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Student Spotlights

India Williams

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

What are some reasons why you chose to get involved in the Sales Program?

“I chose to get involved in the program because Dr. Kemp saw something in me, that at the time, I didn’t quite see in myself. When I was invited, I was hesitant to accept. It wasn’t in my major, it would be extra-curricular, and I didn’t know if I would be any good. Despite all of that, I accepted. The more I learned, the more my interest grew. The more I practiced, the better I became. Next thing I know, I’m competing in competitions and taking home titles.”

What was your favorite part about the Advanced Sales Class?

“My favorite part about the sales program is how the students

Karlie McDonald Tickfaw, Louisiana

What are some reasons why you chose to get involved in the Sales Program?

“One of the main reasons I got involved in the Sales Program is the guidance of Southeastern Economics Faculty Member Dr. Alford. He made all of his students aware of just how competitive the job market was going to be, considering how many individuals from Southeastern are going to graduate with the same degree as you, plus add in surrounding Universities such as LSU, and the competition more than doubles. This is where the flame ignited to join the sales program, as he informed us getting involved in a student organization was one of the biggest ways to help you stand out to employers.”

What was your favorite part about the Advanced Sales Class?

“When it comes to picking a favorite part of the Sales Program, I cannot just pick a favorite because I’ve reaped a multitude of goodness from my time in the program. So, here’s my top three! One of my favorite parts of the Sales Program was being a member of the sales team. I danced competitively for years, and while I didn’t think I could balance dancing collegiately in the program come together to help each other out. It never seemed like a competition against each other, It always felt like I was in competition against myself...to do my best. Everyone is so supportive, and I love it because we win as a TEAM.”

What is your advice for future sales students?

“My advice for future sales students...go for it. The program has led me to experience great opportunities, meet and learn from successful people and opened many doors professionally. Hands down it is one of the best decisions I made. Once you decide to get out of your comfort zone, work through the nerves, and actually put in the work, the program starts to reward you in more ways than one. If you work, it works for you.”

What are your plans for the future?

“I just accepted a job offer with Paychex (one of the Sales Program’s sponsors) as a Small Business Sales Consultant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”

and setting myself up for long term career success in college through excelling academically, the sales team allowed me this. It provided me with still being able to have the team aspect and the adrenaline and love of competition, all while investing in my professional career. My second favorite part was the plethora of networking opportunities it provides students, one of which is actually how I landed an internship with United Rentals my sophomore year of college. Finally, my third favorite part of the Sales Program has been the relationships you will develop and foster throughout the years with fellow sales students. While these individuals share the same drive you have professionally, these relationships will go farther than just professionally.”

What is your advice for future sales students?

“The biggest piece of advice I would give future sales students is while it may be cliché, just do it, as it will open many doors for you.”

What are your plans for the future?

“ I have a blazing passion for the industrial market and am on my way to becoming an Outside Sales Representative with the territory of a Chemical Refinery in either Louisiana or Texas. When it comes to the long term future of my career in sales, I have aspirations of being in national accounts for the industrial market one day.”

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