“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

Audrey Hepburn

Innovative. Persistent. Dependable. Passionate. Positive.

Why Sales?

Working retail for the past 2 years has been a blessing in disguise, giving me a taste of what sales can truly be. You think selling shoes has little impact on customers’ lives, but I disagree. Not only do I get to sell a product I am passionate about, but I also get to be a part of peoples’ experiences. People who I would’ve never gotten the chance to meet if not for my job. I get to see the joy on children’s faces when they find a shoe they like in their size. A parent’s face of relief when I help keep their kid engaged so they get a chance to rest for a second. Excitement on a couple’s face when they buy shoes for their upcoming wedding. The face of an older person excited to try on a new pair of Vans, a brand they’ve been collecting for years.

So why sales? Because I get the opportunity to bring smiles to people’s faces or aid in making someone else’s life just a little bit easier. No matter the industry, retail, technology, or medicine, I know that at the end of the day what I’m doing is making a difference in someone else’s world, no matter how small it may seem from the outside.

The Professional Selling Program

Professional Selling Program - College of Business

The Professional Selling Program is a prestigious program that prepares students in the sales field. The year long program focuses on rigorous sales training, including role play exercises, and topics such as Sales Force Management and Strategic Issues in Sales. With over 30 sponsors from a variety of industries, the program offers a unique mentorship program where students are paired with a salesperson to view sales up close from those with years of experience. Although the program is competitive, it is an honor to be selected for the 2025-2026 Cohort. The education I will receive from this program will allow me to have a unique set of skills when entering the workplace, aiding me to be confident no matter the industry I choose to enter. Not only will I be building networks with sales professionals, but I will also be connecting with my peers who are looking for the same professional development and unique training in sales.

Library

We Need to Talk: How to have conversations that matter

By: Celeste Headlee

Testimonials

Cristeen Park

Art Director at Impact and Environment, Graphic Design Mentor

“Over the past year, I have mentored Mariam in graphic design and have seen her develop a sharp, instinctive understanding of what makes a design work. She notices details that others overlook, whether it is the way spacing gives a layout room to breathe or how a small adjustment in formatting can change the entire tone of a piece. Her sense of aesthetics feels natural, but it is paired with a willingness to refine and question her own choices.

Mariam is unafraid to push herself toward unfamiliar territory. She will try a style or technique that feels outside her comfort zone, not out of obligation, but because she understands that it is the quickest way to grow. This openness, combined with her eye for nuance, allows her to take her work from good to exceptional.

I have no doubt she will bring the same focus and adaptability to the sales program that she has shown in her design work. She approaches every challenge with intention, and the results speak for themselves.”

Mark Awadallah

MBS Trading Analyst at BNP Paribas, Brother

“I’ve had the privilege of watching my sister Mariam grow and excel throughout her time at UCF. As her brother, I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated she’s been to her studies as well as growing her network and running her small business. Mariam has always been someone who pushes herself to achieve her goals, and this really showed during her years at UCF.

What I’ve always admired about Mariam is that she staying active with her passions, such as theater and art, all the while being active in the community and achieving strong academic excellence. She’s managed to balance growing her network with classmates and alumni, pursuing her passions, and maintaining her small business while remaining on the Deans List for 5 semesters. Mariam is truly someone who gives her all.

As her brother, I couldn’t be prouder of everything she’s accomplished. I know that whatever path she chooses next, she’s going to do an excellent job.”

Gautham Vadakkepatt

Associate Professor of Marketing at UCF, Marketing Analytics Professor

"I am pleased to recommend Mariam, who was an outstanding student in my MAR 3615 class on Marketing Analytics. She consistently demonstrated diligence, intellectual curiosity, and a strong work ethic. Always well-prepared, she contributed thoughtful insights to class discussions and engaged respectfully with peers. Her professionalism and enthusiasm for learning set her apart as one of the top students in the course."

Blake Waterman

Marketing Student at UCF, Classmate

“Mariam and I never officially met in person for our group project for our ethical and legal business class shockingly. That was due to us both being full time students that were working at the same time, but without her our project wouldn’t have been successful! She truly helped in the communication process with our peers. Establishing team roles and providing resources when we needed it. At the very end we had 4 distinct tones that had to be effective in delivering our research in a cohesive manor. Prior to submission she was incredibly helpful with final revisions and feedback on our sections and provided help where she could. Given the circumstances and environment we were in she far exceeded expectations for a peer who I didn’t even get to meet in person until our class had finished. She’s an overall team player and incredibly diligent with her work.”