Early Bird

Leaders in the making

Sales students claim victory at 2020 Rocky Mountain Invitational.

By Josie Lavender

November 24, 2020

Metropolitan State University of Denver is the only university in Colorado recognized by the Sales Education Foundation as one of the Top Universities for Professional Sales Education. In October, students Nicole Mirich, Tatym Lillquist and Maggie Heneghan demonstrated business savvy and department excellence as they led MSU Denver to a victory at the second annual Rocky Mountain Invitational sales competition. Out of 32 competitors among 11 universities, Mirich claimed first place with Lillquist and Heneghan placing in the top eight.

What is the RMI?

The Rocky Mountain Invitational is an annual competition allowing students to compete for financial awards of almost $5,000 while working directly with industry professionals. This year, the RMI was sponsored by E.W. Scripps, Mutual of Omaha and HomeAdvisor. Students completed virtual interviews, training sessions and role playing through professional obstacles such as a COVID-19 outbreak in the workplace.

“MSU Denver’s sales team represented the University incredibly well,” said April Schofield, director, Center for Professional Selling. “They overcame challenges during the competition – from a positive COVID diagnosis to starting a new full-time job – and came out on top.”

How the RMI prepares students for the future

MSU Denver competitors at the RMI were coached to success this year by the Center for Professional Selling faculty team of Schofield; Mick Jackowski, Ph.D., associate professor; Tom Miller, lecturer; and Clay Daughtrey, Ed.D., professor.

“For interviewing, the best piece of advice I can offer is to be authentic and conversational,” said Mirich, who balanced six classes and a full-time job while training for the competition. “Interviews are just as much of a learning experience for you about the job as they are for the employer to learn about you.”

How to get involved

The Center for Professional Selling has added new courses in Marketing and Sales Metrics as well as Inside Sales, both of which are open for spring enrollment. Students interested in pursuing a professional sales career will be able to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Professional Sales by next fall. Encourage students to schedule an advisor meeting to discuss next steps.