Alvernia students excel in regional sales competitions

PHOTO: From left, Francisco Sandoval '26, Assistant Professor of Business Jane Brooker, Ph.D., MBA, Younes Naimi '26.
 

Despite going up against larger schools, business students hold their own

Alvernia University business students are making their mark on the regional sales stage. Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Business Jane Brooker, Ph.D., MBA, Alvernia students recently competed in the Keystone Sales Challenge hosted by Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg, followed by the Susquehanna University Department of Communications Speed Sell Competition.

“The sales competitions have gained momentum despite Alvernia having only one sales class, and many of the participating students haven't taken the class,” said Brooker. “After the invitation to join a competition by a fellow colleague at another local PA university, students attended and were hooked and couldn't get enough. Students are always encouraging me to find new and more competitions.”

Among the standout competitors was Business Administration and Management and Finance major Younes Naimi '26, who reached the Sweet 16 and earned the second-highest overall score in the challenge. Competing alongside top-tier programs such as Bloomsburg University’s Professional Sales Center, Susquehanna University’s professional sales program and Saint Joseph’s University’s sales team, Alvernia’s students proved that hard work and preparation pay off.

“Being able to represent Alvernia was an exciting experience,” said Naimi. “This was my first time competing in a sales challenge, so I didn’t know what to expect going in. Going up against students from larger schools with full sales programs was intimidating at first, but once I realized that I belonged there just as much as anyone else, my confidence started to grow.”
 

PHOTO: Alvernia business students at the Susquehanna University Department of Communications Speed Sell Competition.
 

Joining him was Francisco Sandoval, an accounting major who achieved the highest score of any former Alvernia sales team member, a remarkable accomplishment considering neither student had taken Alvernia’s sole sales course.

“The O'Pake Institute played a pivotal role in preparing me for this experience,” Sandoval said. “Working with real clients day in and day out helped me become more confident speaking in front of people and taught me how to identify client needs effectively. Those experiences translated directly into the competition setting.”

The competitions provide far more than rankings or trophies; they offer real-world learning experiences that prepare students for their careers. Brooker also attributes the O’Pake Institute for preparing these students, recognizing the continued support of Greg Header, Header School of Business Department Chair Tufan Tiglioglu, Ph.D.; and Dean of the College of Innovation, Discovery and Enterprise David Shoup, Ph.D.

“Students gained invaluable experience in their role play competitions, which were judged by company executives eager to hire,” Brooker said. “Even though students may not enter the sales industry, this competition gave them the confidence to showcase their best attributes to bring value to any company.”

The success continued the following week at the Speed Sell Competition, where the Alvernia team earned a top 10 finish. Naimi again led the way, placing 10th overall, as the students built on the confidence and skills developed throughout the semester.

“Each competition reinforces our students’ ability to think quickly, communicate effectively, and represent Alvernia with professionalism and pride,” Brooker added.

Students will compete again on November 14 and 15, this time in the Northeast Intercollegiate Sales Competition in Rhode Island, where Brooker will bring at least five students to represent Alvernia on the regional stage.

“It’s important to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, even when you’re unsure of yourself,” expressed Naimi. “Stepping outside your comfort zone is where real growth happens, and I would never have known that I would do well in the competition if I had never signed up, and I’m so glad I took that risk.”