1.
Why did you decide to attend Rutgers?
Rutgers
was not my original school of choice. When I graduated from
high school in 1998, I turned down Rutgers because it was
too close to home. I chose to attend Monmouth University to
study computer science. At the end of my sophomore year, I
decided to transfer to Cook College due to the affordable
tuition and strong academics.
2.
Why did you choose your undergraduate major?
I decided
to major in business economics because I felt it gave me the
best chance to excel in the professional world. Pursuing a
business degree would give me a number of options after graduating.
Business appealed to me, since all the jobs I held previously
were in a professional business atmosphere supervising and
dealing with management issues.
3.
How did you get your first job out of college?
I got my job
through a Rutgers career day, held on May 28, 2003, just a week
after I graduated. After attending the career day, I received
a phone call for an interview. After 3 rounds of interviews I
was offered the job.
4. Describe your current position
and responsibilities?
I am currently
employed with the Sherwin-Williams Company at the Wappingers Falls,
NY branch, near Poughkeepsie. My current job title is assistant
store branch manager. My basic job responsibility is to run a
successful business while developing new corporate, small business,
and individual customers through extensive sales and marketing
techniques. My job deals with all aspects of running a business,
including marketing, operations, and financial and credit management.
In regard to marketing, I must develop a marketing plan to help
identify customer's needs as well as competitor's strengths and
weaknesses. It is important for me to assist in estimating customer's
potential and our store's market share. There are many aspects
that encompass daily operational duties, including the maintenance
of merchandising guidelines set by the district and proper inventory
maintenance. While in the store, I must learn new wholesale lead
information as well as identify potential new projects in the
area. At times my job also requires me to make outside sales calls
to commercial job contractors. Financially, I assist in processing
bills, managing accounts receivable, and opening new commercial
charge accounts. All these functions are important in running
a successful business.
5.
To what degree is your current position related to your academic
major(s)?
I would say
my job is significantly related to business. My economics major
taught me many aspects that I currently face everyday on the job.
Some of these include daily marketing techniques, how to develop
a successful business plan, and dealing with financial matters
through accounting and finance techniques. Another important factor
associated with my major is the ability to analyze the surrounding
market.
6.
As a person of color, what has been your most challenging
experience on the job? How did you handle it and what did
you learn?
The biggest
challenge came from within. Going into this profession, I knew
it was not one where I would find much diversity. But I continued
to believe in myself and what I could bring to this company, and
that is what makes me successful today. Before my first day on
the job, I wondered how others would accept me in this business,
but I never doubted myself or my ability to succeed. In my first
full year at that branch, we were able to beat our sales budget
by more than $20,000 while more importantly establishing our name
in our current marketplace.
7.
What advice or suggestions would you offer to Rutgers students
of color?
My advice
would be to continue to work hard, since nothing will be simply
handed to you. Let nothing get in your way or discourage you
from striving for your dreams and goals. Take advantage of
what Rutgers has to offer by getting involved with many organizations
and clubs. Most importantly, pursue the job market early.
Search around and send your resume out to many employers before
making your final choice.
Please
select other spotlights to view:
Joseph Keshi
Michelle
R. Jefferson, Ph.D.
