Professional Selling Board ’19
Kristen Batte '19
Radiography Sales Manager - Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes business
Cincinnati, OH
kristen.batte1@bakerhughes.com
Graduated from Mays with a degree in Marketing, Professional Selling and Sales Management with a minor in Psychology in May 2019. I started with Baker Hughes (then BHGE) in the Sales and Commercial ASPIRE program. In the program, I spent 4 - 6 month rotations in various roles supporting the commercial organization including sales operations and proposal development. Upon graduation from the program, I have started a new role as the industrial radiography sales manager in the Midwest region. I have loved using the sales skills I developed back at TAMU in my day-to-day life now, prospecting, fostering, and closing deals of $1M!
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute aided me tremendously by giving me the skills necessary to better my selling abilities and myself professionally. If I had not gotten involved in the Institute, I am confident I would not have found or been hired for my full-time job.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
My advice is to get involved! Do things that make you uncomfortable and ask tons of questions. Don't miss out on an amazing opportunity to set up your professional career because you are too afraid to get out of your comfort zone.
Jack Biggerstaff '19
Business Development Consultant - Oracle
Austin, TX
jackbiggs97@gmail.com
Annie Flowers '19
Director of Sales - Rev Gum
Austin, TX
annie@chewrevgum.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
Thanks to the Sales Leadership Institute, I secured a job with PepsiCo in Chicago, Illinois as a Sales Associate in their Future Leaders Rotational Program - selling their Warehouse brands: Gatorade, Quaker, and Juice+. The experienced I gained was incomparable and prepared me to become the Director of Sales for a CPG startup in Austin, Texas: Rev Gum.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
My advice to students who are about to graduate is to make sure you're putting your best foot forward: do your research, make sure your resume is an "easy read," update your LinkedIn constantly, have thought-provoking questions ready, lay out our clothes the night before and in turn, earn your spot during the recruitment process.
Reilly Haden '19
Licensed Realtor and Apartment Locator - Smart City Locators
Dallas, TX
reilly.haden11@gmail.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute taught me first off how to talk to people. Every interview I walked into I felt so comfortable and confident in the fact that I could answer any question they threw at me. One of the most important aspects in sales is knowing how to speak to people, and the Sales Leadership Institute helped me develop skills that I will use day in and day out after graduation. The speakers and companies that I have had the opportunity of speaking with because the Institute shaped my college career and helped me find an avenue that I was truly passionate about.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
If you are graduating soon I would recommend you to network like it's your job. There are so many smaller companies out there that are incredible people to work for that you may have never heard of otherwise. Also, find something that you are passionate about. Do not take a job because of the name or the prestige but find something that you can pour your heart into and be happy with day in and day out (you'll be working for the next 40 years of your life anyway so you might as well do something you like).
Emma Harrelson '19
Program Manager, Global Customer Training and Events - NXP Semiconductors
Austin, TX
emmaharrelson11@gmail.com
Sales Club Communication Coordinator
Winner Ihazah '19
Global Business Development Rep - AT&T
Dallas, TX
wihazah@gmail.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute aided me in starting my career by preparing me for what to expect in my role as an Account Executive going into a job in sales.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
The advice I would give to students that are graduating soon is to always stay true to yourself and pursue after the best of the best.
Alexa Klinckwort ' 19
Project Coordinator - Agency Habitat
Forth Worth, TX
alexaklinckwort@gmail.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
I was connected with many professionals.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
Definitely take advantage of all of the networking events and career fairs!
Dalton Lett '19
Sales Manager - Altria
Dallas, TX
dalton_lett@yahoo.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute gave me insight into what a sales career would look like and helped me in deciding that a career in sales was what I wanted to do out of college.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
I would advise students that are graduating soon to network as much as possible. Through networking, I was able to get to know the Altria team better and secure an internship for the summer of 2018. This led to me accepting a full-time offer starting this January. If any student is interested in a potential internship or full-time opportunity with Altria I would highly encourage them to reach out to me or other Altria contacts to learn more about this incredible company.
