Jessica Doroshewitz, an alumnus of MSU and former employee of the Lear Career Services Center, answered some interview questions to help students in their job search and give advice as to what current students should do before applying to a job/internship. She also tells us what it’s like to work for Altria, a Fortune 500 company. She is currently a Sales Representative for Altria and works within Michigan.

1. What are 3 major things at MSU that helped you find a job?
There are a lot of factors that went into my internship/ job search throughout all of my experiences at MSU. I would say the Lear Center was definitely a huge part of my success. They have so much to offer in terms of guidance, workshops, tools, and the variety of companies that come to recruit through all of the Career Services Centers. Getting involved in many different types of clubs on campus also really helped . It gave me many opportunities to have some leadership on campus and learn about different areas of business. Finally, I would say that networking with employers I met on campus was a huge part of my success.

2. What kind of activities did you do on campus while at MSU? Did they prepare you for working at Altria?

I did a lot of activities during my time at MSU! I started freshman year in General Management Association, holding positions from Secretary to President throughout my 4 years. There was also the Day at State program I was involved with for a few years. I was the President of Toastmasters/ MSU Speak Smart, as well as holding a job in the Lear Career Center for 3 years working as a student assistant. During my time I also had 3 internships when I was not on campus.

3. Describe how your job search went before graduation/ how did you get a job with Altria?

I had some internship experience, so I knew what I was looking for in a full time position. I interviewed with 7 companies during the fall of my Senior year. These recruiters were people I had met through the career fairs, information sessions, or just from attending different meetings. After going through all the rounds of interviews, I had 5 job offers. I was looking for something fast paced, with lots of opportunity to advance/ learn, an office/ field balance with everyday work, and great benefits. Altria had the best offer to encompass all of these things that were important to me, so in the end I chose them while it was the best fit.

4. What is the biggest challenge you face adjusting from college life to the workplace?

The biggest challenge is the responsibility! MSU offers so much support in every aspects of a students life, that when I went from high school to college, I had a huge support from the university, friends, and my family with adjusting to college life. When you get tossed into the real world, you have a lot more problem solving to do. I graduated and started a new job the next month, almost all of my friends moved, I relocated to a smaller town where I didn’t know anyone, and for the first time I was living alone. It is a lot more responsibility but it is a lot of fun figuring everything out and learning how to deal with things on my own.

5. What is your typical work day like?

I am a sales representative, so there really is not a “normal” day. I call on 150 accounts in a territory I am in charge of. I sell new programs, contracts, or products Altria is offering, as well as consult with retailers on how to grow their business. On some days, I have meetings and training to attend either in my area or out of town. It is a very fun job and high paced where no two days are ever the same!

6. What would you recommend students do to get a job/ internship?
Get involved! The best thing you can do is network with other students, employers, advisors, professors, or anyone else you come in contact with. You never know where an opportunity will rise and the more people you know the more opportunities you will have!

7. What has been the best part of working for Altria?
The best part of working here is definitely the people. I can not say enough good things about the company culture and how well this company supports its people. From training and development, to support in everyday activities, I can’t imagine a company that treats their employees better and offers more opportunity.

8. Is there anything else you would like to add or suggestions for students looking for jobs/internships?

Don’t get discouraged! Keep networking, practicing mock interviews, and getting involved on campus and eventually it will pay off.

If you want to use the resources Jessica was talking about, visit myspartancareer.com to check out workshops and events on campus that can help you in you career search!