Alumni Spotlight: Milan Dekich

Name:   Milan Dekich                   

Hometown: Hartselle, Al

Degree/Minor from Auburn: Communications/Marketing

Current Occupation: War Eagle Traveler’s  Student Travel Ambassador

Current Location:   Auburn, Al                    

Current Company: Auburn Alumni Association

What was your favorite marketing course offered at Auburn/other University

you attended and why? 

It had to be Sales Management by Dr. Abernathy.  Not because this was fun or even my favorite, but it was one of the most challenging courses I’ve ever taken. I came into it with absolutely no idea how I was going to pass. It took me gathering  all my resources, becoming more efficient in studying, and allocating my time effectively to end up earning a high ‘B’. I was more proud of that ‘B’ than any ‘A’ ever.

Are you currently involved with Auburn? (Organizations, positions, etc.)

Yes, I’m finishing up an internship with the Auburn Alumni Association.

Do you still keep in touch with any of your graduating classmates?

It’s hard but you realize that if you want to keep people in your life it’s going to take effort. They are not just down the street anymore.

As a college student, did Auburn prepare you for the “real world”?

Yes and no. Yes, college gives you the theory and forces you to be a more effective person and learner.  However, if you believe that getting a degree in today’s world entitles you a job you are dead wrong. There are millions of people just like you fighting for the same thing. You have to become irreplaceable and keep developing yourself. Start building equity for yourself now and don’t wait until your senior year to start thinking career wise. Part of the “real world’s” diet consists of naive graduates.

When you were a student and applying for jobs, what did you do to set yourself apart?

I interviewed for everything I could. Not because I wanted the job, but just to practice interviewing. Eventually, if I could just get a physical interview, I knew I could win them over just because it was easy now. Also, don’t be afraid to skip the HR department and go directly to the boss. I’ve gotten several interviews by researching the head honcho’s number and emailing them directly asking for an interview. Your boldness will pay off.

Where did you first start off after graduation?

I knew that I would be with the Alumni Association after graduation (December 2012) so I went back home for the winter break. I took this time to develop other skills and worked on some entrepreneurial pursuits.

Can you give us a day-to-day description of your job?

I’m nearing the end of my internship now but for the most part I was promoting the 2013 Auburn European Graduation Trip. It was so fun to be spending my days meeting people, doing informational sessions, and building a client list. I was pretty much my own boss which allowed me to be more creative and enjoy it more.

Do you have any advice for current Auburn students on finding employment?

“Always be closing.” I say this because I consistently had 2-3 job leads at a time (I still do).  With my options open it helped to relax and straighten my long term strategy. Also, don’t think you have to follow the status quo in order to find employment. Like I said above, going directly to someone and just asking for an internship will work more than you think. We also live in an age now where it’s never been easier to create your own employment. I live by the model if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.

What does your company offer as far as internships and/or positions after graduation?  

The War Eagle Travelers provide a fantastic internship as the Student Travel Ambassador. It’s offered every year as a three month internship. It provides amazing experience and looks great on a resume. This year’s STA was just granted to Grace Perry.