Bronco Spotlight: Samantha Oleson
Bachelor of Business Administration, food and consumer packaged goods marketing, 2016
Assistant Director: Bakery/Deli at Oleson's Food Stores
My duties include merchandise and order to customers’ wants and needs and to bakery/deli operation and demands. I examine merchandise and selling opportunities. Other responsibilities include organization and digital development of documents, recipes, and scales. I analyze costing and ingredients for all recipes as well as develop new recipes. I develop of new product ideas in partnership with third party companies as well as overseeing operations for over 75 employees at four different stores.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the customer interaction and experience. Knowing that a customer is happy from a request they made, something they ordered, or from and interaction is the best feeling, because it means you are doing your job right. The most challenging part of the job is understanding what to order due to demand and what products to add and delete to our inventory.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
Any sort of acting and public speaking helped to build confidence for meeting new people, presenting projects, and getting my opinion out in classes. Being a part of the Food Marketing Association at Western was a huge help to get me involved in the industry and meeting people that I would not have otherwise. The Food Industry Tour with Dr. Gambino was an eye opening experience that made me excited for what was to come. All of the professors involved in the Food & CPG program were a huge help and better developed my understanding. Each of them cared about my education, and me personally. My family was also a huge help being that I am working with them now. They always gave me the option of the family business, but never pushed.
What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?
No matter what you end up doing, get involved and get to know others who are involved. Don't be afraid to talk with someone you have never met before.