Tatum Rezin

Degree:    Bachelor of Science
Major:      Retail Merchandising                      

Additional education undertaken after graduation:
MBA, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota

Years in the Field:   8
Current Job Title:    Associate Marketing Manager
Organization:           General Mills

How did you find this job?
I was recruited by a friend in the company who attended the same MBA program as I.

Previous Job Titles and Organizations:
Assistant Marketing Manager, ConAgra Foods 
Apparel Product Line Manager, Polaris Industries 
Assistant Merchandiser, Jockey International

Please describe your job:
I develop long-term brand strategies and develop profitable new products to meet the goals specified by the strategies.

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
Courses: Retail Buying, Textile Analysis; Study abroad; Working in related industries while in school. Also, the friends I made within the program are still some of my closest. We use each other for job searches and for bouncing ideas around.

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
Although the title is marketing, we are really general business managers, not marketers. Some General Mills marketers don’t even touch advertising. Our job is to make money for the company, not come up with the 'sexiest' ad campaign.

What advice do you have for current students?
Network, network, network. Be gracious with those that give you their time and they will pay it back with advice and more contacts.

Is there anything else you would like to add that we didn't ask you?
Ultimately, you get paid to work because it's work— so it won't always be fun.  However, you will be much more successful and have a lot more fun if you pick a job that you enjoy.