Fowler College Class of 2020 Career Spotlight: Erin Stuhley
Marketing Graduate Pivots Career Towards Tech Sales with Oracle NetSuite
A second-generation San Diego State University Aztec, Erin Stuhley, always dreamed of attending SDSU while growing up nearby in Orange County. During her time on campus, she fine-tuned both her leadership and communication skills as a student, and while serving as the Chapter President in her sorority. She embraced juggling classes, sorority commitments, and her personal life with a “don’t sweat the small stuff” mindset.
Erin Stuhley, Class of 2020.
Erin’s optimism, persistence, and early job search during her senior year allowed her to land a position with Oracle NetSuite before the job market was negatively impacted by COVID-19. She enthusiastically looks towards this next chapter of her life in a new job and a new city.
Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue a degree in Business Marketing as an area of study?
I’m originally from Orange County, California. I am a second-generation Aztec, and SDSU has always been my dream school. I feel so lucky to have completed my undergraduate education here!
Growing up in a business-oriented family inspired me to pursue a degree in Business Marketing. My parents are tremendous role models for me – they’ve taught me by example that though business isn’t always easy, hard work and determination are huge contributors towards success.
Q: Describe the position you will begin after graduation (job functions, key role).
In early August, I will start as a Business Development Representative for Oracle NetSuite in Santa Monica, California. The role involves mastering NetSuite, a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, in order to source and qualify leads to fill the sales funnel.
Essentially, it’s a sales position – which I believe is a great first job for any business graduate to not only learn the skills needed to become successful in sales, but to build a foundation of skills needed to succeed in a career in business.
Q: When did you receive your official job offer and what was your reaction when you received the offer?
I actually received the call while cramming for a retail marketing midterm on the fourth floor of the library. It was a Tuesday, and admittedly, I hadn’t studied enough for the test because my interview with Oracle was on Monday. I had spent all weekend preparing for the interview!
My heart started racing when I saw the Los Angeles area code ring on my phone, and I told the friend who I was studying with that I would be right back. I went to answer the call just outside the elevators on the fourth floor, and probably looked crazy pacing back and forth as I anxiously listened for the news. When I was given the offer, I happily accepted on the spot, and quickly hung up to call my mom. I started crying (tears of joy) right there in the library! It was a great day and a feeling that I will never forget.
Q: How did you get connected with this company and position?
LinkedIn was a huge help. I knew that I wanted to work in tech, and as a major software company, Oracle came to mind as someplace I should look for jobs. I have connections who work at NetSuite, so that’s how I was connected with the company. When I learned about their Business Development program, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.
Q: Did you use any other campus resources to help you acquire this position? If so, describe the support.
I didn’t specifically use campus resources to help acquire this position but did receive extremely great advice and mentorship from my professors. I am grateful for the support of professors like Steven Osinski and Isa Grimes, who helped far beyond the classroom, and asked important questions like “How can I help?” and “Who can I connect you with?” when I began my job search.
Q: Are there specific skills you learned at SDSU (in class or otherwise) that helped you with the role’s qualifications?
I think a few invaluable soft skills are what I learned and developed while at SDSU, which ultimately helped me meet the role’s qualifications. I learned to communicate, to be a leader, and to be adaptable. Honestly, I think everyone has learned to be adaptable in the face of COVID-19, which is consistently changing the way we interact both personally and professionally.
Q: What advice do you have for fellow students, regardless of their field, looking to jumpstart their career and land their first job post-graduation?
Start early, stay organized, and network as much as possible! I started applying and interviewing for post-grad jobs as early as October of my senior year. I was the earliest of my friends to start applying, and although it seemed premature, my early start is what secured me a job in what is now a very difficult environment to find a job. The first interviews I had with companies that weren’t necessarily at the top of my list prepared me for the ones that ultimately were. That being said, I would advise interviewing as much as possible, even if you just view it as practice!
Q: What is it that you are most looking forward to as you kick start this next chapter?
I know I just graduated, and friends and family joke that I’m “old” now. In a sense, I feel like a freshman again. In moving to a new city and starting a new job, I feel the same excitement and uncertainty that I felt when I moved into the dorms at SDSU four years ago. I think I’m most looking forward to everything that comes with my next chapter – meeting new people, exploring a new city, and beginning a new career.
Erin Stuhley (front/center), with the Alpha Chi Omega Executive Leaders
Q: What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
Being a part of the Greek community at SDSU was one of the most impactful experiences of college. I have always believed that what you put into something is what you get out, so I made it my goal to become involved wherever possible. I served as the Chapter President of my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, a role where I developed many of the leadership and communication skills I mentioned earlier. I was also involved with the College Panhellenic Association, which allowed me to interact with other organizations across campus and meet some great people. My Greek involvement allowed me to graduate with a group of amazing friends, interpersonal skills, and a wide-reaching network that I will take with me through my career.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Don’t sweat the small things. When I would be stressed about one midterm, one final presentation, or one bad grade, I was reminded that although those things are important, they’re not life altering. Who you network with, where you land an internship, and the organizations you join – now those things could change your life and your future, and hopefully in positive ways. I learned to look at the big picture!
