Danielle Dillinger didn’t expect to undergo an impromptu job interview when she put her résumé in the hands of Will Dillard, recruitment specialist for Supply.com.

But, that’s exactly what happened.

Since then, the MBA student at the University of West Georgia has had a “real” interview with the online plumbing supply company and is waiting to hear about her future with the company.

Representatives from Supply.com came to UWG’s campus recently for an employer showcase sponsored by the Richards College of Business. Dillard was joined by company CEO Marcus Morgan to share their wisdom and insight with students on how to seamlessly transfer from university graduation to landing a great job in their field.

“To be able to meet with key decision-makers at an exciting company like Supply.com was an amazing opportunity,” Dillinger said. “It meant a lot that they took the time to really look over my résumé and give me feedback right then and there.”

Morgan and Dillard spoke to several classes during the daylong event and were joined by other members of the Supply.com staff for a panel question-and-answer session with students.

Richards College of Business Dean Dr. Faye McIntyre said the college periodically invites key industry partners to bring a panel of their leaders to campus for an employer showcase.

“This allows students to learn more about the firm and to hear about a variety of roles and responsibilities within the company,” McIntyre said. “Supply.com is expanding quickly, has hired a number of UWG graduates, and offers opportunities for excellent entry level jobs and career advancement.”

Craig Coogler, business development manager at Supply.com, described the company’s mission during the Q-and-A session.

"We service everyone from the local plumbing company in Carrollton to the guy down the street remodeling his mom's bathroom,” Coogler said. “Yes, you need the fixtures and the things that make the room attractive, but you also need all the pipes and valves behind it. We sell to all those people and at the same time empower our customer to be knowledgeable about what they are doing."

Company representatives shared several pieces of advice with students, including how to make a résumé tell a story and how to be prepared for interview questions.

“As you go out into the job market, it's important for you to understand the difference in the types of companies you'll be interviewing with,” Morgan said. “There is a drastic difference in the company culture, for example, in a company that is growing very quickly versus one that is established and growing slowly but steadily, so take that into consideration when you’re looking for a job and interviewing. Also, it's important for you to think holistically about your career and not the job that you want right now, but rather the job you can do now that gets you to the job you want next. It's not just about experience. It's also about growth and learning."

Dillinger said getting to interact with members of upper management at a start-up like Supply.com isn’t something most MBA students get to do.

“It’s not something that would really happen at a university that’s smaller than UWG — or one that’s bigger, for that matter,” Dillinger said.

Dillinger, who graduated with her bachelor’s degree in management information systems at UWG last May and who expects to finish her MBA this July, transferred to UWG right before her sophomore year as an undergraduate.

“The school I was attending just wasn’t the right fit for me, and I visited UWG and found it to be more my speed,” Dillinger said. “I’ve been able to meet so many people who share the same interests and personality traits I have, and I’ve loved being here for several years. I look forward to graduating in July but will miss the time spent here at UWG and the connections I’ve made.”