What was your major/minor and what year did you graduate?
My major was Business Administration and I graduated May 2013.
Tell us about your current position. Can you describe a typical day?
I work at GEICO in the Management Development Program in the Auto Service Department, which is a fast-track to becoming a supervisor. I am currently in my coaching rotation, but I went through a few rotations to get here. First you have a 6-month training period where you’re trained how to do the actual job (Auto Service agent for me). Then I was an actual phone agent for 2 months. Then I was a member of our Performance Monitoring Team who actually scores the calls. That brings me to where I am now, coaching new agents. I am actually at a point when I am responsible for two agents’ success. My responsibility is to improve their numbers and get them ready to be full time service agents. It is such a rewarding experience!
How do you think your major/program prepared you for the job you have now?
My major prepared me for the public speaking part of the job. I have had to make so many presentations, and much of the job simply requires randomly raising your voice and speaking in front of a crowd. Nothing prepared me better than group projects in which I had to speak in front of the class.
How did you become interested in your field?
I know people who work at GEICO and recommended that I look into the program. I didn’t know anything about insurance, but the program seemed like such an amazing developmental opportunity, and it turns out that it is!
What’s the best career advice you have ever received?
My Management Development Coordinator, Matt McCarthy, has coached me to always be prepared. For instance, if you turn assignments in early, have notes prepared for a meeting, and arrive early to meetings, you will find yourself having more day-to-day success.
Was there a professor, advisor, or fellow student who made an impression on you or helped you when you were at UMW?
Dean Richardson. She has so much real world experiences and so many valuable stories to share! She cares so much about ensuring that her students are set up for success before they graduate.
What’s your fondest memory of UMW?
Having an amazing student-athlete experience. It caused me to master the art of time management. By my senior year on the swim team, I reached all of my goals. Winning the 200 backstroke at the Capital Athletic Conference Championships was an amazing memory that I will never forget.
Why do you stay involved with the College of Business?
I admire how the College of Business is passionate about setting students up for success and preparing them for the real world. Plus, I remember looking up to those who were a year or two ahead of me, and I’m glad to share my experiences with others now too.
Are there any special accomplishments you’ve achieved after college that you would like to share?
My job at GEICO is super busy, but this spring I took on an additional challenge – being a member of the planning committee for our Fredericksburg Office Building’s 20 Year Anniversary Celebration. I took the lead on multiple projects, and served as the liaison with outside venders and marketing companies. I put so much hard work into it, and the event ended up being a success. I actually received an “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award” for my planning efforts!
How would your family or friends describe you in seven words or less?
Loyal. Courageous. Diligent. Caring.
What’s the single most important advice you’d like to give to current business students?
Try not to worry too much. When I started out working, I would sweat the small stuff, but then I learned that if I made a mistake, I had to ask myself…will this mistake matter in 5 days? Probably not. Will it matter in 5 months? Definitely not. So keep working hard, and you’re still going to be successful!
Would you like to add anything else that we missed?
Make sure to maintain a social life. Work will make our life really busy, but it’s important to fit in time for yourself too!
