X students gear up for sales competition
/The Great Canadian Sales Competition was launched in 2014, and is now Canada’s largest student contest. The competition is looking to have yet again another successful year with more than 3000 students expected to take part.
One of StFXs student ambassadors for the GCSC, Laura Pichette, is also looking for another great year of student participation.
According to Pichette, there were over 90 student applications from StFX last year, the second highest amount in over 70 participating schools across Canada. StFXs very own Kiana Malt made it to the semi-final round last year as well. Malt, who is a current third-year entrepreneurial student, is currently benefitting from a co-op program as a Regional Manager for GCSC itself.
The competition is not only a test on one’s skills to perform but is also a great opportunity to meet people and make connections. Presidents, Vice presidents, and other company figures that sponsor the event are in attendance and some may scout contestants for hiring. Sponsors include Google, IBM, Air Canada, Corus entertainment, and many more.
“What I love most about the GCSC is that it does not simply offer $7500 to the one winning student. This competition connects students who will soon be job ready graduates with incredible sponsors who are looking to employ young sales talent.” Malt said in a statement to the Xaverian.
To enter the competition. Students are required to submit a 30-90 second video pitching absolutely anything they like, whether it be why Kraft Dinner is the best or why TV remotes need less buttons, the options are entirely at a contestant’s discretion. This consists of the first round of the competition which already began on the 3rd of October and continues till January 8th.
The second round then begins on January 31st, where contestants who have received approval and made it thus far learn from professionals on how to pitch ideas, products, and services. This round goes until February 15th.
The 25 finalists who make it past that stage, will then get a paid trip to attend the third and final round which starts on March 9th in Toronto. This round consists of mentorship by senior business leaders from some of the biggest companies in the world and finalists get the chance to handle a critical first sales meeting.
First place then receives $7500, and each runner up from second to fifth place receives $1000.
“Every student who participates in this competition can get something out of it whether it is simply practicing their sales skills learning about sales and the job possibilities it could offer, getting noticed by and networking with our sponsors, or by winning up to $10,000 worth of prizes.” according to Malt.
There are currently 527 entries already for round one and students that are interested in submitting their first pitch for round one may do so at the GCSC website at http://www.greatcanadiansalescompetition.com/.
For students that have any questions, they are encouraged to contact either Laura Pichette or Sarah Ross, the two GSCS ambassadors at StFX.
