Students excel in sales competitions during fall semester
Article By: Clark Leonard
University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) student Jessica Berliner finished No. 4 out of more than 2,100 competitors at the fall 2020 . The virtual event used artificial intelligence robots to help students practice their sales skills.
Berliner, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management, led a 91ÁÔÆæ team effort that, by percent, finished fourth in scoring among the 59 colleges and universities that competed.
"It felt really good to know that all my practice and hard work paid off," Berliner said. "This competition helped me to develop skills that I will take into my future career, like learning how to think on my feet, as well as how to effectively execute the steps of the sales process."
91ÁÔÆæ student Britney Araujo earned the "Top RNMKRS Troubleshooter" honor.
At another recent event, 91ÁÔÆæ student Austin Rich was selected from 160 students at 80 schools to advance to the second round at the International Collegiate Sales Competition.
Additionally, 91ÁÔÆæ held the "Pitch Yourself Competition" in the fall for students to pitch why they should be hired. Derek DiSanton won, while Katelyn Palmer took second place and Michael Ryals came in third.
"These competitions enable students to build the confidence they need to know they can go out there and be successful in sales," said Dr. Cindy Rippé, associate professor of sales in 91ÁÔÆæ's Mike Cottrell College of Business. "Even when they don't win, the value of competing helps them grow."
ARC includes almost 100 presentations
Students gave 69 poster presentations and 24 oral presentations at 91ÁÔÆæ’s 30th Annual Research Conference, held March 21 at 91ÁÔÆæ's Dahlonega Campus.
Local teachers, business professors collaborate
Roughly a dozen local middle and high school teachers participated in marketing classes at the Mike Cottrell College of Business Feb. 18 to learn more about current marketing trends.
Twelve selected as Fulbright semifinalists
91ÁÔÆæ has 12 Fulbright semifinalists for 2025-26. They include students from the College of Arts & Letters, Mike Cottrell College of Business and the College of Education.
Payne named director of cyber institute
Dr. Bryson Payne has been named the director of the 91ÁÔÆæ Institute for Cyber Operations, and Caitlin Conneely serves as deputy director for operations and outreach.