College Experiences That Helped A Senior Account Coordinator In Event Marketing Tech Succeed
Lauren's undergraduate experience proved less about specific coursework and more about "trial and error," leading to career self-discovery through networking. Making connections, particularly through a sorority, resulted in a job offer six months prior to graduation, a position at e-shots which Lauren still enjoys eight years later, highlighting the long-term value of college relationships.
Networking, Communication, Career Exploration, Job Search, Process of Elimination
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lauren Blake
Senior Account Coordinator
Event Marketing Tech Company
University of Iowa - 2014
N/A
Business Management & Admin
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Explore different subjects to find your passion and eliminate unsuitable career paths.
2. Build connections with professors, TAs, and peers to discover job opportunities through networking.
3. Start job searching early; securing a position several months before graduation can provide a significant advantage and career stability.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set up for success in your career?
That's a great question. College teaches you a combination of classes and life in general. College really taught me a lot of life lessons, sometimes more than my actual classes.
It teaches you how to talk to people and how to explore different things you've never encountered before. I'd say my undergrad classes, like marketing, were really great. There were some interesting things, but I also knew I would never pursue them.
College involves a lot of trial and error. For example, I realized accounting was definitely not for me. This process of elimination in undergrad set me up for what I wanted to do, rather than directly preparing me for specific careers.
A lot of it was also making connections. I think that helped me find internships through word of mouth. I found my job through a friend in my sorority, so making those connections in undergrad is so beneficial.
You're surrounded by so many different people – professors, TAs, everyone. You can connect with them and find opportunities through word of mouth. I had a job lined up six months before I graduated.
I was already set, and I'm still at that same job. It's been eight years at e-shots, and I still love it. Those connections I made obviously made an impression, and I really enjoy the job I have.