Unique learning offer: practical experience in sales and marketing

Since the winter semester 2024/2025, the Faculty of Technology and Management at RWU Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences (RWU) has been offering the elective "Digital Marketing and Sales Excellence (DMSX)". Students are taught practical knowledge in the field of sales and marketing - with a focus on Salesforce, one of the world's leading CRM systems. Led by Professor Dr. Steffen Jäckle (RWU), Selina Wackler (RWU) and Michael Polster (Salesforce), the elective course combines theoretical content with practical application.

A central component of the course is the specially developed "RWU Trail Mix". This individually designed learning path on the Salesforce Trailhead platform gives students the opportunity to learn basic Salesforce functions in a practical way. The focus is on the areas of sales and marketing so that participants not only understand the software, but can also use it.

The combination of theory and practice was further enriched by guest lectures. For example, Diehl Controls from Wangen presented a live demo of how Salesforce can be flexibly adapted to company-specific processes. This insight into the customizability of the system provided the students with valuable impulses for practical application.

Sales pitches and real-life scenarios

Another highlight of the lecture was working with a specially developed case study that simulated real company scenarios. In teams, the students took on the role of account executives and solution engineers and developed creative sales pitches to convince stakeholders of a Salesforce solution.

The crowning glory: the presentations took place directly at Salesforce in Munich. There, the students not only had the opportunity to present their results, but also to experience Salesforce's corporate culture at first hand and make valuable contacts. In this context, Peter Wüst, Senior Vice President Solution Engineering at Salesforce, inspired the participants with his message:
"Now is the best time to get involved with Salesforce - especially to master the connection between sales and marketing. Cross-discipline competence is an important key to success in the job market."

Unique course offering with enthusiastic feedback

The DMSX elective shows how higher education can be designed in an innovative and practice-oriented way. The combination of theory, practical application and company cooperation optimally prepares participants for the demands of the modern working world.

The positive feedback from the students confirms the success of the concept:

• "It was really fun and very practical."
• "The trail mix was a great opportunity to get to know Salesforce in depth."
• "The visit to Salesforce was a unique opportunity!"

The DMSX teaching team is proud to be able to offer students such a valuable learning experience - an offer that is unique in its form at universities.