SALES 4.0 | Master in International Sales Management (MSc)
Meet our alumni: Valeria Sklyarova, Class of 2019
Valeria Sklyarova, an alumna from the MSc in International Sales Management has built an impressive career in sales and revenue growth since graduating in 2019. Originally from Russia, she began her career in luxury hospitality and found herself wanting to continue growing professionally. With a strong curiosity for sales, she joined ESCP to deepen her expertise in negotiation, pricing, and strategy. Today, she works in Sales Development & Revenue Growth at Kellanova, overseeing Pringles and Kellogg’s brands for the DACH region. In this interview, Valeria shares her experience at ESCP, the impact of the MISM programme on her career, and insights into the dynamic world of sales.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m Valeria, originally from Russia, where I studied Hospitality Management in Saint Petersburg. My career started in luxury hospitality, taking me across China, Greece, and Colombia, where I discovered my passion for upselling and building strong customer relationships.
I wanted to dive deeper into sales, so I started the MISM programme at ESCP in 2017 and graduated in 2019. During my studies, I developed my skills and made the pivotal decision to switch to the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) industry.
Tell us your thought processes when you decided to apply to the MISM and what you felt this type of programme could add to your profile.
My passion for sales and desire to grow beyond hospitality led me to apply for the MISM programme. I wanted to switch careers and gain expertise in key areas like selling, negotiation, pricing, strategy, sales controlling, marketing, and consumer psychology. ESCP, as a globally recognized university, offers a great mix of theory and hands-on learning.
Can you walk us through what your career has been like since graduating from ESCP?
After finishing my Master’s with the internship at Kellanova as a Commercial Strategy Intern, I was offered a full-time role as a Junior Sales Manager. This gave me the chance to apply everything I learned at ESCP in real-world situations.
After gaining more experience, I transitioned to my current role as Sales Development & Revenue Growth Manager at Kellanova, where I focus on shaping sales strategies and making key business decisions to drive profitability for Pringles and Kellogg’s brands. The MISM's practical approach really played a huge role in preparing me for this journey.
Within the topic of sales, what do you really like or love?
What I enjoy most about sales is the strategic side, where I can make data-driven decisions that directly impact the business. I also love the collaborative nature of sales, working with different teams to drive results. It’s a great mix of analysis, creativity, and building strong relationships.
What aspect of the MISM curriculum did you enjoy the most?
What I enjoyed most about the curriculum was its focus on solving real business challenges through practical case studies. For example, we worked on real-life business cases from large well-known companies, which helped me apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
I also found the negotiation class valuable, as it improved skills I use daily. Understanding pricing and willingness to pay was another key takeaway - I focused on this in my thesis, “The Impact of Price Promotion on Organic Products,” and applied it during my internship to give recommendations on promotions. These experiences gave me the strategic sales knowledge I needed to successfully transition into the FMCG industry.
Where did you do your internship and what was the scope of your responsibilities?
I did my internship at Kellanova as a Commercial Strategy Intern, which turned into a full-time offer. During my internship, I worked closely with the sales team on data analysis and supporting the development of commercial strategies. My responsibilities included reviewing and analyzing promotions, assisting with assortment updates, and contributing to category and revenue growth strategies. It was an experience that gave me a deep understanding of the sales processes, and I was excited to stay on and continue growing my career at Kellanova.
What were the highlights of being a student in both Berlin and Paris?
Living in both Berlin and Paris was an incredible experience. Berlin's vibrant energy made it easy to stay busy with events and activities, while the career fairs and networking events organized by ESCP provided great opportunities to connect with different companies. Paris, especially in the spring and summer, was perfect for enjoying the city - whether it was exploring the parks or strolling along the Seine. It was a great balance of academics and immersing myself in the culture of two capital cities.
To what kind of person would you recommend this programme?
I would recommend the MISM programme to anyone passionate about sales and ready to take their skills further. It’s ideal for those who enjoy working in a fast-paced, international setting and want to apply what they learn to real challenges. If you love problem-solving, collaborating with others, and making a real impact, this programme will equip you with the tools and confidence to succeed.
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