Junior John Zembron learned the art of sales and marketing during a four-day externship at Weisburger Insurance in White Plains, N.Y., last month.
Zembron was one of 200 Lafayette students who served two- to five-day externships with alumni and others who are seasoned professionals in business, the arts, education, healthcare, law, engineering, science, government, non-profits, and other fields. The students shadowed the professionals at their workplaces, learning about careers they may consider entering after college, developing professional networking contacts, and building their resumes.
An economics and business major, Zembron shadowed Michael Weisburger ’82, president of Weisburger Insurance, Jan. 16-17 and 20-21. Weisburger represents the agency at trade shows and conferences, speaks at these conventions, and assumes a number of other daily duties.
Zembron said he was able to get a feel for an office environment and how a business is run. “I saw how people work together in an office to achieve a common goal,” he explains. “Michael also stressed the importance of good client relations.”
“The externship really fueled my interest in working in sales and marketing. Michael taught me skills that would work for the sale of any product or service.”
According to Weisburger, Zembron had the opportunity to discuss strategy pertaining to different parts of the business and to profile sales leads. He explains that Zembron’s insight was “excellent” and “incredibly helpful.”
Weisburger says he helped Zembron recognize that businesses require strategy, leadership, cooperation, and systems to get things done.
“We’re hopeful that externships like this lead to interest in a summer job or even a full-time career,” he adds.
Zembron is co-chair for the Orientation Committee, serves as Student Council associate representative for the Athletics Committee, and is president of Chi Phi fraternity.
Michael Weisburger ’82 (left), president of Weisburger Insurance, discusses sales and marketing with John Zembron ’04.