Name: Cameron Jefferson
Degree Program: Business Administration – Financial Planning
Grad Year: 2024
Current Job Title and Company/Organization: Corporate Management Trainee at Consolidated Electrical Distributor
Hometown: Carson, CA
Current City: Carson, CA
Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I was always interested in operating businesses and finding new ways to generate income that could then be rolled into philanthropy. My primary love is real estate, but I knew that I wanted to gain some administrative and corporate experience before beginning my real estate investing portfolio. I chose Business Administration – Financial Planning as a major, because it encompasses arguably the two most important aspects of running a business; administration and money!
What career aspirations did you have when you started at CSUN?
I have always known that I wanted to be an entrepreneur who accumulated wealth and then used said wealth to begin focusing on philanthropy geared towards the unhoused population in Los Angeles.
Did you do any internships or other experiential learning? If so, how did that help you on your career path?
I started my first business, operating vending machines, at the age of 17. During my junior and senior year of college, I had an internship for Event Management, which led to me being an event manager at Dignity Health Sports Park where LA Galaxy plays. I had other jobs and supervisory experiences, which definitely bolstered my resume and assisted me in getting to my current position.
What have you done since graduating? What was your professional path during and after college?
Prior to graduation, I was managing events. Ensuring that sporting events and concerts were adequately staffed with well-trained, well-prepared individuals. Post-graduation, I immediately began working at Consolidated Electrical Distributor. I am currently in the Corporate Management Trainee program and could not be happier. I am paid well with great benefits, get to learn new things each day, travel constantly and do what I love – conduct business. My professional path after college has been nothing short of a blessing from God, Who made this all possible.
What was your favorite class you took and why?
My absolute favorite class at CSUN was Risk Management and Insurance with professor David Russell. He never once lost my attention in that class. His pauses, inflection, constant questions to the class and the gesture he did, as if thinking, when he would pose said questions were all things that made his class wonderful. Amazing and supportive professor!
What advice do you have for current CSUN Nazarian students?
Don’t be afraid to work during school. Recruiters see students all day who have nothing but an upcoming or brand new degree on their resume. They know that you can learn. Are you able to balance school and work? Were you able to do anything significant in working towards whatever career goal you have? Recruiters LOVE students with work experience, so GET TO WORK.
