Success Story
The Professional Sales program is a pathway to BCIT’s Bachelor of
Business Administration program, giving you the opportunity to earn
your degree in as little as one year after earning your diploma.
Learn more about the BBA
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Professional Sales - Get it on your resume.
In the two-year Professional Sales program at BCIT, you'll gain a strong foundation in
business management together with advanced skills in sales, giving you the edge
you need to land the perfect job.
More than simply selling a generic product to just anyone,
Professional Sales is about developing business connections and an
understanding that leads to the right solution. It's sales management,
business development and relationship building that provides career
advancement opportunities and most importantly, strong financial
rewards.
The Program
In
the first year, all Marketing Management students complete the same
course of studies, which covers general business and economic
principles; the second year offers specialization. Professional Sales
emphasizes transactional selling, problem-solution selling,
consultation selling, sales negotiations, relationship selling, current
issues in sales and sales management.
Special emphasis is being placed on how
e-business is impacting sales, and integrating the internet
and e-commerce concepts within the broader discipline of marketing.
program entry
You are goal-oriented and always up for a good challenge. You thrive
on human contact – easily engaging complete strangers in casual
conversations and proud of your endless lists of friends on Facebook
and Twitter.
Your future? You know that financial rewards and your personal
success lie ahead somewhere in the world of business. But where do you
fit in? Through Professional Sales and Marketing, you can turn your
personality traits into a rich and satisfying career.
Submit your application online or by mail. We also welcome you to our Burnaby campus to submit your application in person.
Check for current Professional Sales program availability. Once accepted, your seat in the program will be reserved.
Entrance requirements
Admission into the Marketing Management program is highly competitive. BCIT does not accept applicants on a first come, first served basis and meeting the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee acceptance. BCIT reserves the right to accept those candidates it deems most likely to be successful. Minimum entrance requirements are:
It is strongly recommended that you assess your fundamental mathematical skills. The Mathematics Self-Diagnostic Test below is voluntary. If you find these problems difficult, we strongly recommend that you attend OPMT 0199. You should be able to do this exercise in about an hour, after which you should compare your answers with the correct ones supplied. If you scored less than 20 out of 26 correct, you should seriously consider upgrading your mathematical skills.
Check for acceptable equivalent courses taught in BC high schools.
Applicants are urged to attend an information session offered throughout the year. These are free of charge and are open to all to attend. Registration is requested, but not required. To register, or for further information, please call the Information Session line at 604-451-6735, or e-mail inforeg@bcit.ca.
Note: The following full-time business programs are accepting applications from students with a C in Math 11:
Advanced Placement
Direct Entry to Level 2:
Direct-entry into the January term of Level 2 of the first year of the Marketing program is possible when space is available.
Entrance Requirements:
- High school graduation.
- You must obtain or show proof of English 12 with a C+ or better (or equivalent).
- You must obtain or show proof of Math 11 with a C+ or better (or equivalent).
- You must complete or show proof of equivalents to ALL Level 1 courses listed on the Advanced Placement webpage.
- You must submit a detailed resume showing relevant work experience, community and volunteer experience.
- You must submit a letter of intent explaining your reason for applying to the program.
- You must provide two letters of reference you feel are relevant to your application.
* Applicants to Level 2 are requested to identify their program option preference. If accepted, applicants are guaranteed a seat in the general Level 2 Marketing Management program. However, final placement into specific Level 3 option choices will be subject to the normal selection process, pending successful completion of Level 2.
Direct Entry to Level 3:
Direct-entry into the second year of the program is possible when space is available. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
There are two methods of entry:
- Applicants who have achieved a degree, associate degree or Diploma of Technology are eligible for entry if they have also achieved equivalency to these first-year courses:
COMM 1100,
COMM 2200,
FMGT 2100,
MKTG 1102,
MKTG 2202,
MKTG 2243,
OPMT 1110,
OPMT 1130, and
BSYS 2070. Plus English 12 with a C+ or better.
Please note that ECON 2100 and ECON 2200 is also required for the Professional Real Estate option only.
