From Mentee to Employee: USD Experiences Create Path to Full-Time Career for Recent Graduate
A standout student and recent graduate from the USD Beacom School of Business, Gellerman took full advantage of the opportunities around her. From studying abroad and taking part in hands-on business consulting to getting involved in Student Government Association and Greek life, her time at USD was marked by experiences that positioned her for real-world success.
“My experience at USD really helped me build confidence and get comfortable juggling different types of work,” said Gellerman. “Between classes, internships and being involved on campus, I had the chance to try a lot of things and learn by doing.”
For Gellerman, the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the Beacom School of Business and her participation in USD’s new Alumni Mentoring Program were the catalysts that jumpstarted her career.
Real-World Experience in Business
One of the most impactful experiences for Gellerman was Coyote Business Consulting, a student-centered initiative that gives students the chance to turn their classroom lessons into real-world impact and partner with businesses to solve real challenges.
After hearing about how transformative CBC had been for her peers, Gellerman jumped in head first.
“The experience I gained from CBC was truly unique and more valuable than anything I could have learned in a class or part-time job,” she said.
For her final CBC project, Gellerman worked with Coyote Brotherhood, a network of USD football alumni focused on fostering mentorship, supporting the football program and assisting members through life’s challenges. Alongside her project partner and business school peer Collin Schaar ’25, Gellerman helped develop a sustainable plan for the group’s future using operations, management and marketing strategies.
“Not only did I deepen my understanding of marketing, but I also learned how to communicate with professionals, condense all of my work into a paper and poster, and confidently present my findings to a large audience,” said Gellerman. “CBC helped me get my foot in the door for future marketing opportunities, and with three internships under my belt, I feel well-prepared for my professional life after college,” said Gellerman.
The Power of Mentorship
Of all her experiences at USD, perhaps the most game-changing was the Alumni Mentoring Program. Gellerman was paired with Eric Siversten ’98, CEO of the Sioux Falls-based marketing agency Epicosity.
Through conversations with and mentorship from Siversten, Gellerman gained a valuable perspective on what a future in marketing could look like.
“Eric gave me great advice about the industry, career building and the future of marketing,” said Gellerman. “Eric’s visionary role in Sioux Falls and the marketing industry is inspiring, and hearing about his college days and the start of his business career makes me excited for what lies ahead in my own journey.”
During her time as a mentee, Gellerman also had the chance to shadow both the client services and digital strategy teams at Epicosity, which proved to be beneficial in deciding the next step in her journey.
Immediately following graduation, Gellerman joined the Epicosity team as a social content intern. Over the summer, Gellerman gained real-world experience in the marketing industry and helped contribute to projects across the agency. On any given day, she could be found writing blog copy, scheduling social content, editing videos or brainstorming with the team.
“I enjoyed getting to work on real client projects and see how everything comes together behind the scenes,” Gellerman said of the experience. “The people here are really talented, creative and fun to work with, and I felt really supported in trying new things and growing my skills.”
The Start of an Exciting Career
Gellerman’s summer internship might have come to an end, but her time at the agency is far from over. In August, Gellerman accepted a full-time offer to join the Epicosity team as an associate media coordinator.
“I’m incredibly excited to keep learning and growing with the team,” said Gellerman. “After such a great experience this summer, continuing at Epicosity felt like the right next step.”
Between her time at USD, the guidance she received from Siversten and the knowledge she gained from her internship, Gellerman is more than ready to embrace what’s next.
“With my experience in various organizations on campus and past internships, I feel very prepared to take on this role,” said Gellerman.
As she begins her career, Gellerman is reminded of the importance of the relationships she made at USD in her success—connections she plans to continue building in the years ahead.
“I hope to eventually start my own digital marketing business or become a partner in a new start-up opportunity,” Gellerman said. “Staying involved in the Sioux Falls and USD communities is a priority for me as I grow in my career.”
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