Lindner students display talent, professionalism at Spring Sales Expo

“This Spring Sales Expo was a huge success for both our students and the employers. We set a record for the number of attendees for both constituencies and received a lot of positive feedback from both groups,” said Jennifer Barlow, director of external relations for The Center for Professional Selling. “The employers were thrilled with the caliber and professionalism of students, from their strong handshakes to dress attire, from their questions to their quality resumes. Our students really stood out."

Prior to the Sales Expo, Padgitt met with Bella Gullia, career coach and assistant director for Lindner Career Services, to ensure she was properly prepared. Gullia helped Padgitt determine what she was looking for, filter through companies to find the best matches and refine her elevator speech.  

“The week before the Sales Expo, Career Services’ marketing coaches presented in some of our sales classes to help students prepare for the expo,” added Fanelli. “Role-playing as recruiters, we helped to identify areas of improvement and equip students with strategies to ensure their success with recruiters.”

Many recruiters touted this type of preparation as what sets Lindner students apart. 

“It comes down to the ambition and motivation shown by students,” said Corey Fussinger, lead corporate recruiter for Reliable Transportation Services. “Really, it’s their overall character and, not to mention, their preparedness for not only interviews and the job market, but also the workplace.”

“I talked with a number of employers throughout the event, all of whom were blown away by the quality of talent that UC and Lindner have to offer,” said Fanelli. “Many of them couldn’t believe how polished our students were, and I attribute that to the strength of our sales program and its leadership under Dr. Jane Sojka and Jennifer Barlow.”

Austin Cox, BBA ’16, university recruiter for Gartner, can attest to the robust and comprehensive nature of the Lindner sales program.

“Students ask me how much of what I learned in the classroom do I actually use,” said Cox. “And there are some things I don’t use, but day-to-day I use 95% of what I learned through my professional selling coursework.” 

Recruiters and students both offered lingering advice for future career fair attendees. 

“Get out there and make those connections,” encouraged Megan DeRoo, BBA ’16, district service and parts manager for Toyota North America. “Connect with recruiters, send those emails and just do what you can to keep yourself top of mind.” 

“Definitely meet with your career coach,” offered Padgitt. “They can help you create a plan of attack for the event and really get you prepared to go in there and get a positive outcome.”

Featured image: Students and recruiters fill Tangeman University Center's Great Hall for the Spring Sales Expo. Photos by Danielle Lawrence.