A slowing economy has forced many corporations to scale back sales forces, but certain industries are still growing, says Ramon A. Avila, a professor of marketing and director of the Professional Selling Institute.

"People have to eat and people still get sick," he said. "We are seeing great expansion in the grocery and pharmaceutical industries now, hiring many new sales people to meet the demand.

"There always seems to be a demand for good sales people in consumer goods. I don't think there will be a change in that aspect of the economy. It may slow down, but people still have to buy things."

Avila has seen a surge in companies signing up for Ball State's annual sales job fair for entry-level sales professional. The fair, scheduled for Jan. 28, allows companies to meet with students to discuss potential careers in sales.

Fifteen companies had signed up by Oct. 1, nearly double the usual number. The fair, sponsored by the Professional Selling Institute, Department of Marketing, College of Business and Career Center, attracts about 55 corporations with starting salaries as high as $60,000 annually.

Recruiters are ready to talk, but will have fewer jobs to fill than in the past. Avila's institute usually sends 80 to 100 graduates into sales positions each year.

"The drawback is the number of jobs that are going to be available," he said. "One company that usually is looking to hire four graduates in May after our students finish their degree work is only going to hire two new people. Another is hiring one instead of two.

"We should see the trend of cutting back on the number of new hires for the next year or two. Then it should pick right back up."

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Avila at ravila@bsu.edu or (765) 285-5189.)