K-State business students compete in Lockton Sales Competition
Friday, Dec. 6, 2024
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University students had a chance to showcase their sales skills to a global insurance company in November at the Lockton Sales Competition hosted by the National Strategic Selling Institute, and one talented student walked away from the competition with an internship.
Participating students enrolled in the professional strategic selling major or certificate program in the College of Business Administration competed in a two-round role-play competition with representatives from Lockton, the world's largest independent insurance brokerage firm.
Each round featured a realistic sales role-play scenario, with Lockton representatives serving as the prospective customers and students acting as Lockton associates. The role-plays challenged students to apply their sales knowledge in a professional context, fostering growth and practical experience.
Adam Ramirez, senior in professional strategic selling, Shawnee, won the competition.
Halle Hartner, junior in professional strategic selling, Belleville, was runner-up and earned a sales internship with Lockton Companies in Kansas City, Missouri, for the summer of 2025.
Cuyler Kietzmann, junior in professional strategic selling, Tonganoxie, earned third place, and Jack Pearson, junior in professional strategic selling, Overland Park, won the Newcomer Award.
These students earned merit awards for their achievements in the competition ranging from $500-$1,000.
"Internal sales competitions like the Lockton Sales Competition are invaluable in preparing students for the realities of a career in sales," said Dr. Dawn Deeter, director of the National Strategic Selling Institute. "We are deeply grateful to Lockton for their partnership and for providing our students with such an exceptional opportunity to learn, grow and connect with industry leaders."
In fall 2018, Kansas State University became just the 19th university in the U.S. to offer a major in professional strategic selling. Students can also earn a certificate in professional strategic selling, which is open to all majors at the university. The professional strategic selling program introduces students to the fundamentals of sales, and the innovative curriculum and sales labs allow students to develop the skills needed to be successful.
For more information on the National Strategic Selling Institute, please contact kstatesalesprogram@k-state.edu.
