Alumni Spotlight: Stephanie Skidmore

Stephanie Skidmore '24 BSBA (Marketing with Minor in Business Management) is currently a Sales District Lead Designate in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Tell us about your job responsibilities (day-to-day tasks and/or projects):

As a Sales Management Associate at PepsiCo, I started with a rotation through the field office to understand all aspects of PepsiCo’s operations, including manufacturing, delivery, warehouse supply chain, and food service. After gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations, I transitioned into my role as Sales District Lead Designate. In this role, I co-lead a team of nine sales reps and five merchandisers. I work directly with them to ensure they are servicing their accounts, driving productivity, and improving business performance through coaching and development. I also implement local and national promotions to drive brand development and maximize performance by setting targets such as waste, volume, revenue, and order processing metrics to ensure proper resource allocation among accounts to meet KPIs.

Why did you choose to work for your company?

Growing up, I lived about 20 minutes from PepsiCo's headquarters, so the company has always been top of mind. It’s consistently ranked among the top 5 employers in the U.S., and I’ve always admired its reputation. PepsiCo isn’t just a place for a job; it’s a company where people build careers. This excites me because there are so many potential career paths within the company, and I have the opportunity to work anywhere, not just in the U.S. but globally as well.

What led you to your current job/company (past experiences, networking, classes, multiple rounds of interviews, or anything else you deem relevant)?

I connected with PepsiCo at the Eller Career Fair! I made great connections that led to in-person coffee chats, which helped get my resume to the top of the hiring list. After that, I went through three rounds of interviews and was ultimately matched with the Las Vegas location. Networking was key—being consistent with it really does pay off. Be personable, and use your leadership roles and any other skills you have in all types of conversations. Always give people a reason to want to continue the conversation with you.

What advice do you have for Eller students seeking a similar career path?

Be versatile and network. Your first job may not be your dream position, but it can be a stepping stone to get there. Cast your net wide and be open to different opportunities.

Please share an Eller memory:

As part of Eller Ambassadors, I always loved working on Admitted Students Day! It was so fun speaking at McKale and chatting with excited prospective students about their future dreams.