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Annice fender

Company: Grand & Toy
Position: Sales Graduate Trainee

Why did you get involved with the GCSC?

I was introduced to the Great Canadian Sales Competition during my Professional Selling 2 course at Niagara College, which was 5% of my final grade. The main objective of this assignment was to allow sales students to apply the theory of doing pitches in 2 minutes using various techniques taught throughout the course. Sales is my passion and I have always enjoyed engaging with people. Initially, this was only for a grade. I then became interested in learning more about what this competition had to offer in terms of personal and professional growth. I was very nervous about posting my video but for a good grade and an opportunity to win a cash prize with no entrance fee it was a win - win in my eyes. At first, I questioned why my professor would use this specific type of evaluation but now I clearly understand that she was positioning her sales students in the eyes of sales leaders, sponsors and companies recruiting talent. 

My pitch was based on a Social Fever App because I am aware of the impacts of social media. I fear the time will come when technology will surpass human interactions because these sites create an illusion of connectivity. The social fever app assist users to gauge their time spent on social media and control their social media addiction.

How did the GCSC help you evolve as a professional?

As a competitor in the GCSC, I gained access to the competition sponsors. This major fete was accomplished because of my 2-minute pitch being uploaded on the GCSC’s Top Sales Rookie Database. I would not have accessed these life changing opportunities otherwise. I was contacted by a Partner of the GCSC, Grand and Toy, and I joined their team because there was room for growth in terms of career advancement. Their goal was to hire two Sales Graduate Trainees in 2019 and train these graduates in all operations and processes of the company, ultimately preparing them to assume a full-time sales role in 12 months. The Graduate Sales Trainee 12- month Training and Mentorship Program is considered a stepping stone into the world of sales, customers and business. Hence, I thought this was the perfect role to kick start my sales career. I pursued this offer and was accepted into this awesome position before I graduated. I was overjoyed to know that I was chosen for this position among 1000’s of students. I am currently in the Sales Graduate Trainee program at the prestigious Grand & Toy. They have continued to focus on building relationships, foster career growth and professional development for over 130 years.


What advice do you have for GCSC competitors?

If you are considering applying, you have absolutely nothing to lose and a lifetime of opportunities to gain. I could never put a dollar value on the networking opportunities and personal growth I’ve gained from this competition. All progress takes place when you step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. I was hesitant in the beginning to upload my video and that 1 video has led me to achieve my dream. I urge you to give it everything you’ve got, be yourself, be passionate, avoid self-doubt and take control of your life. Let me tell you a secret. Can you imagine that this 2-minute video is the only video I’ve ever created, and it was a factor distinguishing me from my peers? "You can’t outwit fate by standing on the sidelines placing little side bets about the outcome of life… if you don’t play you can’t win." – Judith McNaught.