Bronco Spotlight: Marissa Bruno
Bachelor of Business Administration in sales and business marketing, 2018
Current Job Title:
Sales Executive
Current Employer:
CH Robinson
Describe your current job:
As a Sales Executive for C.H. Robinson, my role is to grow our business primarily through prospecting, generating sales leads, soliciting new accounts, increasing the services on current accounts, and sell all of C.H. Robinson's transportation services. I keep daily contact with customers of various sizes, building relationships, problem solving and providing solutions. I am equipped with the ability to help businesses of all sizes to improve the efficiency and overall cost of transportation and will work to implement solutions and handle the day to day challenges that are presented in the transportation industry.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part is seeing how much my major has taught me, and being able to apply everything I learned in our sales program in real life. I feel so ahead of all the other new hires. The most challenging part is definitely the learning curve that comes with working in the transportation industry. It's an industry that changes every single day, and people who have been here for over 20 years tell me that they still learn new things every day. It's a little overwhelming, but you just have to remind yourself to take it day by day.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
Being extremely involved within the business college helped me prepare more for my career than anything. I was lucky enough to be a part of four RSO's and on the executive board for two of them. I was highly involved within the Sales and Business Marketing Association which provided with so many skills throughout my time at WMU. I would highly encourage anyone (even if they are not a sales major) to join SBMA because of the professional development you can gain from the organization.
What advice do you have for students looking for their career after college?
Don't wait until the last minute to start looking for jobs. Take the time as soon as you start sophomore/junior year to look for an internship in your field. It's much easier to secure a job, and figure out when you want to do after doing a couple internships. Plus, it gives you the leg up over other applicants when you start looking for full time jobs.