- Applicants who have not achieved a degree, associate degree or Diploma of Technology are eligible for entry if they have achieved equivalency to all of the first-year courses, plus high school graduation, Math 11, and English 12 with a C+ or better.
Entrance requirements:
- High school graduation.
- You must obtain or show proof of English 12 with a C+ or better (or equivalent).
- You must obtain or show proof of Math 11 with a C+ or better (or equivalent).
- You must complete or show proof of equivalents to ALL Level 1 and 2 courses listed on the Advanced Placement webpage.
- You must submit a detailed resume showing relevant work experience, community and volunteer experience.
- You must submit a letter of intent, addressing the following three topics: why you feel you are a superior applicant to your program option of choice*; what you feel you will personally contribute to the BCIT Marketing Management program; how you expect to benefit industry upon graduation.
- You must provide two letters of reference you feel are relevant to your application.
Space is limited. The department selects, from the pool of eligible applicants, those applicants considered to have the greatest chance of success in the program and industry.
For more information, please contact the Advanced Placement office at 604-432-8230 or check our Advanced Placement page.
BC provincial exams
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Apply to program
The two-year Marketing Management Diploma program shares a common first year of core business subjects. The second year of the program focuses on specific fields of marketing expertise.
Candidates who wish to apply to Professional Sales must declare this option/specialization at the time of application.
Submit an application online or by mail.
Application processing
October 1 of the previous year until the program fills.
Applications are considered for a specific intake. Process is competitive.
costs & supplies
Books and supplies
Level 1: $775; Level 2: $500; Level 3: $700; Level 4: $600
(General estimated cost, and subject to change)
courses
BCIT's Professional Sales and Marketing program provides you with
the most specialized skills available, giving you an advantage in the
Professional Sales industry.
First year
The first year of the program provides a foundation in business
practices, including accounting, marketing, business management, and
more.
Second year
The second year of the program provides advanced specialized skills in Professional Sales including:
- Sales Skills
- Relationship Selling
- Consultative Sales
- Customer Service Strategies
- Advanced Sales and Negotiations
- Sales Management
- Current Issues in Sales
- Internet Marketing Applications
- Sales Practicum
Directed Studies project - hands-on experience
In addition to learning the skills, you'll put them into action,
getting real world experience through directed studies projects and
practicum work placements. You'll work directly with businesses on
current business issues, presenting your solutions and seeing them
implemented. This provides invaluable networking opportunities,
industry connections, resume-building experience, and the skills you
need to successfully launch your career. It also builds on your core
skill set, adding soft skills including time management, presentation
abilities and teamwork.
Program matrix
Level 1 (15 weeks)
|
Credits |
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BSYS 1000 |
Business Information Systems 1
Lecture demonstrations supplemented by hands-on and online/CD laboratory computer exercises afford students an understanding of basic computer terminology, hardware components and software applications as used in business. Practical exercises focus on spreadsheets and charting (Microsoft Excel), word processing (Microsoft Word), presentations and graphics (Microsoft PowerPoint), the Internet (Microsoft Internet Explorer) and operating systems (Windows XP).
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3.0 |
| |
COMM 1100 |
Business Communication 1
COMM 1100 is designed to give students basic listening, writing and speaking skills that will allow them to prepare written and oral reports for BCIT courses and to proceed to more advanced communication courses.
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3.0 |
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ECON 2100 |
Microeconomics
Investigates economic analysis, focusing on fundamentals of markets, supply and demand, consumer and producer behaviour, and monopoly and competition. Optional areas of business application may explore labour markets, government intervention and environmental regulation. Prepares students to identify and evaluate the economic considerations they will undoubtedly encounter in business.
|
3.0 |
| |
FMGT 1100 |
Accounting 1
This course covers the full accounting cycle for individuals with little or no accounting background. Topics include accounting as an information system; introduction to accounting theory; income measure; traditional record keeping; the accounting cycle; special journals; cash and financial statements.
|
4.0 |
| |
MKTG 1102 |
Essentials of Marketing
Designed to provide the student with an overview of the marketing concept and how it can be applied to any type of organization or service. Includes the controllable and uncontrollable elements of marketing, strategic planning, market characteristics, marketing research techniques, market segmentation, and target market selection.
