Career Path of a Senior Consultant at Piper Maddox
Megan's experience at Sac State significantly impacted their career trajectory, highlighting the unexpected value of "meeting people and not taking education for granted." The extensive networking opportunities, fostered by dorm life, sorority involvement, and campus engagement, proved invaluable, even leading to client acquisition based on shared alma mater connections—a testament to the long-term benefits of actively participating in college life.
Networking, Higher Education Value, Career Development, Making Connections, Importance of Experiential Learning
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Megan Drake
Senior Consultant
Piper Maddox
CSU Sacramento
N/A
Business Management & Admin
Energy & Utilities, Recruitment, HR & Related Professional Services
Sales and Client Management
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Academic learning and skill development: Megan emphasizes the importance of appreciating formal education and its role in building a foundation for future learning. She highlights the need for continuous learning in her current role and how her college experience instilled the importance of actively seeking new skills and knowledge.
2. Networking and building connections: Megan values the networking opportunities presented by her college experience. She stresses the significance of actively getting involved in campus life, joining clubs, and building relationships with peers. She cites an example of how her Sac State connections led to acquiring a client, illustrating the long-term value of networking.
3. Making the most of college life: Megan encourages students to fully engage in their college experience. She advocates for actively participating in diverse activities, such as sorority involvement and campus engagement. She highlights how this holistic approach helped her build a strong network and create lifelong friendships that continue to positively impact her career.
Transcript
Please describe how Sac State contributed to your career journey.
Academically, I feel like I learned a lot. I honestly wish I could still go to college and learn. I think people, myself included, take it for granted.
Of course, you don't want to go to class or do everything you have to do when you're in school. But now that I'm out, if I want to learn a new skill, I have to do it myself. I have to Google it, pay for it, or figure it out.
Because of that, I definitely took my education for granted. Having that experience made me more hungry and eager to learn. Now, in my job, I'm focused on learning my market and trying to be the best in my role.
On a personal level, I lived in Sacramento and attended Sac State. I chose to live in the dorms, join a sorority, and get very involved on campus. I could have easily lived at my parents' house, which isn't a bad thing, but I think getting really involved and meeting people was key.
I'm still best friends with the girls I went to school with. They even live with me here in LA now. You never know when you'll need someone, or when you'll meet someone in the future that you knew from before.
Put yourself out there. Try to get your name involved in as many different areas as possible, whether it's sports, internships, clubs, or volunteering. Just get involved in something, and I promise it will benefit you.
Even if you can't see it now, it will benefit you, perhaps even 10 years down the line. I literally got a client because they went to Sac State. So, the network connections and just meeting people, and enjoying it too, are so important. I loved going to school and I love my friends. I'm glad I did what I did. It wasn't what I planned, but I'm glad it worked out.
So, just make the most of your situation, meet people, and don't take your education for granted.