Joe Pozzuoli, a 2005 graduate and business and economics major, grew up in Steubenville, Ohio. Immediately following graduation, Pozzuoli worked in the restaurant industry for several years, managing multiple locations throughout Central Ohio.
Pozzuoli now works for Advantage Sales and Marketing, the largest food broker in the consumer package goods industry. He says, “I started with [ASM] in early 2010 and have held several positions of increasing responsibility within the company. My current role is managing the East region of the United States for Mars Chocolate’s retail sales team.”
Pozzuoli feels that learning under a variety of faculty teaching styles in the Economics, Business & Accounting (EAB) Department was of great value to him. He explains, “The different teaching styles helped me to develop the ability to learn and adapt quickly. In my industry, being a change agent is a necessity and I have to be able to work with multiple clients and customers all at the same time. Working on a group project in advertising was a different experience than studying for an advanced econ exam – but being able to function and excel in both environments have aided in my success of what I do today.”
For college students hoping to enter the business world, Pozzuoli advises, “Keep in mind that your first career choice will typically not be your last. Also, be willing to start entry-level and work your way up – in other words, be willing to prove yourself.”
Pozzuoli also encourages students to take a résumé-writing class or get help from Career Services before applying for jobs. He also says, “My last piece of advice would be to you take a hard look at all of your social media profiles and ensure your digital footprint represents what you stand for. Potential employers will look you up and what you put out there can limit your opportunities.”
For underclassmen and women, Pozzuoli says, “Take your time and learn all that you can. We tend to have this mentality that we need to rush through college to get into the ‘real world.’ You will spend a good portion of your life meeting deadlines and paying bills. Enjoy the short time you have in college and learn all that you can. Time really begins to fly once you graduate.”