Northwood University American Marketing Association (AMA) students recently planned and executed a Perfect Pitch Competition at the Midland Community Tennis Center.
“This exciting event brought together 30 students from four universities, including Saginaw Valley State University, Ferris State, University of Michigan Flint, and Northwood,” explained Northwood AMA Advisor Dr. Andrew Anderson.
The Feb. 7 event provided a valuable networking experience and the chance to showcase their communication and personal branding skills in a high-pressure, real-world setting.
“This is an important competition as it prepares students for professional engagement with employers at career fairs and beyond,” said Dr. Anderson, who teaches marketing and sales at Northwood University.
“Students must clearly and persuasively communicate their strengths in just 90 seconds, simulating the kind of interactions they’ll have with recruiters in the job market,” added Anderson. “The competition hones their skills and rewards top performers with cash prizes.”
The Perfect Pitch Competition challenges participants to:
- Effectively communicate why they are the perfect fit for a job within 90 seconds.
- Present two to three compelling selling points that highlight their qualifications.
- Provide concrete examples that support their strengths.
- Demonstrate confidence and persuasion to advance in the hiring process.
Industry professionals fromCRC Equipment and Sherwin-Williams served as judges, offering competitors invaluable feedback and networking opportunities.
Northwood students clinched four of the five top spots in the 2025 Perfect Pitch Competition. Winners, all of whom are from Michigan, are as follows:
1st Place: Julian Lee (Macomb Township)
2nd Place: Maze Gusa (Ubly)
3rd Place: Benji Zorn (Grand Rapids/Ferris State)
4th Place: Christopher Escalante (Auburn Hills)
5th Place: Isaac Fernandez (Holland)
“The NU AMA Perfect Pitch Competition is an annual event for students aiming to refine their personal branding and job-seeking strategies,” Anderson noted. “By delivering concise and compelling messages, participants leave the competition better prepared to make a strong impression on potential employers.”
For information, visit the Northwood University AMA Chapter webpage.