Justin Martin '19
Account Executive - Oracle
Austin, TX
justinmartin1025@gmail.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
If you were to tell me that I would be a part of a sales program prior to becoming an Aggie, I would think it was the wildest idea I've ever heard. Similar to others, I felt that all salespeople fell into the same category: talkative, extroverted, and aggressive. However, it is unreal how helpful and life-changing the Reynolds and Reynolds Sales Leadership Institute was in altering my view on sales and starting my career. By being an active member of the Sales Club, attending Sales Career Fairs and Speed Networking events, and participating in the Sales Competition, I truly believe that the Sales Leadership Institute was essential in preparing me for a bright career in sales. After taking Professor Loring's MKTG 335 (Professional Selling) course, I knew that I was in the right place.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
My biggest advice for those who are pursuing a career in sales or interested in exploring the field: be proactive, be honest about the type of career you want to pursue and the life you want to live, and NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! Please contact me with any questions you may have regarding the sales program, job searching, or sales in general. I would be glad to help!
Reed Miller '19
Financial Technology Advisor - HighRadius
Houston, TX
rmiller13@tamu.edu
Sales Club Member
Howdy! I graduated from Texas A&M University as a Marketing major with a focus in Professional Selling & Sales Management in December of 2019. After competing in the Sales Competition, I was offered a role as a Financial Technology Advisor at HighRadius, a fin-tech company headquartered out of Houston, TX. In this role, I connect multi-million dollar business to business (B2B) companies both on the phone and at events. I listen to the prospect's pain points or current situation, and advise which of HighRadius’ solutions would be the best fit for their needs. I connect them with relevant specialists for technology and workflow integration and consulting. In my free time, I love to spend time outdoors and hanging out with friends. If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Paul Ramirez '19
Fiber Sales Executive - AT&T
Houston, TX
Queondapablo@gmail.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute provided plenty of opportunities for me to get familiarity with what a career in sales truly looks like. I had part-time jobs in sales before but was never truly aware of all the professional career paths sales could offer. From networking events to sales competitions, the Sales Leadership Institute personally showed me that this is something I would enjoy doing as a career.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
I would advise students to take advantage of as many sales events and opportunities that they are able to. You truly have nothing to lose by participating in the many events that the Sales Leadership Institute has to offer and everything to gain and learn. I'd advise researching companies before a career fair and being familiar with what that company is going through currently. Connecting that with questions for both career fairs and interviews is something I believe helped me a lot when I going through that process.
Katelyn Roecker '19
Marketing and Sales Representative - Geo Products, LLC
Houston, TX
kroecker@geoproducts.org
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute offered so many great networking opportunities with not just other students with similar interests, but several successful companies as well. It was the push out of my comfort zone that I needed and helped me truly decide what it was that I wanted to do after graduation.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
The advice I would give is, to be honest with yourself when looking for a company because where you work should feel like home.
Justin Samuels '19
Sales Associate - Sewell Automotive Group
Grapevine, TX
justinsamuels630@yahoo.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute provided me with many opportunities to network, develop my sales skills, and test them in ways that I would not have been able to otherwise. I was able to take what I learned in our meetings and events and apply that knowledge to my classes, internships, and a full-time position with Sewell after college.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
The advice I would give to students graduating soon is that you need to be sure that your values align with those of the companies you are considering for employment. As much as these companies are interviewing you to see if you fit, you need to be sure that you are testing them to see if that is where you will fit in. For anyone who is interested in an internship or full-time employment at Sewell, I would say that Sewell is an amazing company to work for with many great core values. If you enjoy meeting new people and working together to find the best solution for them, then Sewell would be a great place to be. If you have any questions or want to talk to someone personally I know that I and any other Sewell associate would love to talk and help!
Shelby Springer '19
Account Manager - AT&T
Dallas, TX
Shelbyspringer0@gmail.com
Howdy- it’s been a while since I’ve said that. My name is Shelby Springer and I work for ATT. I completed the B2B sales training program back in 2019. I went on to do inside sales and now I’m an account manager for our healthcare vertical. I was able to keep my job throughout the pandemic because quite frankly, everyone needs connectivity. Now, as many of my well-qualified peers in tech are losing their jobs, I couldn’t be more grateful to work in telecom. It’s not the most glamorous or even fun industry. But, it’s valuable and necessary and constantly evolving. I would encourage any students to be flexible and always be on top of your game because you never know what could happen next.
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
Sales Leadership Institute puts incredible companies on a silver platter for you. To get a job, all you have to do is show up to events, listen, and apply yourself. Participating in this program does require a lot of effort and engagement, but it's entirely worth it. I know more people at more companies than I could ever have imagined.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
Advice: stick with it to the end. It's worth it to be able to tell your future employer that you didn't check out at the end but that you learned perseverance. In addition, don't apply to too many companies. I got excited at the career fair and wanted as many options as possible, but then I drowned myself in interviews and traveling. Know what you want first, and don't apply if the company doesn't provide that. It's rare for someone to want to do sales, so know that you are in high demand. Interested in AT&T? Don't let them woo you into working for them. They can do that with so many resources. Do your best to see who they are with a clear vision and ignore the free stuff when making your decision. Don't negotiate your first job's salary - you have no grounds to do so. Maybe negotiate location or time, but don't ask them for more money unless it's absurdly low. Second job, sure. Then you have experience and you're not a 22-year-old demanding money based on your college experience.
