Big effort needed to make big bucks in sales

Other times, however, students are able to earn thousands of dollars and gain valuable career experience.

Bill Ruggirello, program coordinator of employer relations at the Career Services Center, said he supports the idea of summer sales programs.

"Sales can be really rewarding, but it's not really easy. It (summer sales) is good combat training for the typical sales job," Ruggirello said.

Many aspects of the summer sales jobs are less than appealing for students. Some companies require that students relocate, possibly across the country, and the hours required to earn the promised dividends can run twice that of a regular full-time job.

Marjorie Helser, an exercise sports sciences sophomore, who worked with the Southwestern Co., said the idea was hard for her parents to understand in the beginning.

"But after the summer I had, they couldn't be more supportive. They are really proud of what I have done," Helser said.

Helser also said the learning experience extends beyond careers.

"I think the most important part is that you learn a lot about yourself," she said.

Heather Lafferty, a speech and hearing sciences junior, said she was not fully prepared for the long hours and lifestyle she would endure last summer.

Lafferty also worked for the Southwestern Co., which recruits heavily on the University of Arizona campus throughout the year.

Lafferty's job involved attending a six-day marketing school in Nashville, Tenn., where the company is based, and then driving to Ohio where she began selling books during the summer.

"I was very disappointed with the company because I was not aware of the expenses and how much work it would take to earn the amounts they promised until I was already out there," she said.

Companies that recruit on campus fall under the university's control. If students feel they are being treated unfairly or have complaints about any company, they can lodge their complaints with the Dean of Students Office, said Carol Thompson, associate dean of students.

"It usually depends on the situation as to who deals with specific complaints," Thompson said. "But we would try to assist any student with any concerns in our office. We wouldn't turn away a student because their complaint didn't fit our criteria."

Ruggirello said complaints could also be filed through Career Services.

"If an employer were to present a situation that was inaccurate, we would follow up and inquire with the company. If there are continued problems, it could result in loss of recruitment privileges," he said. "We will not tolerate anything that can hurt students."

Jack Redmond, president of the Tucson Better Business Bureau, said students need to know what kinds of questions to ask a future employer.

"First you need to know how long they have been in business, who the principles are in case of complaints," he said. "If there is an agreement to be signed, a wary consumer should review that very carefully and understand the obligations of the company."

Redmond also said anyone can check up on a company that there are concerns about.

"They can call their local Better Business Bureau in their area, or in the case of a national company, we can direct them to the correct bureau," he said.

Redmond said the Better Business Bureau does not conduct employee checks and does it endorse any company, but it does provide information and contact numbers.

Jayson Green, a junior majoring in political science and English, also worked with the Southwestern Co. last summer and warns students to be aware of what they are getting into.

"People are alert to this type of thing immediately because of the work and money you can earn," Green said. "I don't think they try to trick you, but the pure shock of what you have to do comes when you are already out there. You should really be certain this is what you want to do."

Green also said it is good to ask questions.

"You need to know what costs there are, how much money you have to put out up front and what the bare minimum is for you to walk away with no debt," he said.

Joe Van Opdorp, a media arts senior, worked for Southwestern Co. 10 years ago while a student at Western Illinois University. He said he thought the company misrepresented itself to students.

"It was a hot, miserable, nasty summer that I wasn't prepared for, and I quit after two weeks," Van Opdorp said.

"It was the single worst job I've ever had."

However, Green said he felt he had a good experience overall with the program he was involved in.

"This is something I would recommend everyone to look into, but they need to be very grounded about it. It's important to know your own limitations," he said.