It will help facilitate the job opportunities we want for our students,” said Dr. Gwen Fontenot, head of the department of Marketing and Hospitality.
The sales and research lab houses a 22-desk classroom for traditional instruction. Three soundproof rooms are in place for mock sales or interview sessions. Web cams and other digital, audio and video equipment enable everything from PowerPoint presentations to Internet broadcasts of live audio or video feeds.
It’s all about meeting the demands of a business culture that today relies on technology to close a deal as much as a handshake.
“Sales have changed, and these students will have a unique skill set that will let them make an immediate impact when they are hired,” said the lab’s director, Dr. Duleep Delpechitre, an assistant professor of marketing.
Students used the new facility recently to prepare for top finishes at national and regional sales competitions.
A student team won the overall championship at the International Collegiate Sales Competition hosted by Florida State University in October. Most recently, a student team placed first in the regional Bayou Sales Challenge at Nicholls State University in April.
Visit moody.louisiana.edu for more about the new sales and research lab.