Ducks in Sales: Career Paths, Progression, and Payoffs

Explore the power of a career in sales—from your first role to long-term success.

Sales is one of the most dynamic, accessible, and fast-moving career paths out there—and it's not just for those with a business degree. Whether you're selling software, services, or sustainable solutions, sales can lead to leadership roles, financial growth, and in-demand skills that transfer across industries.

Tune in to Ducks in Sales, a virtual panel featuring UO alumni who have carved out successful sales careers in fields like tech, healthcare, finance, and more. You'll learn how they broke into the field, what their day-to-day looks like, and how sales opened doors to unexpected opportunities.

What to expect:

• Real talk from alumni in diverse sales roles
• Insights on how to land your first sales job (even if it wasn’t your original plan)
• Tips on handling rejection, avoiding burnout, and thriving in a competitive field
• Honest advice about what it takes to succeed—and why sales isn’t just cold calls and quotas

Whether you're actively job searching, curious about the field, or already in sales and looking to grow, this session will give you fresh perspective and actionable takeaways.

Bonus: Stick around for a live Q&A and resources to help you take the next step, including LinkedIn networking groups, mentorship opportunities, and job title guides.

Registration

This event is free, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

 Questions?

For questions or to request accommodations, please email Megan McKinney or call 800-245-ALUM.

Meet Our Alumni Panel

Ariana Mitha, BS ’20 (business administration)
Account Executive, Confluent

Ariana's experience in tech sales, from enablement tools, business intelligence and to her current role as a digital native AE at Confluent, has been an incredible journey of growth, marked by successes like yearly promotions and an "AE of the Year" award. Ariana has learned throughout the years that sales takes grit, curiosity and perseverance. She is excited to share how she incorporated these three aspects into her existing role, and her day-to-day.

Cole Conklin, BS ’19 (business administration)
Strategic Account Executive, Microsoft

Cole is a strategic account executive at Microsoft Corporation, managing the partnership between Microsoft and one of the largest global media and entertainment conglomerates. Cole has worked in various roles within Microsoft's corporate sales division for the past 6 years. He is excited to connect with UO students to share how to navigate a career in technology sales and partnerships.

Michael Wagemann, BS ’19 (business administration)
Sales and Marketing Manager, DNP America

Michael is a sales and marketing manager for DNP America LLC, managing key partnerships between DNP and its customers in the renewable energy sector. Michael has worked in B2B sales roles engaging with international customers in a variety of industries. He is excited to share his experience navigating a career in B2B hardware/component sales.