The Sales Division is a dynamic community where members develop essential sales skills, build lasting professional networks, and compete at the highest collegiate level. Focused on both personal growth and professional excellence, the division fosters an environment that encourages active engagement and leadership development. Members gain real-world experience, connect with industry professionals, and strengthen relationships with our corporate sponsors. By combining competitive spirit with collaboration, the Sales Division prepares students to excel in sales roles while creating a sought-after community of driven, career-ready leaders.

Sales Division

MEET YOUR DIRECTORS

Nihaal Nayar
Managing Director

Matthew Basileo
Associate Director

Project 1:
Shark Tank

Projects

  • Inspired by the TV show Shark Tank, this project offers PSAMA Sales Division members a hands-on introduction to product pitching and professional selling. Participants will form teams of two and develop a niche product idea to present to a panel of judges acting as “sharks.” The goal is to craft a compelling pitch that demonstrates creativity, strategy, and strong communication.

  • This project challenges members to think creatively, work collaboratively, and communicate strategically. From ideation to final pitch, students will gain real-world insight into what it takes to sell a product, defend financial decisions, and persuade stakeholders. It’s a fun, competitive, and educational experience that brings the classroom to life.

  • This project will:

    1. Introduce members to the fundamentals of product pitching and professional sales strategy.

    2. Strengthen public speaking and persuasive communication skills.

    3. Provide exposure to key business concepts such as budgeting, equity, and investment rationale.

    4. Foster team building, leadership, and adaptability through collaboration and feedback.

    5. Prepare members for real-world sales roles by simulating a high-stakes, fast-paced pitch environment.

  • This collaborative project invites members to design an innovative product that simplifies day-to-day life for Penn State students. Working in mixed teams from the Sales and Retail divisions, members will brainstorm a product concept, build a business case, and present a compelling pitch. Each group is given a $2,000 mock budget to fund their proposal and purchase shelf placement—simulating real-world retail decision-making. The project culminates in a judged presentation, with winning teams featured on PSAMA’s social channels.

  • This project blends creativity with business strategy, offering hands-on experience in product development, pricing, promotion, and placement. Teams will learn how to identify consumer needs, apply the 4Ps of marketing, and make strategic trade-offs within a set budget. Through multiple checkpoints, from brainstorming to final pitch, members will strengthen their presentation skills, collaborate across divisions, and gain insight into real-world product launches and retail planning.

  • This project will:

    1. Introduce members to practical applications of the marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion)

    2. Encourage cross-functional collaboration between Sales and Retail division members

    3. Develop strategic thinking, budgeting, and merchandising skills

    4. Strengthen public speaking, visual communication, and team project management

    5. Offer a creative platform for students to propose solutions that directly benefit the Penn State student community

Project 2:
Product Development (with Retail Division)

Project 3:
Real Sales Scenario with VMC

  • This project is a real-world B2B (business-to-business) sales simulation designed exclusively for PSAMA Sales Division members. This initiative replicates the full B2B sales cycle to help students understand what it’s truly like to work in professional sales. Working in small teams, participants will act as sales representatives attempting to close a deal with a client—culminating in a final pitch judged at the end of the semester.

  • Participants will walk through each essential step of the B2B sales process:

    1. Prospecting and Qualifying

    2. Pre-approach/ Planning

    3. Approach

    4. Presentation of Features and Benefits

    5. Handling Objections

    6. Closing the sale

    This simulation blends academic knowledge with industry expectations, offering students a high-impact, hands-on experience. By the end of the project, every student will have delivered a professional sales pitch and completed a full-cycle sales journey from lead generation to closing.

  • This project will:

    1. Provide a realistic, immersive introduction to the full B2B sales cycle

    2. Strengthen student confidence in prospecting, presenting, and closing deals

    3. Enhance public speaking, objection handling, and critical thinking under pressure

    4. Foster collaboration and communication in a team-based sales environment

    5. Prepare students for internships or careers in professional selling through experiential learning

    6. Build connections with real-world professionals and receive actionable feedback

Project 4:
Cleveland Cavaliers Collab (with Sports Division)

  • Brand to Brand gives members the chance to step into the world of professional sports marketing by developing a partnership campaign between the Cleveland Cavaliers and a brand of their choice. With complete creative freedom, teams will craft a compelling case for why the Cavaliers should collaborate with their brand and how the partnership could be executed. From visual assets like posters and billboards to promotional slogans and merchandise concepts, members will determine the best ways to sell their vision. Campaigns will also include at least two financial package options—such as basic and premium tiers—outlining the value, exposure, and mutual benefits for both parties.

  • This project challenges members to think like both marketers and dealmakers. They’ll gain hands-on experience crafting a marketing plan, developing partnership concepts, and pitching ideas in a B2B sales environment. By balancing creative vision with financial strategy, members will learn how to communicate value to stakeholders, defend their proposals, and negotiate mutually beneficial agreements. The collaborative, high-energy setting mirrors the fast-paced nature of sports marketing and builds confidence in pitching to real-world clients.

  • This project will:

    1. Provide members with experience in B2B sales and partnership marketing.

    2. Strengthen skills in campaign planning, creative development, and value-based selling.

    3. Teach how to build and present financial packages tailored to client needs.

    4. Foster collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking in a team environment.

    5. Prepare members for professional roles by simulating real-world sports marketing scenarios.

Northeast Intercollegiate Sales Competition (NISC) Presented by Bryant University

Hosted annually at Bryant University, NISC is a premier B2B sales competition that brings together top student talent from across the U.S. and Canada. Participants compete in live role-plays, speed-selling rounds, and receive real-time coaching from industry professionals. The competition simulates real-world sales scenarios, helping students refine their communication, objection-handling, and closing skills—all while networking with recruiters and gaining exposure to leading sales organizations.

Beyond the competition, NISC offers extensive networking opportunities, including workshops, a career fair, and direct access to industry-leading employers actively seeking top sales talent. It’s a fast-paced, career-launching experience designed to prepare students for success in professional sales.

Conferences

Why Attend? NISC gives students the chance to step into real-world sales scenarios, sharpen their skills under pressure, and get direct feedback from industry professionals.

How Can I Attend? NISC will be exclusive to Sales Division members. An interview process will take place to select 10 qualifying members!

 

When and Where? The conference takes place November 14-15, 2025 at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Guest Speakers

  • Jack Burns

    J.P. MORGAN CHASE FINANCIAL ANALYST

  • Tara Sringari

    SERVICENOW FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL & FIELD MARKETER

  • John Bruni

    JOHNSON & JOHNSON PHARMACEUTICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE