John Jorgensen '08
Position: Group Manager, SMB Acquisition, LinkedIn
Industry: Internet
Lesson Learned: Relationships are your most important asset. Make building and fostering your connections a main priority.
I was hired as an online marketing director at a prominent dot-com startup right after graduating from LMU. After the company went under, I launched my own online marketing consulting business to help small- to mid-sized businesses generate customers through pay-per-click marketing. I was then offered and accepted a business development position at Docstoc.com, an online company that offers a wide selection of documents to small businesses and professionals. Thanks to the company’s small size, I was able to work directly with the vice president and CEO to create partnerships and manage relationships.
LMU’s entrepreneurship program really helped me launch my career. I learned a lot about the process of raising money for a new venture and had the opportunity to hone my business presentation and pitching skills at a national competition my senior year. While at school, I also met a lot of really smart people who I am still in touch with today. LMU gave me connections that led to an internship with the Tech Coast Angels, the largest startup investment network in Southern California. Through the people I met there, I came in contact with the CEO of the company I’m currently working for. I would whole-heartedly recommend LMU's entrepreneurship program to anyone interested in launching a business or working for a startup.