While this may have been our College’s 6th year hosting the West Virginia University Sales Competition, it was much different from the previous events.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sales Competition – sponsored by Fastenal – was held virtually on October 17. 

“This year, the pandemic added a level of complexity by requiring this to be virtual,” said Marketing Director, Mike Walsh. “Interestingly, this competition was an all-time high in terms of the number of student competitors and universities.”

The competition is a tournament-style sales competition in which students compete for cash prices.

Universities that competed with at least three students were also eligible for the team competition.

Our business students competed against five other universities: Duquesne, Robert Morris, University of Pittsburgh, Point Park University, University of Dayton, Old Dominion University, and Minnesota State.

All participants received individual feedback and coaching, networking opportunities and a chance to hone critical sales skills.

West Virginia University had four student competitors and business senior, Victoria McDonald, took first place.

“I learned a lot from this experience, mostly how to be adaptable,” said Victoria McDonald, senior Marketing major with an emphasis in Professional Sales. “No one knew what to expect by having this competition over Zoom. However, one advantage of selling is that it’s adaptable and the same basic techniques hold true no matter the format.”

While McDonald had never competed in a virtual competition before, she was happy to bring home a win for the College and her professors. 

"To me, it felt amazing to win because I got to turn around and show all of my professors everything they have taught me has paid off," said McDonald. "Most of all, I was happy I was even selected to represent the John Chambers College, but to represent them to the best of my ability and win, was a huge privilege for me.”

A student from the University of Dayton took second place and a student from Old Dominion took third place.

Once all student scores were added together, WVU and University of Dayton tied for top overall school.

"I am delighted with West Virginia University's student performance,” said Walsh. “The competition was tough, yet the judges were very complimentary of our students. In a way, every student is a winner with gaining valuable real-world experience.”

Special thanks to Emily Tanner, Suzanne Bal and David Brauer who helped prepare our students. 

Both WVU and non-WVU students who are interested in learning more about our next Sales Competition should contact Emily Tanner at emily.tanner@mail.wvu.edu.