Caroline Wesch- Sales Associate at The Villager

BIOGRAPHY:

Caroline Wesch is a senior in majoring in Marketing. She is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and is graduating in August 2013. Caroline is currently employed by The Villager in downtown Auburn.

 

 

HOW DID YOU BEGIN WORKING AT THE VILLAGER?

Caroline interviewed with The Villager's manager Kathy. The conversation was spur of the moment and landed Caroline a job as a sales associate, though she applied for all positions.

 

WHAT MARKETING CLASS WAS YOUR FAVORITE?

Caroline took Promotion Strategy (MKTG 4320) with Dr. Rotfeld this past fall. While the class was rather strenuous and required a lot of hard work, she feels she left this class with better knowledge of all the different aspects of advertising which was her purpose in taking the class.

 

WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?

Caroline is a member of NSCS, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Phi Eta Sigma. She is also a member of Pi Beta Phi and was involved in UPC.

 

HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY CAREER EXPOS? IF SO, WHICH?

Caroline attended the Sales and Consulting Expo this past fall. She found it helpful in improving interview and conversational skills. She also used it as an opportunity to update and improve her resume. She made worthwile contacts with some of the representatives she met at the expo, but ultimately decided against pursuing any positions with these companies. Caroline says she definately plans to attend more expos and highly recommends them to her peers as a useful career tool.

 

WHAT DOES THE AUBURN MARKETING DEPARTMENT OFFER THAT HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST?

Caroline took advantage of the resume review opportunities through the OPCD and would recommend this service to her classmates. She plans to also utilize the mock interviews that the OPCD offers to students. Caroline also enjoys how the marketing professors are so accessable to students and provide an approachable demeanor to questions and concerns.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?

Caroline plans applying for graduate school to obtain her MA degree. She's looking into applying at Georgia State and the University of Alabama. She is also considering remaining with The Villager and furthering her involvement with the business.

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE BUSINESS SCHOOL OF AUBURN CAN IMPROVE ON?

Caroline suggests more study space for students. The new lounge is an excellent improvement, however more locations to sit and study or review with classmates would definately improve students' experience and grades.

 

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR WORK AT THE VILLAGER THAT YOU CAN APPLY TO YOUR FUTURE CAREER VENTURES?

Caroline has learned management skills, how to purchase inventory at market, and how to cultivate beneficial customer relationships. She has also been put in charge of all social media advertising and promotions for The Villager. In addition to these skills, she has learned how to create effective product placement and displays. Caroline plans to use all of these acquired skills to hopefully someday open a small business of her own!