Great things are happening for former IUPUC student Leslie Phillips, who graduated in 2013 with a degree in business management. Leslie’s story demonstrates how her extracurricular involvement on campus contributed to an exciting career in client services at ADVISA, which assists organizations in hiring, developing, and retaining top employees.
Leslie explains:
Who is ADVISA and what is their organizational objective?
ADVISA works with over 270 clients across the country to hire, develop, and retain top employees. We are advisors and trusted partners in helping leaders leverage their people to produce better results for their organizations. We do this through a blend of assessments, training, and consulting services, all of which are rooted in data and behavioral science.
How did you hear about your position and what was the interview process like?
I learned about ADVISA through a professional connection that I gained while working at IUPUC in the Center for Business and Economic Development. Fredricka Joyner facilitated CBED’s workforce development training and introduced me to Heather Haas, the president of ADVISA.
The interview process was interesting. I first met with Heather (President) and Brian Millis (Director of Client Service, manager of the position) over lunch. It was an informal “get to know you” setting. During dinner, we discussed my employment history with Walmart and IUPUC and my employment expectations as a college graduate. Following this relaxed lunch, I was invited to come to the ADVISA office to conduct a 30-minute, formal presentation to 8 employees about “something I felt passionate about.” Additionally, I was also required to submit a writing sample and complete two Wonderlic assessments (intelligence assessment).
What do you think made you stand out from other applicants?
Having a solid recommendation (Fredricka Joyner) helped me stand out from other candidates. ADVISA is a small company and having a personal recommendation from a mutual connection was extremely helpful.
What do you like most about your position?
I love being able to say that I love my job! ADVISA is like a family to me. We have a collaborative, supportive working environment. We support a culture that I’ve never experienced (or even heard of) before! One of my favorite memories is going out for Margarita’s as a company for Cinco de Mayo.
Did you do an internship? Where at? What did you do?
As a student at IUPUC, I did two internships: Columbus Economic Development Board and IUPUC Career Center. The purpose of the internship at the CBED was to implement and conclude data-entry for the 2013 Business Retention and Expansion Survey. My duties included entering hand-written, raw information into the Sychronist Information Database Systems.
My second internship was collaborating with Career Services at IUPUC to create and design a “Backpack to Briefcase” workshop for current students. This workshop was designed to help students learn tips and tricks on what they could do to prepare for the “real business world.” Examples: resume help, professional Linkedin Headshots, and understanding the importance of a professional social media image.
How would you say IUPUC helped you prepare for this position?
While attending IUPUC, I learned the importance of networking and creating high contacts. If it were not for creating positive impressions and building strong professional relationships, I would not have landed this incredible job. I am so thankful that I was able to list several professors as references during the interview process.
What advice would you give to current students interested in your career field?
Simply put: “Don’t waste an opportunity to meet people.” My advice would be to make as many connections in the business field as possible either in the classroom, community, through internships, or clubs. Networking has paid off for me in a big way. It allowed me to land a fantastic job, become self-sufficient and work at an amazing company!