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Contact: David West
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
3/27/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Business students got practical advice on how to prepare for a business career and how to succeed once they get the job they want during the 32nd Annual J. Walter Porter Forum at Northwestern State University.
Four NSU graduates in the financial services industry, Joe C. Cunningham, Jr., an investment representative with SunAmerica Securities, Sharon Sampite', an investment consultant with Banc One Securities, Tommy Seabaugh, resident claim superintendent with State Farm Insurance and Gayle W. Winfree, field vice president with American Express Financial Advisors, discussed their careers and how Northwestern prepared them for their current jobs.
The speakers emphasized that learning does not stop once a student receives their degree.
"Every day is a learning experience," said Cunningham. "The business is changing constantly. I read magazines, surf the Internet and do what I can to come up with the next new ideas that can propel you into the future."
Sampite' told the students to have realistic expectations about their career.
" I thought at one time I would start out as a vice president, making a ton of money with a big house," she said. "You have to start out and work up. It can be done, but you don't start out at the top."
Sampite' explained the process of landing the job in terms of a company that sells shares to the public for the first time. A company prepares to go public much like a student takes classes to prepare for a job. The company goes public and continues to grow while a job holder continues to learn while on the job by taking classes and undergoing training. A mature company eventually pays dividends which is like an employee making an effort to give something back to the company or community like public service.
"If you can go through that process, you will become the type of well-rounded person that employers are looking for," said Sampite'.
In a previous position with Fidelity Investments, Sampite' learned about the quality of Northwestern's business program and the opportunities that are available to graduates.
"I felt I could compete with anyone," she said. "I was working with graduates of Harvard and Baylor and found out that once I got my foot in the door it was up to me to prove what I could do."
Cunningham explained how students need to learn flexibility and be able to adapt to changing conditions. He illustrated his point with a story about a business luncheon he had planned for several weeks that took place on Oct. 19, 1987, a day known as "Black Monday" when the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 500 points.
"I had 25 people there and heard on the radio what was taking place," he said. "I told them that this was the buying opportunity of a lifetime," said Cunningham. "Two people took my advice and have done extremely well. I could have wrung my hands that day or gone on with my prepared pitch. I adapted and was able to convince two clients who are very happy today."
Cunningham advised the students to also learn how to "survive success."
"You have to remember what caused the success and maintain your discipline," he said. "Success is not caused by good fortune, but plan a continuing plan of excellence."
The Porter Forum was established to honor the industrialist and businessman, who worked to bridge the gap between the college campus and industry. The Forum seeks to recognize Porter's interest in improving the image of business as a career field for college students and his concern for moral and ethical standards as expressed in his philosophy of business. The program is supported by an endowment established by Porter's friends and family.