Meet the KU Business staff: Megan Marsh, Professional Selling Program

Staff across the KU School of Business contribute to the strength and success of the school's academic, operational and professional efforts. Get to know these staff members in our new blog series as we highlight their impact on KU Business.

Megan Maresh, assistant director and area industry mentor for the Professional Selling Program, has spent her career working with students of all grade levels. She previously was a high school math teacher and assistant principal, a middle school assistant principal and an elementary school principal. Maresh has a bachelor's in secondary education from Kansas State University, and a master's in school leadership from Baker University. 

First off, introduce yourself.
My name is Megan Maresh, and I serve as the area industry mentor (AIM) for the Professional Selling Program. This is my third year working for the KU School of Business, and I started as the certificate coordinator, where I worked with the entrepreneurship, professional selling, and Jack Lockton insurance and risk management certificates. Over the last year, I have begun to work exclusively with the Professional Selling Program, helping with programming and serving as a resource for students seeking careers in professional sales.

What are your duties as an area industry mentor?
As an AIM, I provide specialized support for students pursuing internships or full-time careers in professional selling. I am available to meet with students to help connect them with our program partners, discuss the many opportunities within the professional selling program to get involved, conduct interview preparation, and review resumes to maximize their professional selling experience.

When should students go to work with an AIM rather than a career advisor?
Both AIM and career advisors are excellent resources for students as they complete their degrees and start thinking beyond college to their careers. An AIM can provide specialized knowledge regarding the specific industry. 

For example, I can take a student’s resume and give them ideas on how to highlight the sales process skills they have developed in their previous jobs. I can also specifically prep students for sales interviews, discussing the skills to highlight during the interview process. With the Professional Selling Program, I also work with our program partners as they look to hire Business Jayhawks.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of the job is helping students launch their careers and providing support during their job and internship searches.

What piece of advice would you give to students?
I would tell students to use the many resources available to them through the Business Professional Development Program. Don’t hesitate to schedule a meeting to discuss a career plan and map out a plan!

Where should students go to learn more about AIMs?
Students can visit business.ku.edu/bpdp-faculty-staff to view a list of area industry mentors. Students can make appointments through Jayhawk GPS or by stopping by the BPDP desk on the first floor of Capitol Federal Hall.