University of North Georgia (UNG) student Jessica Berliner finished No. 4 out of more than 2,100 competitors at the fall 2020 RNMKRS College Sales Skills Competition. 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 UNG 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."

UNG student Britney Araujo earned the "Top RNMKRS Troubleshooter" honor.

At another recent event, UNG student Austin Rich was selected from 160 students at 80 schools to advance to the second round at the International Collegiate Sales Competition.

Additionally, UNG 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 UNG's Mike Cottrell College of Business. "Even when they don't win, the value of competing helps them grow."