Davenport grad lands job thanks to education and campus connections

August 8, 2026 - 02:53

A scholarship first brought Avery Conran to Davenport University, but it was the relationships she built on campus that opened the door to her career. Conran earned her bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in marketing in 2023, and within a short time after graduation, she had accepted a full-time role in digital marketing.

Conran says the classroom gave her a strong foundation, but her on-campus job was where she learned how to apply that knowledge in real situations. Working closely with staff and faculty, she built a network of contacts who knew her work ethic and skills firsthand. Those connections proved just as valuable as her coursework when it came time to look for a job.

She also points to the university's emphasis on professional development. Mock interviews, resume reviews, and career fairs helped her feel prepared when she started meeting with employers. Conran advises current students to get involved early and treat every campus interaction as a potential professional reference.

Her advice to new students is simple: do not just go to class and leave. Stay after events, ask questions, and take on responsibilities beyond the minimum. The people you work with on campus today could be the ones recommending you for a job tomorrow. For Conran, that is exactly how it played out.