More than 100 University of West Georgia students had a Coke – and a smile – during a recent event in which representatives from the international company visited campus to share what they’re looking for in a future colleague.

The Coca-Cola Showcase, hosted by the Richards College of Business, brought together students and two Coke leaders: Cassie Foery, a senior national sales executive for the Coca-Cola Company, and Tommy Brown, a key account manager at Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED.

“We are always so excited to offer our students the opportunity to hear from business leaders who have tremendous backgrounds like Cassie and Tommy, and our students being able to interact with them one-on-one is a great example of what we do here in the Richards College of Business,” said Dr. Faye McIntyre, dean of the Richards College of Business and Sewell Chair of Private Enterprise. “We want our students to do more than just sit in a classroom, which is why we offer events like this, during which they can engage with the business community and have meaningful conversations with people in relevant fields.”

Foery said Coca-Cola, as a company, is committed to identifying and fostering the most talented associates possible, which is why the company places importance on visiting college campuses like UWG to share their needs and priorities for new employees.

“I’d like for these students to leave with an understanding of what companies are looking for today,” Foery said. “We want them to know that experience matters, but that they also have to find a way to stand out.”

As the senior marketing manager for college-channel marketing, Foery has redefined the Coca-Cola Campus Ambassadors program. A 30-year veteran of the company, she’s sold fountain dispensers on the streets of Los Angeles and managed relationships with global powerhouses like the Walt Disney Company.

She said college visits are also beneficial for Coca-Cola. 

“Coming to a college campus like UWG helps us understand our brand and how it’s being received by the key demographic of college students,” Foery said. “As we look to the next generation of consumers, we want to figure out how best we can adapt to their needs and desires.”

Brown serves as key account manager for Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED – the third-largest bottler of Coke products in the U.S., managing production and distribution of products across the southeast. He started his career in the late 1970s and shared the history of the iconic beverage company and how the bottlers differ from the Coca-Cola Company.

Jonny Denny, a senior studying business administration and marketing at UWG, said having such a “large and prestigious company” like Coca-Cola come to campus was a positive experience as graduation nears.