|
3.0 |
| |
OPMT 1110 |
Business Mathematics
Reviews basic mathematics applicable to business and industry. Topics include consumer and commercial credit, simple and compound interest, financial instruments and discounting, annuities, mortgages, loans, sinking funds, leases, depreciation methods, capitalized costs, cash flow analysis, NPV and IRR. Emphasis is on maximum use of pre-programmed calculator and practical applications from the field of Financial Management. As of September 2007, this course replaces OPMT 1102 for Part-Time Studies Certificates.
|
4.0 |
| |
ORGB 1100 |
Organizational Behaviour
Presents the study of factors that either influence or are influenced by people at work. The course will focus on macro factors such as organizational structure, technology and environment; group factors such as group dynamics, leadership, conflict, change and decision making; and micro or individual factors such as personality, attitudes, perception and motivation.
|
3.0 |
|   |
| Level 2 (20 weeks) |
Credits |
| |
BSYS 2070 |
Business Information Systems 2 for MKTG*
Builds on the 1000 course by expanding on the managerial approach developed in that course. This course will concentrate on more complex spreadsheet management tasks using a popular spreadsheet package. Prerequisites: BSYS 1000
|
2.0 |
| |
BUSA 2100 |
Principles of Management*
A study of the basic concepts of the management process: planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. Integrated with the concurrent first-term courses and using the case-study method, it creates opportunities for the students to develop analytical, problem-solving, teamwork and communications skills, by analysing and presenting solutions to typical business problems. Topics covered include: structuring organizations, decision making and an introduction to production, human resources, controlling and strategic and tactical planning. Prerequisites: ORGB 1100
|
2.0 |
| |
COMM 2200 |
Business Communication 2
This course provides further instruction and practice in the principles taught in COMM 1100. It concentrates on more sophisticated forms of written communication: the job application package, indirect correspondence, and reports. The course might also include modules on graphics, questionnaires, telephone techniques, and organizing and running meetings. Prerequisites: COMM 1100
|
4.0 |
| |
ECON 2200 |
Macroeconomics
Presents a challenging overview of the workings of an economy. Stresses measurement and determination of national economic activity, the role of monetary and fiscal policy, and the understanding of inflation, unemployment and growth in an international environment. Prepares students to weigh political and economic issues as they relate to their business ventures.
|
4.0 |
| |
FMGT 2100 |
Accounting 2
This course is the second of two designed to provide first year students with a general understanding of the nature, purpose and general procedures of accounting. The course examines notes and accounts receivables; capital assets; liabilities; partnerships; corporations and consolidations; international transactions; financial statement analysis; cash flow statements; manufacturing and job costing; and a review of the budget process and responsibility accounting. Prerequisites: FMGT 1100 or FMGT 1105
|
5.5 |
| |
MKTG 2202 |
Introduction to Marketing Communications
Presents an overview of promotional strategies: advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, event marketing, publicity, trade shows, and public relations. Intended for those pursuing a concentrated marketing program. Examines those areas of promotion on the basis of where each fits in the promotional mix and when you should best use them. Prerequisites: MKTG 1102
|
4.0 |
| |
MKTG 2243 |
Sales Skills
Examines the fundamental skills and processes of professional selling. The focus is "needs based" selling in a business-to-business environment and also prepares the student for a range of life skills such as interviewing for jobs or "selling" ideas within a firm. The course concentration reflects the role of the sales person within any firm and the importance of customer interface as a primary method of providing customers with needed products or services as solutions to business problems and opportunities. Course activities include role- play and working in terms to develop, deliver and critique business-to-business presentations. This course forms a foundation for advanced study in working in teams to develop, deliver and critique business-to-business presentations. This course forms a foundation for advanced study in Relationship Sales. Negotiation and Sales Management courses. Prerequisites: MKTG 1102
|
4.0 |
| |
OPMT 1130 |
Business Statistics
Includes descriptive statistics, including numerical and graphical presentation of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, elementary probability, index numbers and time series. Introduction to inferential statistics through selected topics such as sampling, confidence limits of the mean, hypotheses testing and simple linear regression. Spreadsheets are used for calculations.
