Aurora University student Derek Cooper named school's top salesperson

AURORA, IL (12/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Derek Cooper, an Aurora University junior from St. Joseph, was among 16 school champions named at a national sales contest recently.

Cooper, a business and marketing major, was among three AU students competing in the fifth annual Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up held in November at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Forty-eight college students from 16 schools in nine states competed for cash prizes and the title of top salesperson.

The highest-scoring individual from each school, excluding the top overall winners, was named school champion and received a trophy and $150.

Contestants delivered two 20-minute sales presentations to individual buyers. Sales calls were evaluated by a panel of professionals who viewed presentations via cablecast. After each presentation, students met one-on-one with a sales professional who judged their performances.

When students weren't competing, they attended professional development workshops and met with sponsors to discuss internships and career opportunities.