Maddy Woods: Real sales success

KALAMAZOO, MI— Maddy Woods, a senior sales and business marketing student at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, is flourishing into her future. Coming from Dearborn, Michigan, Woods is using her competitive edge to improve her skills as she prepares for her career.

As her professional start appears just over the horizon, Woods is looking forward to the dynamic nature of her chosen field.

“What excites me most in sales is the opportunity to grow and learn alongside my peers. The potential for advancement is limitless, and I'm eager to see what I can achieve and the people I’ll meet along the way. I thrive in team environments, and sales offers the perfect setting to both collaborate and connect with others. The sense of accomplishment that comes with this career is incredibly rewarding.”

Through her involvement in Bronconess Wine, WMU’s student-run wine brand, Woods has been able to get a taste of what her career will look like. 

“In Bronconess, we handle everything a small business would, from marketing and sales to product expansion,” Woods says. “Each team member holds an executive role, all working together to achieve the same goal: hitting our sales quota. This semester, our quota is 4,000 bottles, and we’re currently about 83% of the way there.”

“As a member of the sales team, I’ve had the chance to go out into the field and sell! It’s been an incredible hands-on experience getting in front of buyers and pitching our product. Bronconess is more than just a project—it’s real-world business experience. There's no better way to gain sales experience than going out and making real sales.”

While the hands-on experience is critical to her learning, Woods emphasizes the integral part WMU Haworth’s curriculum has played in her development as a professional.

“The courses I’ve taken over the past four years have thoroughly prepared me for a career in business, no matter where I end up. From foundational courses to my major classes, I truly feel I’m receiving the best business education available. The professors here genuinely care about your success, and the friendships I’ve made along the way have been invaluable. I have nothing but positive things to say about WMU Haworth, and the fact that the sales program has been ranked among the top sales programs for 17 consecutive years speaks volumes.”

For Woods, the connections she has made through the sales program have been just as important as the content she learns in class. With support from peers, Woods knows she can get out there and succeed. She says, “The close-knit friendships I’ve formed in the sales program are a highlight of my college experience. Progressing with the same group of people has strengthened our bonds through group projects and a competitive atmosphere. Both socially and professionally, getting engaged on campus has enriched every experience I’ve had as a business student.”

With her sales studies at WMU coming to a close, Woods is taking her experiences with her as she begins to search for professional positions. Through her hands-on participation in Bronconess and the unwavering support from WMU Haworth, Woods is sure to succeed as she enters her sales career. 

Learn more about sales and business marketing.

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