Keep on truckin' as pair build solid partnership, mentee lands position at Schneider  

By Comm mentee Lambros Demogerontas

In September 2018, I was very eager to start my senior year here at Marquette. It was one last go around with all my friends I have made here the past few years. However, I also realized this was a huge year in getting organized for life after graduation. I soon began to realize that was a lot easier said than done. In order to do this, I knew I needed to seek some help.

After exploring options around campus and talking with friends, I heard about the MUAA Mentor Program. I vaguely heard about it, so I decided to apply. Fortunately, I was accepted and matched with Tim Shaw, Bus Ad ’92, of Dell. As the Mentor Program Kickoff Event arrived, I was eager to meet him for the first time and start our relationship.

From the start, I knew Tim was a great guy and could be a valuable resource. He works in sales in the Milwaukee area and we shared a lot of common interests immediately. As we discussed what I wanted to get out of the program, he knew what was most important for someone who was graduating at the end of the year. I knew that I needed to determine a career path before graduation. He was once in my shoes, so he had some guidance with how to grow my network and identify steps getting access to sales professionals and secure a full-time job.

As the months passed, Tim helped me grow my network by introducing me to some friends who worked in sales and helped me with how to reach my goals by the end of the year. This was beneficial because I was able to hear many different perspectives about the field I wanted to enter after graduation and how I should go about the application processes.

When I started to secure interviews, Tim helped me in many ways, including preparation and how to speak to the recruiters. He helped me articulate my skills in constructive ways and how I can help an organization accomplish their goals. During the interviews, recruiters were very impressed with my presentation skills. The interviews resulted in two account executive offers in Chicago, my ultimate goal.

As I reviewed the offers, Tim was by my side review the details provide advice. I never dealt with the many factors involved when making a decision, so it was nice to have an experienced advocate who could help with benefits and commission structure, and assist in weighing pros and cons. Without his help, it would have been very difficult to determine which position was best for me. I ultimately accepted a logistics sales account executive role in Chicago at Schneider, a premier provider of transportation and logistics services.

Looking back, my mentor program experience has been more beneficial than I could have imagined. Working with Tim helped built a strong relationship to prepare for life after graduation and chase my career goals. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to see the opportunities and I know we will continue our relationship after my Marquette graduation.

My advice to Marquette students is not to be afraid to try new things (like this program). Stepping out of my comfort zone led to valuable life skills and opportunities to stay connected to people following graduation. Tim shared he really enjoyed working with me and we mutually benefited from this program in enormous ways.

2018-19 MUAA Mentor Program Resource Guide