From left, Dr. Jane Brooker, Isaac Kassis, Gino Giacolona and Caden DeSiato
萝莉原创 business students tested their professional sales skills against 40 other students at Susquehanna University's Quick Pitch Sales Challenge. Caden DeSiato, Gino Giacolona, and Isaac Kassis worked for three months preparing for the competition.
One competition involved sharing a 90-second elevator pitch to seven different companies. The competition consisted of two rounds and was free to all college students. All students competed in round one with the opportunity to pitch to four companies. Giacolona placed in the top 10 and immediately moved to round 2. Round 2 pitched to the Final Pitch Sponsor, Dell Computers.
"Placing in the top 10 was exciting. Having practiced with Dr. Brooker, Isaac Kassis, and Caden Desiato, it made the experience much more rewarding," said Giacolona, computer science student at Alvenia. "I learned the importance of professional communication, which is especially crucial in computer science, where much of the interaction is with screens rather than people."
Cash prizes were awarded to the top three participants. Students gained valuable experience in presenting themselves with confidence, gained networking skills, and made professional connections. 萝莉原创 MBA candidate Kassis, who has competed in two other sales competitions prior to this one shared that preparation was the key to the students' learning experience. Having competed at several competitions, he stepped into the mentor role for his classmates.
"The experience I had over the last 3 sales competitions is very unique," said Kassis. "I love competing and it was very different for me when I had to put on a suit and tie and try to sell something or [sell] myself. I gained a better understanding of communicating with professionals and students in a professional setting, and also met and became friends with a lot of them too."
Assistant Professor of Business, Jane Brooker, Ph.D., MBA., who facilitates and chaperones the competitions as well as helps with preparation in and outside of class, expressed her pride for this cohort of competitors.
"One student was offered a full-time sales position... This is why I do what I do," said Brooker. "I'm successful when my students are successful and step into their dream career and grow."
DeSiato, Giacolona, and Kassis will continue their experiential learning in the sales industry at Bloomsburg University's Keystone Sales Challenge, where they will be role-playing with local sales professionals.
