Student Experience Matters - Rachel Stapleton
Hometown: Trenton, Michigan
Graduation: Spring 2025
Major(s): Professional Sales and Marketing
Why professional selling?
I started college as an environmental engineering major and after my first year joined
Pi Sigma Epsilon where I was able to experience the competitiveness of Sales. After
a few meetings with mentors and professionals, I was hooked!
Work experience:
WM Sales Intern
University of Toledo Family Business Center
Student organization:
Pi Sigma Epsilon, Executive Vice President and member
Most valuable lesson from ESSPS:
Since gaining ESSPS and Deirdre as a mentor my freshman, I have learned how you can
accomplish so much and open almost every door with just one conversation!
What is the most valuable thing you took away from an ESSPS event such as Internal
Sales Competition, Sales Connection, UToledo Invitational Sales Competition, VIP Suites?
My most valuable takeaway from ESSPS has been the ability to create a platform of
leaders. ESSPS poured into students like me to bridge the gap between students and
faculty. Students don’t realize how much of an asset their faculty are! This has taught
me to always jump in headfirst and bring others with me.
How has ESSPS enhanced your understanding of professional sales?
ESSPS has enhanced my understanding of sales through sales programming and competitions
prior to junior year of college. Being able to volunteer and participate in ESSPS
events as a freshman and sophomore shaped my career and knowledge of professional
sales and presented opportunities to stand in front of employers landing my first
internship as a sophomore with a Fortune-500 company.
What advice would you give to students looking to make the most of their ESSPS career?
Jump in. No matter what career path you take there are opportunities everywhere. The
invaluable experience you gain in sales is unmatched to any profession. Do a sales
competition or volunteer if it seems scary. Putting yourself in front of employers
no matter your age begins building the network you will need to be successful in any
career!
Favorite college memory:
My favorite college memory was hosting regionals for Pi Sigma Epsilon and getting
to bond with chapters from across the country in very unconventional ways. Many of
these chapters are still some of our closest PSE friends!
Plans for your future:
While I still have another year and a half of college, I’m not quite sure where my
career is taking me yet. I would love to stay in the sustainability industry and one
day be a CEO. Helping lead others and establishing new ideas and practices is something
I am very passionate about and hope to do for the entirety of my career!
Learn more about Sales Student Experience Support Club