This study builds on the literature regarding employer branding and talent acquisition by examining the effect corporate sponsorship of professional sales programs has on prospective employees. Grounded in theories of organizational reputation, brand equity and corporate sponsorship, it is proposed that sponsoring a sales program leads to enhanced student perceptions of the sponsoring firm. To test the study predictions, a natural field experiment involving four semesters of professional sales students is conducted. Results largely confirm the study prediction that sponsorship enhances students’ employment perceptions. The study offers managerial guidance for both professional sales programs and sponsors.