The University of Southern Indiana Sales Team posted impressive results when it participated in the 2013 National College Sales Competition (NCSC) at Kennesaw State University March 1-4. Two College of Business majors, sophomore Adam Kaps (Marketing) and senior Steve Waltz (Computer Information Systems and Marketing) represented USI and competed against 134 students from 65 universities across the United States.
The NCSC hosts top collegiate sales students and faculty from some of the most elite sales programs in North America. It is the largest and oldest sales role-play competition in the world, and is sponsored by more than 50 national and global companies who attend the competition to recruit the nation’s most talented college graduates from select universities. The companies also put on a career fair for participating students.
USI’s team ranked 46th this year, outperforming regional schools such as the University of Louisville and University of Dayton, tying with Michigan State University, and finishing only one point behind Indiana University. USI’s performance is notable considering the team was up against top sales students from around the world, many of whom either major in sales or are pursuing a sales minor or sales certificate. Many of the sponsoring companies recognized this accomplishment and are seeking ongoing opportunities to connect with the USI College of Business and recruit future students.
Kaps advanced to the quarter-final round and finished tied for 55th place out of 130 students. "Being a competitor this year, as opposed to an alternate last year, was an incredible experience,” said Kaps “I was offered five different internships with four companies. Joining the USI Sales Team was one of the best decisions in my college career."
Two team alternates also attended, senior Lindzee Smiley (Liberal Arts) and sophomore Tim O’Brien (Business Administration). While they do not compete, they take advantage of the networking opportunities at the career fair. “The whole experience was intense. We were able to meet students from across the country and employers alike,” said Lindzee. “Networking was one of the best parts." O’Brien summed up his experience, that the “NCSC is the NFL Combine of sales competitions.”
According to the team’s coach, Chad Milewicz, assistant professor of marketing, “The purpose of the NCSC is to encourage students to strive to reach their unimagined potential. The students who pursue that challenge are rewarded with potential job offers and a powerful learning experience that will stay with them the rest of their life.”
Final results qualify USI’s Sales Team for a spot in next year’s competition.