My name is Rachel Spayd and I am a senior marketing major pursuing my professional sales certificate here at Kent State University. As many college students do, I wear many hats as I juggle school and extracurriculars. I am a classmate, friend, aspiring sales professional, Sales Team competitor, Pi Sigma Epsilon Director of Conferences and a busy college student just to name a few.
My college experience has been shorter than average (thanks, Covid!) but one that I will truly never forget. My time at Kent State has opened doors for me both personally and professionally, which I can attribute mainly to my involvement in Pi Sigma Epsilon and Kent State Sales Team.
The KSU chapter of PSE is one of the most active and successful in the country and I am so proud to be a part of it!
Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) is a professional co-ed fraternity that is open to all majors and focuses on sales, marketing and management. Being a part of Pi Sigma Epsilon has provided me with an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. By attending chapter meetings, workshops and networking events, I have been able to connect with other students who share my interest and passion for the sales profession.
These connections led to many new friendships and professional opportunities that I wouldn't have had access to otherwise. For example, our weekly chapter meetings often include a guest speaker from one of our corporate partners that speaks with our members about professional development topics.
Because of this, many of our members connect with the corporate guest speakers which leads to internship and job opportunities.
The highlight of my time in Pi Sigma Epsilon so far has been attending the PSE National Convention in Norfolk, VA, where I got to further connect with other PSE chapters, industry professionals, and individuals from the National Headquarters of PSE!
In addition to PSE, I have also competed in multiple sales competitions across the country as a member of the Kent State Sales Team. It is one thing to learn the foundations of the sales process in the classroom, but being able to translate what I learned in my sales class into a real-world scenario has given me the confidence and experience needed to stand out in the job market.
Employers often look for candidates who have a track record of involvement in extracurricular activities. In my experience, being a part of these organizations was a major talking point during many of my job interviews. I was able to speak to the skills I developed and the experiences I had that set me apart from other candidates. I am happy to say that because of my involvement in Pi Sigma Epsilon and the Sales Team, I have been able to grow my professional network and secure a sales internship for the second summer in a row.
On top of the professional benefits of the Kent State Sales Team, the fun perks that come along with it truly make it even more special. During my time with the Sales Team, I have gotten the opportunity to travel to Toledo, OH; Kennesaw, GA; and Orlando, FL.
One of my favorite memories from my Sales Team travels was a trip to Disney World!
Beyond the practical benefits, being a part of organizations on campus can be an incredibly rewarding personal experience. I found that the clubs I was involved in were made up of students who were passionate about making a positive impact on the world. Whether it was through volunteering for one of the nonprofits that PSE partners with or training rigorously with my peers for national sales competitions, being surrounded by individuals who cared about the same things I did has been incredibly inspiring.
I have formed great friendships that I will cherish for years to come!
Overall, being a part of Pi Sigma Epsilon and the Kent State Sales Team has provided me with a multitude of benefits, both personal and professional. Both are excellent opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, gain practical experience, and develop essential leadership skills. For anyone who is considering joining Pi Sigma Epsilon or the Kent State Sales Team, I would highly recommend it. It's an invaluable experience that can shape your social and professional life for the better!