Graduates with Clark Associates

While attending Shippensburg I was hired as an intern Photo Editor for the summer. Being a journalism major I wasn't sure what to expect. I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere. I found everyone to be very professional but also extremely friendly. It didn't take long for me to feel like I fit in here. This gave me the drive to work hard and do my very best at my job, which by the end of the summer got me a full-time position here at WebstaurantStore.

WebstaurantStore has given me the opportunity to learn so much about not only the business world but also myself. I have learned new ways to communicate effectively with people who have different personalities and skills to be better at my job every day. The management at WebstaurantStore enables their employees to find a position that works best for them and not only listens to their goals but works hard to help them achieve those goals. Working here has helped me understand the advice my Dad gave me during college: 'all that matters is that you love what you do.'

I graduated from Shippensburg University in a field of study very different from that which I am currently pursuing. After deciding to make a career change, I knew that I wanted to find a larger company that provided an opportunity to grow and expand. Many companies I was looking at, however, desired 10+ years of experience.

When I was hired as the Administrative Assistant at Clark Associates, I was told that no two days would be the same and that I may learn whatever I take an interest to. Each day poses a new opportunity to challenge the status quo and have your ideas taken seriously, no matter your title or how long you have been with the company. Everyone is hard working and always willing to teach you how to do something rather than just doing it themselves; they put the power back in your hands. I can honestly say that I would not have gotten the chance to learn and pursue what I desire with any other company.

After graduating from Shippensburg University in May of 2017 with a degree in Supply Chain Management, I took an operations management position with DHL Supply Chain. After six months with DHL, I felt that I was not being challenged, and desired a more fast-paced and competitive role. While searching for a position, my competitive nature and college football experience naturally pushed me toward a challenging, competitive environment where I could grow professionally and personally. The Buyer Trainee role with Clark Associates has given me that opportunity, and I leave every day feeling like I’ve learned and accomplished something new.

One of the most valuable skills that I have gained so far is the ability to bring creativity to critical thinking. I have been encouraged to challenge the premise of issues before rushing to find solutions, and the fast-paced, positive environment has pushed me to accomplish more than I thought that I could prior. My favorite part of this role is the amount of trust and support that I have been given since day one, and I truly feel like I have the opportunity to win every day, and I have been given all of the tools to push toward success.

After graduation from Shippensburg in 2013 with a criminal justice degree, I was hired at WebstaurantStore as a Logistics Liaison. After working hard and showing the desire to learn and grow, I was offered the opportunity to help our website fight the growing issue of online fraud. I was grateful for the opportunity to put my degree to use and become the company's first Ecommerce Risk Consultant. The problem solving approach that Shippensburg demanded for a degree in my major helped me immensely in my new role. My job requires WebstaurantStore to have a lot of faith and trust in me and I love earning that trust every day.

There is nothing more rewarding and motivating than working for a company that rewards and recognizes hard work. I always dreaded working for a company where you were just a number and not given opportunities to make a difference. WebstaurantStore is the furthest thing from that. They actually encourage you to create your own future with the company. The combination of innovative thinking, fast paced work environment, and a laid back atmosphere make WebstaurantStore an awesome place to work.