College Experiences That Helped a Foodservice Key Account Manager at PepsiCo Succeed
Initially intending to pursue law, Chris pivoted to a business minor after their father's advice, finding "those business minor classes" most impactful due to exposure to entrepreneurs and real-world challenges. Networking through a fraternity also proved valuable, highlighting the importance of maintaining connections made during college for future career opportunities, emphasizing that "so many people...got their current job through connections."
Networking, Business, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Higher Education
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Chris Tuzzio
Foodservice Senior Key Account Sales Manager
PepsiCo
University of Colorado Boulder
n/a
Political Science, American Studies
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Food, Beverages & Alcohol
Sales and Client Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Get a business minor: Business courses provided valuable real-world preparation and impactful learning experiences.
2. Network: Joining a fraternity or similar organizations helped build connections which led to job opportunities. Staying connected with college peers is valuable.
3. Consider your interests early but be open to change: Chris initially planned to be a lawyer but switched to business after recognizing his interests and opportunities within business school.
Transcript
What did you do in your undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
As I said, I did that business minor. I originally went to school thinking I was going to be a lawyer.
My dad, who is a lawyer and owns his own law firm, called me when I was in the fraternity house. He said, "Hey, you would absolutely hate this. See if you could pivot into the business school."
It was about to require me to be there for an extra year, which I did not want to do. I was lucky that CU had just started a business minor program, so I was able to join that. Sitting through those classes was for sure the most impactful.
The ones that I remember most from college were those business minor classes. Listening to different business owners and entrepreneurs come in really prepared me for the challenges ahead in the "real world."
I'd also say that joining a fraternity, which is a lower level of networking and being social, helped me get my name out there. So many people I know got their current jobs through connections they made in that fraternity or with friends from college.
My advice is to make sure you stay connected to everyone.
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