Overview
Please note that the name of this program has changed to Professional Sales and Strategic Marketing as of Fall 2025. The program was previously Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing.
- One-year certificate
- Laptop required (view Computer/Laptop Requirements)
- September entry date
- Exchange District Campus, Winnipeg
- Accreditation opportunity
- Recognized by the Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA)
- International applicants please visit Academic Program, Dates and Fees for a listing of programs for international students, current availability and online application instructions.
Description
This program develops the knowledge and personal selling skills you require for building and maintaining long-term partnerships and for achieving sales success.
The program promotes a needs-satisfaction selling philosophy supported by strategic selling techniques. It focuses on the selling function of marketing and its relation to an overall marketing strategy.
Selling is well-suited to learning through application, with the use of oral presentations and salesperson and customer role plays. Throughout the program you will have many opportunities to practice your presentation and selling skills and to review your performance.
You will study the various functions of marketing. You will strengthen your interpersonal skills and develop the persuasive communication strategies you need for success in sales.
The Career and Personal Development courses will expose you to the real world of business and help you identify the areas in the field of personal selling that you are interested in. In addition to exploring your career interests, you participate in a number of workshops to develop the skills that will help you both in the program and in your professional career.
After you apply, you will be invited to attend an information session to inform you about your career choice and prepare you for the demands of the program. Although attendance is not mandatory, you are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Admission Requirements
Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit
My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Upload Through Your Future Student Account
- Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
- Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
- Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.
If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.
Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.
Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.
However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.
Regular Admission Requirements
Grade 12
Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12
If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so. See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
and
- English Language Requirements (ELRs)
- Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.
Academic Requirement
High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in:
If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so. See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
and
Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2
Who Should Enrol?
Certain characteristics describe the successful salesperson. If you are considering a career in sales, you should possess the following traits:
Have strong interpersonal skills
Be self-motivated
Be mature
Have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic
Be dependable
Be flexible
Have a genuine interest in helping people
As this program is academically demanding, good time management skills are essential. You will be required to work on projects and assignments outside of classroom hours.
Locations, Dates and Fees
Please check back later for future start dates.
Costs (estimates only; subject to change)
1This fee is based on the existing fees for Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing and will increase for 25-26.
2This fee is based on the existing fees for Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing and will increase for 25-26.
Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program.
For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685,
or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca,
which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit
one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres
or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan
applications well in advance of the class start date.
Program Outline
The program is divided into two terms. You need a minimum term GPA of 2.0 in Term 1 to be eligible to proceed to Term 2. To meet graduation requirements, you must successfully complete all courses in the program.
Please click below to download the program At a Glance Sheet:
Courses and Descriptions
(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution,
other RPL processes are available for
RPL courses.
Click here for more information.
For courses with no
RPL, please check
www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
ADMN-1010Introduction to Canadian BusinessRPL
More InformationThis course is designed to introduce the student to the complexities of the Canadian business environment. Exposure to business frameworks, accounting, finance, marketing, management, human resource management and operations management will be provided. Special emphasis is placed on small business; the driver of the economy and creator of most new jobs. The course will include case studies, applications, and analyses of Canadian businesses.
COMM-1215Sales Communications
More InformationThis course teaches the student effective writing and speaking techniques used to strengthen their interpersonal and business communication skills. The student will learn to plan, organize, write, and revise routine business correspondence. Additionally, the student will develop skills in business, telephone, and email etiquette, and learn how to create a good first impression. The student will prepare for and deliver oral presentations using a variety of multi-media.
COMM-2055Client Relationships
More InformationThis course further develops the student's communication skills as they apply to the world of business. The student will learn to select appropriate modes of communication and practice with applying different types of strategies in managing client relationships and building networks. The significance of teamwork in business through participation in group work will be examined. The student will also practice and develop client interview skills applicable in all areas of business to support internal and external customer service, problem solving, needs assessment and sales. Technologies will be explored including the application of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). The student will also submit a series of documents used in business communication.
Prerequisites:
COMM-2215Advanced Sales Communications
More InformationThis course provides more exposure to business etiquette skills. Students will plan, organize, and create a pitch deck. Additionally, students will deliver persuasive sales presentations, learn negotiation styles, and conduct effective meetings.
Prerequisites:
COMP-1255Business ApplicationsRPL
More InformationThis course is offered in a blended format featuring online content with in class workshops on current topics in computing. This is a hands-on course where the student will develop skills in the use of Windows, Word, and PowerPoint, advanced skills in Excel and exposure to relational databases. A final project integrates these applications.
