When Ana first started high school in São Paulo, Brazil, she barely spoke English. She had just transferred to a brand-new American school in her city, and everything was unfamiliar. As she started learning English, she became interested in languages and wanted to use her English-language skills.
That curiosity led her to YouTube, where she saw a video of a young woman who was studying abroad.
“That is something I can think about for college,” she thought.
Choosing Business at FIU Over Ballet in Brazil
Until she was 17, Ana’s plan was to become a professional ballerina. That changed during the pandemic as she started to explore business. “My father is a business owner,” she began. “So, as I started understanding what he does, I became more engaged. He was the whole reason I decided to study business.”
As Ana admitted, she did not care what type of business she studied specifically. “But I knew I would succeed and be good at it,” she said. She was right.
With the help of a program in Brazil connected to Shorelight, Ana learned the differences between the American college admissions system and Brazil’s system. “In Brazil, it is focused on exams and scores,” she explained. “In the US, they want to know your story.”
Ana said she had no clue where to start to achieve her study abroad dream, so it was helpful working with an organization that could guide her as she explored her options — not just for university but also her potential major.
“I knew that I wanted business, but I did not know exactly what path,” Ana shared. She settled on international business and chose Florida International University because it is one of the top schools for international business. (U.S. News & World Report ranks it #3 for international business among US universities for 2026.)
Building Sales Skills Outside the Classroom
When Ana landed in Miami for her freshman year at FIU, it was not only her first time on the FIU campus but also her first time ever in the United States. The FIU Global First Year program was there for her from day one.
“They helped me with the whole process, even after I arrived in Miami,” Ana recalled. She cited the perks of the Global First Year office, like the free printer and study spaces. “I was a daily visitor in their office. They would always find the time to talk.”
She also appreciated the regular communication and updates from the office, on everything from serious topics like visas and work study options to less serious but equally important topics like dining hall hours.
Ana also credits the Global First Year program with helping her connect with student clubs, including ones related to her major. That is how she discovered the Sales Society.
“It was so helpful to have guidance [from Global First Year] choosing classes so I had time to take chances on clubs,” she explained. “This is the best place to network, make connections, and try something new.”
“I was just a member for a year,” she explained, joining workshops every Thursday and attending events where she made connections with big-name companies. “I got so engaged and learned so much,” Ana continued, “I ended up finding out I really love sales. And not only do I love it, but I am good at it.”
Her involvement led a professor to ask her to become head of professional development. She was responsible for connecting companies with FIU and organizing events.
So when the Panther Sales Tournament was on the horizon, Ana was not only planning on participating, she was helping to organize it too.
Competing — and Winning — at the Panther Sales Tournament
The Panther Sales Tournament, hosted by the FIU Global Sales Center and Sales Society, consists of multiple rounds of sales meetings with business professionals from sponsor organizations serving as buyers. This year’s simulated sessions were sponsored by Xerox, with several other organizations, like Vanguard and Miami HEAT, participating in judging.
“What stood out most to me was that the judges were fully in,” reflected Ana. “Everyone there was committed — the judges, organizers, volunteers. That made all the difference for me.”
Over the three-day competition, more than 80 students could compete in any of three tracks (English, Spanish, and Portuguese) as well as the elevator pitch competition. There is also a career fair and opportunities to connect with companies.
Ana, who participated in the English and Portuguese tracks, explained that participants received their scenarios the night before their scheduled presentations. “It was kind of stressful,” she admitted. “I went to sleep at 3 a.m. every day, preparing my presentation.”
Her preparation as part of the Sales Society paid off: Ana placed first in English and second in Portuguese, in addition to winning the elevator pitch competition. “I was shocked,” she laughed. “I thought I had more chances in Portuguese.”
She next represented FIU at the International Collegiate Sales Competition, the nation’s largest intercollegiate competition, which was “amazing, with over 160 students representing more than 80 universities,” Ana reported. “It was my first time competing in a national business competition, and it was a truly incredible experience.” At the competition, Ana connected with multiple companies, explored new opportunities, and met students and teams from around the country.
She also made it to the final round as part of the top 20, ultimately placing in the top seven overall.
Lessons for Other International Students
While Ana started at FIU as an international business major, she understands it is a very broad field. Her classes and club participation allowed her to focus a bit more, and she opted to add finance as a double major. “I really like numbers, too, so why not?”
Her goal after graduation is to go into sales.
“My path would have been totally different if I did not attend clubs or make an effort to enjoy the opportunities here,” she said.
And that is her top piece of advice to other international students: Take risks.
“You already made such a milestone to leave your country, to throw yourself into another country,” she stressed. “You do not have to be scared of the language barrier. It is not going to be a problem when you start interacting. You are going to get it just like that,” she said, snapping her fingers.
Taking risks on joining organizations is what helped Ana find her path.
The amazing connections I made led me to another path that I did not know I liked. All universities give you amazing opportunities. It is all about how you use them and the time and effort you put into that.” – Ana from Brazil, double major in international business and finance, FIU
She said that when she joined the Sales Society, she did not have strong communication skills, but she knew it was important to develop them. There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Her other piece of advice? Reach out for help when you need it.
“For example, when I was having a problem with one assignment at like 5 p.m. on a Thursday, my professor called me to explain the activity I was not understanding,” she shared. “The professors really build relationships with their students.”
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to study abroad,” she concluded. “I am seeing all the rewards now. I am taking all the opportunities.”
