The Southwestern experience laid such a great foundation for dealing with life in everyday situations. It taught me the value of a positive attitude
There is no reason that every college student…regardless of major…should not participate in the Southwestern program for a minimum of two summers. Two summers of Southwestern puts you in the position to choose your employer rather than looking for someone who will choose you.
I only sold 2 summers, and they were not the greatest in amounts of books sold, but I learned a lot about hard work and I never forgot the camaraderie of the groups I worked with. Anybody can do it, but you need to really be willing to work very hard and not give up. It took half of my first summer to get to where I was selling something every day, and I often think of what would have happened if I quit before then. I always remember Mort Utley’s encouraging speech in sales school. Do what he says, it will help!
My time on the bookfield was one of the most difficult, challenging, and rewarding experiences of my life. Not only did I learn what it takes to be successful, I also learned to address my many weaknesses, while at the same time, discovering more about myself than can ever be expressed by mere words. I’m pleased to report that I still feel happy, healthy, and terrific!
One of the most memorable and lasting experiences in my life! The sales techniques are secondary to the way you truly condition your mind to see the positives in any situation, to remember to always say nice things to yourself! Mental self-discipline, self-motivation and perseverance…who could ask for more? I remember thinking then that I already had these, but you really get to grow and prove it to yourself – and the impact is simply forever-lasting!
Southwestern is the best experience to reach out into the real world before graduation.
The experience I had during my 2 summers selling books really helped me to become a more outgoing person. I attribute most of my interpersonal skills to my time on the bookfield.
It was tough work, but I wouldn’t trade my Southwestern experience for anything! It was a great experience.
My time working with Southwestern honed my work ethic and set a standard to which I compared all work. If you can commit and carry through with Southwestern, then you can do the same in any other job that will come your way.
I’m not sure if I loved it while going through it – but it proved to be one of the most valuable experiences of my past and led to pursuing a doctoral degree in leadership and influencing others.
