November 14, 2023

College students honed skills at SVSU regional sales competition

Promising future sales professionals had an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and receive personalized training during a groundbreaking regional sales competition hosted by the Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw Valley State University in October.

Open to SVSU and regional university students, as well as recent graduates interested in SVSU’s sales certificate program, the competition offered a unique opportunity for participants to test their skills in a supportive environment, while receiving advice and instruction from sales professionals.

“The Scott L. Carmona College of Business is committed to providing opportunities to our students that allow them to develop both professionally and personally,” said Jayati Ghosh, dean of the Carmona College of Business. “The SVSU Regional Sales Competition gave the students an opportunity to learn from professionals while honing their skills.  For the employers of the Great Lakes Bay Region, it was an opportunity to meet the talented students.”

On the first day of the competition, 12 students – nine from SVSU and three from Northwood University – received personalized training from the NBA Milwaukee Bucks inside sales team. The following day, the students participated in two competition categories: A tournament-style role play competition with three rounds and an elevator pitch competition. Representatives from SVSU employer partners assisted with judging both categories.

The role play scenarios were based on the training the student competitors received from the Milwaukee Bucks representatives. Chase Valuet, an SVSU marketing major from Sterling Heights, won first place and $1,000. Macy Hawkes, an SVSU marketing/professional sales major from Auburn, won the $500 second-place prize. Gavin Glefke, an SVSU marketing/professional sales major from Chesterfield Township, in Macomb County, was awarded $250 for third place. Northwood University student Brooke Englehardt took home the $100 prize for fourth place.

Three students were awarded cash prizes for the elevator pitch competition. Northwood University students Julian Lee and Aidan Wheeler won first ($300) and second ($250) prizes, respectively. Macy Hawkes, the SVSU marketing/professional sales major from Auburn, took home third place and $100.

The sales competition was made possible through an SVSU Resource Grant and support by corporate sponsors Morley Companies, Standale Lumber and Supply, VTC Insurance Group, Blue Wheel and Residential Home Health.