Mark Toler '19
Assistant Director of Development, Mays Business School
- Texas A&M Foundation
College Station, Texas
markdtoler@gmail.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
Every success I've had in sales could be directly attributed to the lessons learned and the phenomenal professors I had in the Professional Selling Program. I took over a territory of 4000 accounts and was able to hit the ground running with no surprises as nearly every scenario was a situation I had been trained to handle. I can confidently say the skills and knowledge acquired in this program continue to serve as the foundation of my professional development.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
Treat each relationship like a potted plant. Every plant needs to be watered and nurtured consistently, but there may be times when it seems you are merely watering a patch of dirt. Keep the faith, keep engaging in that daily upkeep, and that relationship will eventually bear fruit.
Giles Ufer '19
Client Success Manager IT - Gartner
Dallas, TX
gbufer19@gmail.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute program helped a ton for me. It started with Andrew Loring's class offing extra credit to go to a meeting, from there I kept going and learning in the organization (I had never even heard of it before his class). With my involvement, I got my internship at speed networking and also a scholarship that was incredibly helpful. From there it is a great way to learn, make connections with students, and also grow my network with business executives. I learned a lot and also was a great resume builder. I interviewed a lot of places but did not find the right company and fit for myself so I help out and stayed picky because I wanted a company I was excited to work for. I did not find a company all first semester while interviewing and committing a LOT of time and effort to it. During the 2nd semester, I started talking to Professor Loring to get his help and advice and I can not speak highly enough of him and how helpful he was for me during the process. I was introduced to a company called Pegasus Logistics through PSI and loved the people and culture. After talking with them I have signed and will be starting in August. PSI has been incredibly helpful for me, not just the meeting or events but using the resources that it gives you and the connections and relationships to really help me in the process.
Bailey Watson '19
ASPIRE Sales and Commercial - Baker Hughes
Houston, TX
bailey.watson@bakerhughes.com
Howdy! My name is Bailey (Watson) Gagliano, class of 2019. I currently work at Medtronic as a Medical
Device Sales Rep, a career I considered to be my “dream job” back when I was a student in the Mays Sales Leadership Institute several years ago. I spent my first three years after graduation at an energy company in a sales & commercial rotational program, where I was able to gain knowledgeable business acumen and sales skills. While energy and healthcare are two very different industries, I’ve come to realize so many of these business and sales skills are a constant in every industry. So no matter your path or plan, learn everything you can, take chances on networking opportunities, and utilize things like the Sales Leadership Institute to help you do so! And lastly, if you’re interested in medical sales or Medtronic, don’t hesitate to reach out!
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
Being in classes like MKTG 335 and MKTG 435 allowed me to network with numerous professionals on a much more personal level than something like a career fair. I learned about real-life sales experience through role-plays and gained valuable insight from employers who spoke to our class and guided us through role-plays. These courses, along with the Sales Leadership Institute, gave me the confidence to enter the world of sales after college. I was able to achieve my goal of landing a job before graduation after meeting my future employers at a small luncheon that Professor Loring arranged.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
I would advise students to take these classes seriously and never miss an opportunity to network with employers. Take it from me - you never know what a simple networking event or luncheon could lead to. Joining the Institute is only a small time commitment but the opportunities you will be provided are huge (not to mention the free food you get at the meetings). Lastly, if you are interested in Baker Hughes specifically, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Stuart Worley '19
Territory Sales Manager - Altria
Houston, TX
stuart.l.worley@altria.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute provided several opportunities in networking, developing selling skills, and building my personal brand. I was able to get connected with Altria through the Speed Networking Event and also the Sales Career Fair. I also utilized much of what I learned in the sales classes into my internship and will continue to utilize those same skills throughout my career.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
My main advice to students graduating soon is that it is never too early to prepare for your career! I recommend reading books on leadership and selling. Specifically, ones that can apply in your job or career. I also recommend taking on more leadership opportunities in organizations or group projects. Treat everything as a learning experience and an opportunity to improve in whatever area you struggle in.