Oxford Experience, Internships Top Student-Athlete's Journey

Lacrosse was the lure that brought Jeff Farley ’21 to Dominican, but a chance to participate in the Dominican Scholars at Oxford program and an internship with Techtronic Industries (TTI) were the launching pad.

“Once I arrived on campus, I fell in love with the culture and environment, and knew I was home,” said Jeff, now an Account Manager at White Cap. “The opportunities at Dominican as far as education are endless, and provided me with all the necessary tools to prepare for my professional career.”

When Jeff graduated from Rocklin High School, his focus was on joining the Penguins lacrosse team and he enjoyed a good measure of success as a student-athlete. He majored in business administration because he enjoyed working and engaging with people. He figured a degree with a focus in marketing would provide him with the opportunity to do that for the rest of his life.

The Barowsky School of Business (BSB), which in 2021 received AACSB accreditation, exceeded his expectations.

“I cannot express how much the program has helped me grow as an individual and aspiring professional,” Jeff said. “I have met some fantastic professors and colleagues in the past few years, and have built what I believe to be lifelong relationships and connections.”

Specifically, Jeff credits the help and generosity of Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and External Relations Daniel Cassidy, Director of Internships and Professional Development Courtney Budesa, and Dr. Christopher Leeds, professor of management and Dominican’s faculty athletics representative. Jeff says he also benefited from taking multiple courses with the help of business professors such as Dr. ChangSeob Yeo, Dr. Apollo Demirel, and Dr. Françoise Lepage, the Sarlo Distinguished Professor of International Business at Dominican.

DOMINICAN UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS AND PROGRAMS
In addition, prior to this semester, Jeff was majoring in English as well as business. He was grateful for the support of Dr. Perry Guevara and Dr. Amy Wong, assistant professors in Dominican’s English Literature program.

Says Jeff, who minored in English, “All my professors have instilled in me crucial life lessons and knowledge, and have prepared me to succeed in my career.”

Nothing, however, could have prepared Jeff for the surprise of being a recipient of the Thomas and Joanne Peterson Endowed Scholarship for Dominican Scholars at Oxford. In the fall of 2019, pre-pandemic, Jeff studied strategic management, corporate identity and the archaeological study of Ancient Rome while at Oxford.

“The class size for all of my courses was, one, just the professor and myself. The experience taught me the importance of coming to every class or meeting prepared. I learned the importance of studying a topic wholly before engaging in discussion or debate; in that you will always benefit from doing the extra work. I also learned the importance of creating and nurturing personal and professional connections.

“It was an experience that taught me how to persevere in a new environment with daunting tasks.”

Jeff was a work-study student for both BSB and the Athletics department, but his big break came in June 2020 when he landed a summer internship at TTI as a field sales and marketing intern. He eventually became a full-time employee at TTI until he accepted the Paycom job in October of 2021.

“It was great to have post-graduation plans so early into my senior year, and not to mention the opportunity to continue with TTI part-time through my senior year was such a gift,” Jeff said. “I began my career with TTI, tasked with educating customers and TTI partners on product offerings and applications, and ensuring sell-through of TTI products through our retail partners.”

Jeff was ready for his career to take the next big step and Dominican prepared him well for it. He has the skills and confidence to engage with co-workers and clients and make a valuable contribution to his new business team.

“My goal in coming to Dominican was to start on the lacrosse team,” Jeff said. “In leaving Dominican, my goal is to create an impact at my current employer, and whichever employer and community I may end up in the future. My dream is to one day be a motivational speaker, and to inspire others to chase success and betterment.”