|
5.5 |
* denotes a half-term course
|
|   |
| Level 3 (15 weeks) |
Credits |
| |
FMGT 3222 |
Managerial Finance (MKTG)
The purpose of the course is to give the student an appreciation of the role of finance in business and industry and an understanding of the inter-relationships between finance and the other functional aspects of business. It is also the objective of the course to teach the student some common decision-making techniques in finance to enable him/her to react optimally under varying conditions with a business environment of ever-increasing complexity. Prerequisites: FMGT 2100 or FMGT 2190
|
4.0 |
| |
MKTG 2309 |
Marketing Research 1
Teaches the tools and techniques needed to execute a quantitative survey research project. Skills developed include: understanding how research fits into the strategic planning process; conducting situation analysis and exploratory research; identifying and locating sources of secondary data including Internet and other online resources; evaluating and selecting the appropriate method for primary research gathering; designing data gathering tools; conducting effective survey fieldwork; tabulating, analyzing and reporting of primary research findings. Students in this course must complete a major quantitative survey research project. Prerequisites: MKTG 1102 and BSYS 2070
|
4.0 |
| |
MKTG 3301 |
Computer Applications in Marketing
This course concentrates on using complex formulas, charts and graphs, database lists and the consolidation of worksheet data within Excel to solve spreadsheet management tasks, and to manage data and lists. As well, students will learn how to use Powerpoint to create advanced, professional presentations. Students will also be provided with a general overview of contact management and scheduling software. Prerequisites: BSYS 2070
|
3.0 |
| |
MKTG 3306 |
Business Planning Principles
Teaches the practical skills required to successfully launch a new venture with emphasis on how to assess new business opportunities, compose a business plan and obtain the necessary financing. Students will be able to determine whether a new business concept has sufficient potential market demand, product/service provision capacity, management skill and financial commitment to represent a successful business opportunity. Prerequisites: MKTG 1102
|
4.0 |
| |
MKTG 3334 |
Advanced Sales and Negotiation
Builds on the basic selling skills acquired previously and develops analytical, negotiating and conflict resolution skills that are required in complex selling situations. All aspects of professional, ethical conduct leading to successful seller/client contractual relationships are addressed through lecture and role playing activities. Students will be exposed to the use of industry standard tools and techniques. Prerequisites: MKTG 2243 or MKTG 1219
|
4.0 |
| |
MKTG 3343 |
Sales Management
Covers general principles of sales management. Emphasis is given to the human resource with stress placed on selection, assimilation, training and supervision. Examination of sales, planning, and organization. Prerequisites: MKTG 1102 and MKTG 2243
|
4.0 |
|   |
| Level 4 (20 weeks) |
Credits |
| |
BLAW 3100 |
Business Law
Presents a practical study of Canadian business law, including the legal and administrative systems, torts, contracts, sale of goods and consumer protection, secured transactions, employment, agency and business organizations. Participation in this course, taught by lawyers, prepares you to recognize and feel comfortable with the legal aspects of doing business.
