Connor Collins
by Pamela Dean
Connor Collins (B.S. Business, ’16) credits much of his early career opportunities to CSU Channel Islands’ Director of Career Development & Alumni Engagement Amanda Carpenter.
“Amanda made a huge difference during my time at CSUCI,” Collins explains. “She encouraged me to apply for an internship early on and was a pivotal mentor for me. Support and encouragement from a faculty or staff member who pushes you to realize your potential is truly priceless.”
Collins was recently promoted to senior corporate account development associate for the global software company Cornerstone. Cornerstone is one of the largest cloud computing firms in the world and helps organizations recruit, train, and manage their employees. He is responsible for initial sales outreach and connecting with human resource leaders in the Great Lakes region of the U.S.
“The best part of my job is getting to work with some of the most inspiring and intelligent people I have ever met in my life,” Collins says. “My company’s culture creates an environment where I truly enjoy coming to work and have already made lifelong friends in my first year in the role.”
Collins aspires to become the vice president of sales in the enterprise software space and manage multiple sales divisions. He advises soon-to-be grads to work with the campus career development center to help find internships.
“I was able to secure internships through Career Development and I’d strongly recommend this very valuable resource. Additionally, use LinkedIn as a professional networking tool. The world is becoming increasingly digital and ensuring your LinkedIn account is well put together will help you be found by the right people. I first learned about Cornerstone through a recruiter who found me on LinkedIn. I promise it is worth your time.”
Collins also recommends patience and flexibility when starting out in the workforce.
“We live in a world of instant gratification so it may seem like a lot to stomach when you enter an organization and it may take a year until you see a tangible step forward. Especially when we are used to receiving feedback in a matter of seconds on social media,” he explains. “Patience is important. You should be patient in achieving your long-term vision and goals but work diligently on a day-to-day basis to make that vision come to fruition.”