Name: Sara Gillum
Major(s): Agricultural and life sciences education – communication option
Graduation year: 2023
Current job title and company/organization: Marketing specialist at Sabanto
What moment or experience at Iowa State most shaped your career path?
Before attending my first CALS Career Fair, I met with Mike Gaul for a resume review and mock interview. The CALS Career Services team made an impression on my professional journey early on. Mike guided me through navigating internship interviews, evaluating job offers, understanding retirement plans and accepting my first full-time job. Tapping into the resources at CALS Career Services set the foundation for my career and helped me build a strong professional network.
How did your involvement in clubs, internships or research opportunities at Iowa State prepare you for your current role?
I’m a major advocate for having as many internships as possible. I interned during the summer, school year and over breaks. Every opportunity gave me a better sense of what I liked and what wasn’t for me. The process of trying, learning and growing helped me discover my knack for marketing. It wasn’t one moment but a combination of those experiences that pointed me toward my career in marketing.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your education or career, and how did you overcome it?
I came to Iowa State as a non-traditional student. I was about 8-10 years older than most of my classmates. At times, I felt like I was in a whole different phase of life, but I made the decision not to let that stop me from being involved on campus. I put my full effort into campus life, joining clubs, holding leadership positions, studying abroad and making meaningful connections with my peers and faculty members. The support I felt from the Iowa State community was incredible. That sense of belonging I felt helped me succeed academically, making my college experience something I’ll always be proud of.
Fill in the blank and provide a brief explanation: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without ______.”
Caffeine. Specifically, iced coffee. It’s fueled more early mornings and late nights than I can count.
Fill in the blank: “The best piece of advice I received in college was _________, and here’s why it stuck with me: _________.”
“Aim for progress, not perfection.” A supervisor at Corteva Agriscience told me that during a summer internship, and it’s stuck with me ever since. As a detail-oriented, Type A person, I used to get caught up chasing perfection. Focusing on steady progress has helped me appreciate how much I am learning and growing, especially during these early years of my career.