College Experiences That Helped A Salesforce Lead At Panthera Succeed
Kelly's involvement in various University of Arizona campus organizations, including the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing and the National Retail Federation Students Association, provided invaluable networking and leadership experience, allowing Kelly to "meet executives at a very young age" and develop essential skills like "motivating people" and "working cross-functionally"—skills still used over a decade later in their Salesforce Lead role at Panthera. The experience underscored the importance of campus involvement for skill development and networking, regardless of specific career path.
Networking, Leadership, Communication, Cross-functional Teamwork, Time Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kelly Carton
Salesforce Lead
Panthera
University of Arizona
Columbia University: Master's of Science in Nonprofit Management
Marketing
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking, Technology
Data and Analytics
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Developed networking skills by interacting with retail executives through campus involvement (Terry J Lundgren Center for Retailing).
2. Gained leadership and communication experience as president of the National Retail Federation Students Association.
3. Highlighted the importance of extracurricular activities for developing cross-functional teamwork, time management, and organizational skills, applicable to any career path.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I was really involved across several areas on campus. I was involved with the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing and served on its student advisory board. That taught me how to network with executives at a very young age.
I had a really cool opportunity where we'd have networking events. I got to meet Terry J. Lundgren, the former CEO of Macy's. At networking dinners, I'd be with the chief marketing officer of Walmart or someone very senior at Home Depot.
That taught me how to keep my composure, ask good questions, and listen. These are important skills whether you're 19 in college or much older and still working with executives.
I was also involved in the National Retail Federation Students Association. While I didn't end up working in retailing, as president of the student association, I learned how to lead and motivate people. I also learned how to communicate well, design programming, and other important things that would help me later run meetings and lead people in my organization.
I was also involved in Greek life and student government. I had the opportunity to work with people across campus, which taught me how to work cross-functionally. I see it as working with people in different teams. Now, whether I'm working with someone in finance or fundraising, I'm able to communicate well with people across different areas of the organization.
For students, I'd say if you're not already involved on campus, do it. Whether it's the canoeing club, the coding club, or the cooking club, whatever your interest is, your school likely has it. I went to a bigger school, the University of Arizona, which had over 300 clubs. Smaller schools might have fewer options, but I really think there is something for everyone.
I would encourage students to put themselves out there and meet different people. You never know who you're going to end up working with later. Even if you don't maintain those connections, it's important to make friends and work with others because you'll have to do that your whole life.
Being involved on campus taught me how to work cross-functionally, time management, being organized, and motivating others. These are essential skills I'm still using over 10 years out of college.