UToledo Takes Top Honors at 11th Annual UToledo Invitational Sales Competition

UToledo Takes Top Honors at 11th Annual UToledo Invitational Sales Competition

The University of Toledo's Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation took top honors last month at the 11th Annual UToledo Invitational Sales Competition, which challenges teams to "sell" a product in role-play scenarios with corporate and faculty judges.

As part of the three-day competition, students also earn points for their engagement in other elements, including development sessions, networking opportunities and a career fair.

UToledo finished as the first-place team against 36 universities and colleges from as far as New Mexico and Utah. Top teams are determined by combining role-play performance and engagement level. UToledo was first in engagement and third in role play.

"Our student competitors balanced their classes, internships and student organizations as they prepared for UTISC," said Deirdre Jones, director of both the Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales and UToledo Invitational Sales Competition. "They had tremendous support from the alternates and peer coaches, as well as expert guidance from our globally recognized faculty that coached them. The ESSPS is a place where lifelong learners belong, grow skills, develop confidence and cultivate relationships."

UToledo students also ranked among the top contenders at the competition, which drew a record 145 students.

Joseph Szymanski, a sophomore, took first place in the category of Engagement by Sophomores/Freshmen and tied for first place in the category of Top Engaged Competitor. Szymanski also placed fifth in the Sophomore/Freshman Gold Division Role Play.

Colin Fitzgerald, a junior, tied for first in the category of Engagement by Juniors and was champion of the Junior Silver Division Role Play.

The UToledo Invitational Sales Competition remains the first and only national sales competition to be certified by the University Sales Center Alliance. It is the largest of several outreach events under the Neff College of Business' Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales, which prepares undergraduate and graduate students for sales careers through top-notch faculty who bring industry experience and academic excellence to the classroom and a comprehensive curriculum that integrates real-world experience.