Students from Appalachian State University competed at the International Collegiate Sales Competition (ICSC), hosted by Florida State University, October 30 - November 2.
The App State students, members of the Collegiate Sales Society, placed 19th overall of the 78 student teams from universities in multiple countries.
The student participants are:
- Will Blythe, Marketing
- Kennedy Burton, Marketing
- Kenley Cannon, Marketing
- Christine Parker, Business Administration
- Will Sutherland, Computer Information Systems
- Stacey Watson, Biology
- Cody Zimmerman, Management
Burton and Parker competed in the Sales Management Case Competition, where they developed their problem-solving skills.
Cannon and Sutherland competed in the Speed Selling Competition, where they developed their presentation and speech skills.
Watson and Zimmerman competed in the Sales Role Play Competition, where they honed their relationship development skills.
Zimmerman placed third of eight in Round 1 and second of six in the Wild Card round. Watson placed first in Rounds 1 and 2 and third in Round 3, tying for 9th place among 156 students.
"These teams and individuals were affected by a multi-week loss of coaching and training due to Hurricane Helene," said Bonnie Guy. "I am extremely proud of their grit and determination."
Guy, Barrett Garner, James Fyles, and alumnus Sam Cheatham, served as coaches.
Guy said that, besides the opportunity to sharpen their selling skills, the students have been offered follow-up interviews for internships or entry-level positions with companies they met during the ICSC career fair.
While Blythe, who served as an alternate, did not compete, he did participate in the career fair events.
Students from Appalachian State University with their faculty coaches at the International Collegiate Sales Competition
"Two professionals we met, Reliaquest Vice President of Sales Chris Ellett and DLL Vice President of Commercial Finance Damian Purves, will visit App State’s campus to speak at the Collegiate Sales Society in the next few months," said Guy. "This is specifically due to their interactions and experience with our students from this and past semesters at ICSC and as hired employees of their companies; they are big fans of the students Appalachian State sends their way!"
The Walker College helps provide opportunities for students to build their networks and develop long-lasting relationships with industry representatives who can connect them to jobs.
ICSC is held annually, with the 2025 event scheduled for November 5 – 8. Guy said she hopes to take a student group once again to compete.
From left, front row: Kenley Cannon, Kennedy Burton, Bonnie Guy, Christine Parker, Stacey Watson. Back Row: Will Sutherland, Barrett Garner, Cody Zimmerman and Will Blythe.
App State's Collegiate Sales Society
The Collegiate Sales Society is the premier national collegiate sales organization creating lifelong leaders through sales education, networking, and career opportunities. Through events such as member mixers, the annual CSS Summit and Career Fair, Cold Calling Competitions, webinars, mock interviews, lunch and learns, and a 3-module CSS Sales Certification, students develop the "mindset, skill set, and toolset" necessary to obtain and succeed in desirable sales positions across numerous industries. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu/clubs.
About the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management
At Appalachian State University, students in the Walker College of Business Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management learn to drive industry initiatives that develop customer satisfaction and retention, contribute to company profits, and build connections with suppliers, distributors, and the community. Students majoring in marketing may select a concentration in general marketing, digital marketing or sales. Students majoring in supply chain management (SCM) learn about logistics, operations, strategic sourcing, process improvement strategies, and supply chain technologies, enabling them to compete in the global marketplace and help future employers reduce costs, improve profits, and expand their markets. Learn more at https://marketing.appstate.edu.
Front row: Kenley Cannon, Kennedy Burton, Bonnie Guy, Christine Parker, Stacey Watson Back Row: Will Sutherland, Barrett Garner, Cody Zimmerman and
2024 ICSC Sales Team from App State