Weber State PSSA competes at NSC 2024

WAYNE, NJ – Two PSSA students represented Weber State University’s Alan E. Hall Center for Sales Excellence at the 17th annual National Sales Challenge at the Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales at William Patterson University. Top students from 20 international and national university sales teams competed in Wayne, New Jersey to showcase their selling skills in this highly interactive environment.

Both Jiminez-Viquez and Taylor competed in the speed-selling and role-play competitions, where they excelled and advanced to the second round. Tasked with preparing a sales presentation for the company sponsor ORS Nasco, the students gained a deeper understanding of competitive industrial wholesalers. In addition, the three-day event provided invaluable networking opportunities where a diverse group of corporate partners shared information about current career and internship opportunities.

 

“Through this opportunity, I realized my capabilities.” Said Jiminez-Viquez, a junior professional sales major from San Jose, Costa Rica, who is also part of the WSU Study Abroad program. “This gave me confidence, ultimately leading to internship offers and the promise of long-term connections.”

Taylor, a junior Professional Sales major from Clearfield echoed the same points. “Overall, the trip was an invaluable learning experience. I think my favorite part of the trip was being able to apply the theory that we have learned in the classroom and apply it to a real situation.” Taylor said. “After competing at NSC, I cannot believe more students aren’t jumping at the opportunities that are available here in the Professional Sales department at Weber State.”

Essential to the experience was the intrinsic value of traveling to new locations, meeting new people, and observing the fast-paced world of sales in the bustling hub of New York City. “New York City was on my vision board!” said Jimenez-Viquez about the location of the event.

This was the fifth time students from the WSU PSSA competed at the National Sales Challenge at William Patterson University, where they placed 12th overall. This was the fourth and final national event that the PSSA competed at this semester and will undoubtedly be an annual occurrence in the years ahead.

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The Professional Sales Student Association is an open organization in the Department of Professional Sales, welcoming students from any major to compete in sales competitions. Members of the PSSA have the opportunity to broaden their sales network and experience outside of the classroom by being involved.