UIC Business Students Shine at Victra National Sales Competition
From AI-powered sales simulations to live competition, students built the skills and connections needed for modern sales careers.
UIC Business Students Shine at Victra National Sales Competition
UIC Business students translated classroom learning into real-world experience this spring by competing in the Victra National Sales Competition in Dallas, Texas. Students from the Advanced Sales course tested their skills in a high-stakes, national setting while building valuable industry connections.
Preparing for Real-World Selling with AI
During the Spring 2026 semester, students in the Advanced Sales course taught by Barb Barney-McNamara, clinical assistant professor of marketing, prepared extensively for competition through RNMKRS, a platform that simulates real sales interactions using artificial intelligence.
Through RNMKRS, students engaged in role-play and cold-call competitions, practicing conversations with an AI buyer. This hands-on approach created a dynamic training environment that mirrors real-world sales scenarios and allows students to refine their communication, strategy, and adaptability.
Competing on the National Stage
Four students — Evelyn Castrejon, Eddie Martinez, Analisse Llaguno, and Simon Trujillo Ruiz — traveled to Dallas on April 13–14 to compete in the inaugural Victra National Sales Competition, accompanied by faculty coach Barb Barney-McNamara.
Students participated in four core events:
- Prospecting call
- Discovery call
- Networking event
- Presentation and close call
The competition, sponsored by Victra through RNMKRS, brought together top student sellers from across the country, offering a highly competitive and immersive experience.
Building Connections Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the competition, students engaged directly with Victra executives, sales professionals, recruiters, and peers from other universities. These interactions provided valuable insight into career pathways and helped students expand their professional networks.
“I had the privilege to speak to industry leaders and receive one-on-one, meaningful advice,” said Eddie Martinez. “I grew so much as a professional during this competition.”
Analisse Llaguno echoed that sentiment, noting that the experience itself was invaluable regardless of outcomes, reinforcing the importance of learning through practice.
Confidence, Growth, and Recognition
The experience proved impactful for all participants. Simon Trujillo Ruiz earned third place in the networking event, highlighting the team’s strong performance on a national stage.
More importantly, each student gained practical skills, confidence, and a clearer understanding of professional selling — tools they will carry forward into their careers.