On Saturday, Saige Warren will walk the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree in professional sales from the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation.
And later Warren will join International Paper in Dallas in a full-time position as an outside sales representative.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2023 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at fall commencement.
The Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales (ESSPS) played a significant role in both of his successes.
“I never knew that I was passionate about sales,” Warren said. “With the organizations on campus along with the events that ESSPS puts on, I wouldn’t be as prepared as I am to step out into the professional world. There are so many skills that I learned, such as how to lead a team, networking, communication and many more.”
As for his job with International Paper, that is the happy ending to what began as a desperate situation during Warren’s junior year.
“I had an internship lined up prior to the summer,” he said. “Last minute, this internship eventually fell through, and I was devastated. I thought all hope was lost, as some companies do not hire interns so close to the summer.”
Then Warren received a call from Deirdre Jones, director of the Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales.
“Through the help of Deirdre, she connected me with International Paper. The turnaround was extremely quick, with about three weeks from hearing the news. I received an offer to intern with them in Middletown, Ohio. I completed my internship during the summer of 2023, and I truly felt at home with International Paper.
“I cannot thank Deirdre enough for how much she truly cared and took the time to make sure I was able to have a great internship for the summer. Not only did she do this for me but other students who experienced a similar situation.”
Jones said Warren is the type of person businesses want and need on their team.
“He is smart, hardworking and approachable. He uses his training, and even though his instincts and initiative are on point, Saige remains coachable and applies feedback,” she said. “He shares his energy, expectations and expertise with others, which has expanded his impact to the teams and organizations he serves whether it is our national sales competition, our Edward Schmidt School of Professional Sales, Pi Sigma Epsilon, etc.”
Saige Warren, second from left, graduates Saturday with his bachelor’s degree in professional sales from the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation.
Warren has maintained a busy schedule as a Rocket.
He joined Kappa Delta Rho as a freshman and later served as vice president of new member education. As a sophomore, he joined Pi Sigma Epsilon, eventually serving as executive vice president, and attended two national conventions and three regional conventions, as well as competing in many sales and interview competitions.
Additionally, he joined the Order of Omega and the admissions team, and served as a College of Business ambassador.
It’s not a surprise that among Warren’s biggest challenge at UToledo was balancing his school and personal life.
“In my busiest times, I had to stay disciplined and always reminded myself of my purpose,” he said. “This drive helped me excel and stay on top of everything, especially while being a full-time student and part-time worker. If I could go back, I would without a doubt do it all again.”
Warren said he became a Rocket because he wanted to be close to his home in Findlay, but also far enough away that he felt independent.
“Along with that, I was very impressed with the College of Business, where I knew there were endless opportunities with corporate sponsors to give me a fast-track to success,” he said. “I wasn’t the best student when I was in high school. I always just went with the flow of things, but I knew I wanted to change that coming to UToledo.”
Now that his time as Rocket is nearly over, Warren said attending The University of Toledo was “easily the best decision for myself.”
And he recommends others consider a similar path to success in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation.
“There are endless opportunities for you to succeed and prepare for post-graduation,” Warren said. “The faculty here want to help build your confidence and get you ready for the professional world.”