FNCE-1013Business Environments
More InformationThis course is designed to describe the basic workings of the Canadian legal system and identify the fundamentals of Canadian contract law. The course will examine legislation and regulations relevant to sales and marketing. Additionally, the student will recognize and calculate the various forms of financially acquiring an asset.
MGMT-1083Sales Management and Administration
More InformationThis course builds sales management competencies in strategic planning and implementation, leading and coaching, technological skills, and workforce diversity management within a competitive business environment.
Prerequisites:
MRKT-1017Marketing Foundations
More InformationThis course focuses on the high level role that marketing plays in strategic planning and organizational management. This course takes a student-centred approach to the current customer-focused marketing landscape in today’s digital and global world. The student will gain an in depth understanding of the marketing mix and the impact these elements have on the marketing process. The student will apply the broad framework of market segmentation using the concepts of segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP). The student will segment a market by organizing the market into groups, use targeting to send a message to potential segments, and use positioning to identify how customers view a product or service.
PDEV-1055Professional Development 1
More InformationLearn and practice skills, attitudes and behaviours to succeed in a diverse professional environment. The student will reflect on past and current experiences to gain confidence in their abilities and build better professional relationships. Through a series of interactive workshops, discussions and role playing, the student will compare differences in behaviours and ethics in various business environments.
SALE-1010Basic Sales
More InformationThis course will introduce basic selling theory as well as develop tactical and strategic selling skills essential in achieving sales career success. The course focus is on the establishment and maintenance of profitable long-term business relationships.
SALE-1016Advanced Sales
More InformationBusiness-to-business selling involves complex buying situations featuring professional buyers. Business-to-consumer selling has become increasingly technologically complex. This course develops successful sales competencies for both B2B and B2C environments.
Prerequisites:
Computer/Laptop Requirements
Professional Sales and Strategic Marketing requires a Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11 device.
MacOS is not compatible with business software used in this program; please see footnote at the bottom of this page.*
Devices must be ready to use on the first day of classes (or orientation) and students should be familiar with the basic operation of their machine. Electronic resources, software and applications will be introduced in the first few days of the term and will be in use during classes almost immediately.
Students do not have to buy from a specific vendor or manufacturer; they are free to find the best device that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications for their program.
Minimum hardware requirements:
Hardware | Minimum Requirement |
Processor | Intel® Core™ i5 Processor or AMD equivalent |
RAM (memory) | 8 GB RAM |
Webcam | Integrated or external |
Headphones | USB, with integrated microphone |
Wi-Fi | IEEE 802.11ac / n |
Ports | One USB 2+, HDMI |
Additional Considerations:
- Students are responsible for their own device maintenance and repairs (operating system and hardware)
- RRC Polytech will provide on-campus network connectivity, and will provide support for software licensed by the College.
- Microsoft Office 365 is provided at no additional charge for students
- Laptops with 4-6 hours battery life between charges are ideal for on-campus learning
- Ensure you have a reliable internet connection while off-campus; RRC Polytech recommends a minimum speed of 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
*If you intend to use a Mac, you must configure your Mac to run Microsoft Windows. What does this mean for you? This means that your instructors will be teaching in a Microsoft Windows environment, and you will require Microsoft Windows to participate in classroom activities and to complete graded assignments.
Recent Changes
Please note that the name of this program has changed to Professional Sales and Strategic Marketing as of Fall 2025. The program was previously Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing. While the general learning outcomes for this program have not been changed, there have been recent changes to align courses in Professional Sales and Strategic Marketing with other programs in Applied Commerce and Management Education to improve pathways for students.Transfer Credit Opportunities
Accreditation Opportunities
If you successfully complete all courses in the program, you are eligible to receive a Certificate of Accreditation from the Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA).
The CPSA is a self-governing organization that controls the standards, conduct, and discipline of its members. Among other things, the CPSA provides professional development programs to its 30,000 members across Canada. Successful completion of the CPSA Certificate program, and the Certified Sales Professional (CSP) exams, combined with at least two years experience as a salesperson, qualifies you to use the designation CSP (Certified Sales Professional).
Transferring credits to other post secondary institutions
Thompson Rivers University
For more information, contact the Thompson Rivers University Admissions department.
Continuing Education
For advanced training, you can take continuing education classes to further develop your background as a managerial candidate. There are programs at Red River College and universities that will advance your training in accounting, business administration, and communications.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.
Employment Potential
Graduates of this program have gained employment as sales and marketing representatives selling business-to-business (B2B) in various industries, including the following:
- Industrial equipment
- Food and beverage products
- Publishing
- Office supplies and equipment
- Transportation services
- Financial services
- Communications products
- Consumer goods and services
Academic Advising Service
Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
