Kellie Davis, WMU alum (Communication ’09) and account manager at Container and Pooling Solutions, Inc.
By Katy TerBerg
Kellie Davis hasn’t been gone from WMU all that long, but already she is reaching out to current communication students with some sage advice.
“My experiences within the communication program at WMU were very positive. The professors were always supportive, available and encouraging,” said alum Kellie Davis, who currently serves as Account Manager at Container and Pooling Solutions, Inc. (CAPS) in Livonia, Mich.
Davis graduated from WMU with a Bachelor’s in Communication. While at WMU, she worked as a supervisor at EMA Enterprises overseeing catered events around campus and providing media relations input as an intern. At WMU, she participated in the Public Relations Organization, which she credits for connecting her with peers pursuing a similar path. “It was very easy and beneficial to network and build professional relationships,” she said.
Before graduation, Davis began looking for an entry-level or internship position in the public relations or communication field. She accepted an internship at First Media Group in Southfield, Mich., during the last week of her final semester. There, she served as the public relations, marketing, and advertising intern from May to July 2009.
In August 2009 Davis was offered a marketing assistant position with Container and Pooling Solutions. “In December 2009, my marketing manager and I were tasked with developing a customer-service department,” said Davis. “In July 2011 I received the opportunity to move to California and CAPS allowed me to assume the West Coast account manager role. The customer service department has now evolved into regional account management positions.”
According to Davis, working at CAPS has allowed her to execute specific techniques involved in customer interaction. During her education and internship, she came to realize the extensive techniques involved in customer interaction including when to communicate, how to communicate, and the type of interaction (face-to-face, phone or email). “Each interaction with a customer is a reflection of the company as a whole and can determine our profitability,” said Davis.
Davis’ myriad accomplishments did not come without a great deal of effort and collaboration. “I would encourage recent communication graduates, and communication students who aim to graduate soon, to look for opportunities to show off their skills in any way possible,” she said. “Don’t shy away from internships or administrative work for a company that has growth potential because those positions usually have a wide range of responsibilities and can teach you a lot about the company. The more you can learn about the company and its goals the more valuable you will become. Best of luck!”
Links:
Kellie Davis’ profile.
CAPS official webpage.
