In addition to Olivier, the other LSU team members were Danielle Lightfoot, a senior
marketing major from Prairieville, La.; Andy Hutchings, a senior marketing major from
Lake Charles, La. and Eve Heitman, a senior marketing major from Baton Rouge.
In its 15th year, the sales competition featured teams from LSU, Nicholls State University,
Florida State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Southern University,
University of Louisiana-Lafayette, University of North Alabama and Xavier University.
Teams and individual students compete in high-pressure sales simulations in Nicholls
State’s Sales and Interactive Training Lab. The top two students faced off in head-to-head
competition. The event also featured panel discussions and a career expo.
Greg Accardo, director of the LSU Professional Sales Institute, said that for the
members of the LSU Sales Team, the competition was beneficial in more ways than one.
“The Bayou Sales Challenge attracts some of the best collegiate-level sales talent,”
said Accardo. “The event allows our students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills
in a rewarding, competitive environment. The companies that underwrite and judge the
competition use the opportunity to interview students for employment opportunities.
We find that student involvement with the LSU Sales Team results in nearly a 95 percent
chance of job placement by graduation.”
About the Department of Marketing
The Department of Marketing at LSU’s E. J. Ourso College of Business prepares its
students for careers in management, advertising, buying, product development, retailing
and sales. The department offers both a bachelor’s and PhD in marketing and is home
to the Professional Sales Institute and the Behavior Research Lab. For more information,
visit our home page or 225-578-8684.
“Like” us on Facebook (LSUOursoCollege) or follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@lsuoursocollege).