I n mid-June, Alyssa Daniel, ’23, started working for The Hershey Company as a territory sales lead. She’s responsible for 25 stores, including Kroger, Publix and Walmart—all located west of Atlanta. 

Most weekdays, she builds and maintains business relationships with key decision makers, analyzes store data and develops action plans to help maximize sales.

“Through those relationships,” Daniel said, “we can get the best placement of products in the store so our sales and the store’s sales will increase.”

The former public health and marketing student discovered her passion for retail when she was a summer sales associate for Carter's and Oshkosh apparel company. Daniel was pleased with the process when she applied to The Hershey Company.

Everyone was supportive, and the company was team oriented. She got a company car and moving expenses paid.

Georgia College & State University propelled Daniel into this career by helping her develop teamwork and professional skills. She majored in public health and minored in marketing. Dr. Damian Francis, assistant professor of public health and director of the Center for Health and Social Issues, was her favorite professor. Daniel participated in many of his community outreach events such as the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.

She was a member of the Public Health Student Club, Cru Ministry and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Belonging to these organizations helped her grow.

Daniel also served as director of Alumni Relations for Alpha Omicron Pi, where she maintained the sorority’s alumni database and kept them apprised of upcoming events. She even planned a family event with more than 200 guests. 

“That was a huge step in developing my leadership skills, because I can be a bit reserved,” Daniel said. “These organizations helped push me outside of my comfort zone and become the person I am today.” 

Her group projects in public health developed her teamwork skills and passion to serve others.  For her community health class, she contributed 58 service hours to Communities in Schools, a nonprofit organization that provides tutors and academic support to students. She tutored first- and third-grade students at Midway Hills Academy and Lake View Primary School in Milledgeville.

“I loved being able to work with the students and give back to an organization that is further educating and impacting future generations,” Daniel said.

“Dr. Francis always made class very engaging and pushed me to grow personally and professionally,” she said. “He also opened the door to get me an internship with Community Health Care Systems, Inc.”

Daniel plans to model her professional approach after Francis with his unwavering smile, positive attitude and willingness to put others before himself.

“He encouraged us to ask questions if we needed help or were confused with something,” Daniel said. “Asking questions helps you understand the problem, so you can come up with a solution.” 

At Hershey’s, Daniel enjoys the challenge each workday brings. She works independently but still as part of a team. Daniel had no idea what to expect when starting her new position—but the supportive environment helped ease her into her daily duties.

“Every day is different,” she said. I really enjoy this, because I look at each day as a new opportunity to make a difference and represent The Hershey Company well. I'm always looking for ways to better meet the needs of my customers and to be a consultative business partner.”

Starting a new job can be scary. She advises fellow recent graduates to take a breath and have confidence in their abilities.

“You're not going to know everything going in,” Daniel said. “Just learn a lot from your teammates and get to know them, because they're always there to help and push you to become a better employee.”