|
4.0 |
| |
MKTG 3409 |
Applied Marketing Intelligence*
Moves beyond the basic quantitative skills developed in MKTG 2309. This course teaches qualitative research, competitive intelligence, and advanced Internet research techniques. Skills developed include: designing and executing focus groups and indepth interviews; designing a competitive intelligence program; developing a competitive intelligence matrix reporting tool; locating and using both traditional and non-traditional sources of competitive intelligence information; using the Internet as a primary data gathering tool, including web-based surveys, e-mail surveys, and mining Internet discussion groups. Other emerging topics in research may also be covered if time permits depending on the particular expertise of the instructor. Students in this course complete projects in each major area of study. Prerequisites: MKTG 2309
|
2.0 |
| |
MKTG 4401 |
Marketing Planning
Integrates the concepts learned throughout Marketing Management. The course is based on applying critical thinking to evaluate opportunities, develop a marketing strategy, make marketing plan decisions and evaluate the outcomes. Prerequisites: MKTG 1102
|
4.0 |
| |
MKTG 4402 |
Relationship Selling*
Covers professional selling skills utilizing buyer behaviour, time management and sales call planning tools. This course focuses on the interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences. Prerequisites: MKTG 3334 and (MKTG 2243 or MKTG 1219)
|
2.5 |
| |
MKTG 4404 |
Industry Sales Practicum*
Provides field work experience in the sales force of a sponsoring firm. Full evaluation of the on-the-job performance is included along with a student report on the experience. Prerequisites: MKTG 3334 and MKTG 3343
|
4.0 |
| |
MKTG 4418 |
Directed Studies
Students will work off-campus one day a week on a major project related to their marketing field of study. This project typically relates to a specific client company and is carried out under the guidance of assigned faculty members. Prerequisites: MKTG 2309 and MKTG 3301
|
5.5 |
| |
MKTG 4427 |
Consultative Sales*
In consultative selling, making the sale is important, but the real focus is on providing expertise which enables clients to improve company operations and productivity. Students will be able to improve their customer's productivity by learning the three roles of the consultative sales representative. These three roles are: strategic orchestrator, business consultant, and long-term business ally. Prerequisites: MKTG 2243
|
2.5 |
| |
MKTG 4428 |
Current Issues in Sales*
The course provides an overview of current issues facing the professional sales representative. Student will be able to anticipate and adapt to the latest trends and events that will impact their professional lives. Course content will focus on current research, issues, and dilemmas facing the professional sales representative. Prerequisites: MKTG 3343
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2.5 |
| |
MKTG 4431 |
Internet Marketing Applications
The course will provide the fundamentals of how information technologies and database applications provide strategic support for direct marketing through traditional channels and through web-based channels. These strategies will be applied to create effective marketing strategies and planning tools in a variety of direct marketing channels from database driven applications from direct mail to E-Commerce. Prerequisites: BSYS 2070
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4.0 |
| |
MKTG 4432 |
Customer Service Strategies*
The course is designed to provide an overview of what companies must initiate to build a customer focused organization. Topics will include corporate image, customer interaction, employee empowerment and measuring customer satisfaction. Emphasis will be placed on practical methods of implementation. Prerequisites: MKTG 1102
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2.0 |
| *denotes a half-term course |
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| Total Credits: |
110.0 |
Note: This program is completing a curriculum assessment. Some courses may be revised, added or deleted during the academic year.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
Just two years to career success
In your first year, you’ll receive an exceptional business
education. This serves as the foundation before you start to specialize
in Professional Sales and Marketing in your second year.
You'll learn through a combination of lectures, which focus on
proving the foundation of your learning, and labs, which focus on the
practical implementation of what you've learned. Labs are approximately
20 students, giving you the chance to connect with your classmates and
instructor, get answers to the questions you have, and practice the
skills you're learning.
- Industry experts - Your lectures and labs are led by industry experienced instructors
who go above and beyond the content of your textbooks. They bring their
knowledge of the industry into the classroom, giving you relevant,
up-to-date skills. Many classes also include guest speakers from
leading BC companies.
- Projects - You'll work on a variety of projects, including both individual and
group assignments. You'll focus on today's business challenges, using
your newly acquired knowledge to provide expert recommendations that
help you apply and grow your skills.
- Presentations - Your presentation ability must be top notch. You'll have many
opportunities to hone your presentation skills to convey compelling,
engaging presentations that will be invaluable throughout your career.
Real-world skills and connections
No amount of class time or assignments can replace the learning
you'll receive through real world directed studies projects and workplace practicums. These opportunities let you put your skills into
action, providing invaluable networking and business connections, along
with resume-building experiences.
