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People Profiles
Mandy Sundblad
- 2007 Western Graduate
- Hometown: Seattle, WA
- Major: Business Administration, Marketing concentration
- Current job: Marketing Coordinator for the Seattle Mariners
The Importance of Standing Out
I really didn't put forth an intense effort to involve myself in marketing-related activities until Professor Wendy Wilhelm put it in perspective in her advertising and promotions class. She conveyed to us that in order to be successful when selling a product you have to differentiate yourself from like products. I had to find ways to differentiate myself from my peers that would, for example, put me ahead as a candidate for a job.
Preparing for the Future
Wendy encouraged us to produce class work that would be acceptable to employers, that internships were a modern-day must, and any opportunity to engage in marketing activities would not only provide great experience but look fantastic on the ever-important resume. Within eight weeks of Wendy convincing me that these steps were necessary, I had landed myself two marketing internships and President of the Student Marketing Association (SMA). Because of her advice, I'm reaping the benefits of having more experience than most recent grads—experience that employers, professors, and peers all recognize.
Real-World Challenges
A group of 16 students, myself included, took part in a quarter-long internship that partnered us with two national companies. Although a group of students, we took on the roles and responsibilities of an actual business faced with timelines, budget issues, and the coordination necessary to pull off an event. This opportunity allowed us interaction with professionals and forced us to produce results acceptable to million-dollar corporations. Definitely a highlight to any resume!
Valuable Professional Experiences
My involvement in a wide array of marketing endeavors (internships, Student Marketing Association, “lecture” opportunities, etc.) forced me into a professional environment that I wouldn't have been able to experience in the confines of a classroom. I stepped away from college knowing that I had subjected myself to professional experiences that mirrored that of the “work world”, thus easing my transition into a full-time employee. Simply put, Western provided the resources and the opportunities necessary to put my knowledge to use.
A Proud Moment
During my last quarter of school I was notified that I was being awarded the highest honor I could receive in my area of study for an undergraduate: Finance & Marketing's Outstanding Graduate of the Year; an award that recognizes high merits as well as exceptional leadership. It was so gratifying to know that my efforts for four years weren't going unnoticed.
The Dream Job
Like my professors, my current employer didn't let my efforts go unnoticed: they offered me a position that 100+ candidates from around the country were also vying for. Now I am in my “dream” organization at the age of 23 all because I took the time to differentiate myself in college.