A day in the life of a Pro Sales student
A typical week features at least 25 hours in class, and as many
hours invested in projects outside of the classroom. On any given day,
you will:
- Develop a PowerPoint presentation to be delivered to classmates and industry experts
- Ride along with a sales professional to integrate classroom learning with the actual practices of a professional representative
- In Lecture, learn contemporary sales skills. Later in Lab, practice these skills under the careful guidance of a sales expert
- Interview a CEO to gain experience, confidence, and poise in selling senior managers
- In
Lab, perform a self-diagnostic test to gain a better understanding of
yourself and others to increase your effectiveness as a professional
sales representative
- Meet with your project group whether in the
library, a meeting room, or more casual environment like the campus
coffee shop or Great Hall
- Send time with a faculty member to plan the next steps in defining your long-term career path
You can also build on your in-class learning by participating in extracurricular activities on campus, including:
Program length
Two years, full-time beginning in September each year.
Grading
Space is limited. When more eligible students apply than there is space available, BCIT reserves the right to select those students considered to have the best chance for success in the program.
Additional program options
Continue Your Education
Degree Completion
Marketing Management graduates can obtain transfer credit toward Business degree programs at a number of universities both within and outside the province. As well, graduates may pursue degree completion through BCIT's Bachelor of Business Administration program.
graduating & jobs
Your future as a professional sales and marketing graduate
Recognized + Respected = In Demand
BCIT’s Professional Sales and Marketing program is well recognized
and respected. The BCIT brand carries a lot of cache in the business
world. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be sought after from a
number of BC and Canada’s top companies. Your practical skill set,
hands-on experience, and connections to industry will put you in demand.
Flexibility
A profession in sales opens the door to any industry that interests
you anywhere in the world. Some examples of the types of industries you
can make a career in are high tech, telecommunications, pharmaceutical,
cosmetics, media advertising, industrial, food brokerage, financial,
tourism, automotive, and the alcoholic beverage industry. You can
choose to work in Inside Sales, Outside Sales, Business Development, or
Sales Management positions, with great opportunity for career
advancement.
Success
BCIT grads start their careers on average making approximately
$40,000 not including commissions, bonuses, and other perks like car
allowances, entertainment and travel expenses.
All successful business organizations employ sales
representatives in their marketing departments. There are thousands of
excellent sales jobs; however, only a small percentage of these employees are currently professionally
trained with a sales specialty.
Graduate employment outcomes
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2005-2007 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2004-2006 Graduates. Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
faculty, advisors & staff
All Professional Sales and Marketing faculty have industry
experience at some of today’s leading sales-focused businesses. They’re
accomplished in both the sales and teaching fields, bringing their
passion for this dynamic industry to the classroom.
Advisory Committee
- Cheryl Anderson, Healthcare Financing
- Robert Brimacombe, CKNW/MOJO (Corus Entertainment)
- Cheryl Carter, Business in Vancouver
- Todd Cullum, Leavitt Machinery
- Jeremy Jacobson, Sophos
- Larry Knauff, Cadbury Adams
- Joe Lavoie, Neptune Foods
- John Livingston, Absolute Software Corp.
- Dawn Longshaw, Holloway Schultz and Partners
- Colin McWhinnie, Telepath Consulting Inc.
- Mark Rose, Panasonic
- Brock Sands, Unisource Canada Inc.
- Megan Stannard, M.Stannard Consulting Ltd.
- John Tuttle, Sysco Foodservices
As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.
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Testimonial

School of Business Presents:
Check out how three Professional Sales grads have turned their BCIT skills
into careers at Sophos, a growing software company in Vancouver, BC.
» Watch the video
Testimonial
I chose BCIT based on its reputation for hands-on training, and for the valuable skills I knew I would obtain. The industry knowledge and connections provided by faculty here have been paramount. Despite graduating in tough economic times, BCIT has given me the tools to put me in the best position possible to find a job I love when I graduate.
Paul Shorthouse, Graduated from the Marketing Management program in 2009
Check it Out
Be part of a winning team!
BCIT’s Professional Sales and Marketing students compete against
some of North America’s largest post-secondary schools at the annual
American Marketing Association’s sales contest in New Orleans. Last
year, BCIT students won both first and second place, and the year
before, placed first, second, third, fourth, and fifth – an
unprecedented sweep of the contest.
» read more
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