Aaron Lee

School Information

School: University of Utah/Colorado State University

College Major: Business

 Years at College Works: 2011 to 2013

Career Information

Working For: Verdant Technologies

Title: Director of RevOps

Industry: ResearchWhat Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?

Hitting my goal to become a Branch Manager II for the most valuable bank in the world by age 24.

College Works Career Impact

In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?

College Works Painting unexpectedly completely transformed my life trajectory and made me who I am today.

How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?

Small everyday tasks that others find difficult are barely a challenge whatsoever because of the things College Works Painting taught me. My career is much more about embracing challenges and getting hands on with projects. Whenever I step into a new role, I hit the ground running and because of that I’m consistently put in leadership roles and in charge of trainings, despite significantly lesser industry experience.

What do you want to tell your clients about what it meant to work with them and how it has helped you get to where you are today?

I want to thank my clients for firstly trusting enough in me, a 19 year old who hadn’t picked up a paint brush since 3rd grade art class, to paint their house for their hard earned money. I am so thankful for the customers that were patient as I learned how to manage employees on projects with their home, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the clients who were picky with me and held me to high standards so I could learn the importance of delivering on promises.

What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?

The greatest lesson learned from College Works Painting was the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and constantly growing. By doing this I built the habit to consistently do what others won’t do, so that one day I can do what others can’t do.

How have the friendships and networks you built during CW affected you?

Some of my best friends in the world are from College Works Painting with some of the most unique experiences of my life. I’m confident if I ever want to make a career change, start a business, or just need advice, that I know exactly who to call.

If you had to come up with a one line slogan for CW, what would it be?

Work Hard, Play Hard, Have Fun

Advice

What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?

Do something that makes you uncomfortable, and if you’re going to do it, commit. Not once did I think about turning back and that is why I was the number one intern at the University of Utah. Even when things weren’t the greatest, I kept my big picture goal in mind- 19 years old, celebrating in Cancun after running a 80,000 dollar business, and I embraced the challenges.

Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?

Honestly, I think the College Works Painting internship gives relevant experience for anyone who wants to know what the real world can be like. Corporate internships and jobs are their own world with many aspects that can be learned, but often give company specific experience. Get real world hands on experience somewhere on personal professional skills so that you can interview, communicate and manage adults, and that will translate to any career field.

What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?

Get real work sales experience. I was a top performer within weeks based off of experience.

What’s your favorite memory from CW?

Midnight Glow in the Dark Golfing with the Utah DM’s in 2012.

Last words of wisdom?

I appreciate all college works did for me. Even though my last year had way more highs and lows than I’ve ever seen in my life, I learned more about personal and professional development than any other time in my life. I’ve seen what I was being trained for. Though I didn’t quite make the money I thought I would and my transfer to Colorado wasn’t as smooth as we’d hoped, seeing now the upper management for Wells Fargo, who make $180,000 a year, doing exactly what I did last year, is very eye opening. It was quite stressful when I was struggling to make some bills and living life on the road for that year, it is really cool to know I literally know how to be a district manager for a company that could pay me well over six figures and I got real executive experience.

Do something different.
I have come across hundreds of college graduates and professionals who are struggling to find a job, pay off loans or even are not at the income level they expected after graduation.
I didn’t do a study abroad in college, because I was building my resume. I spent a month and a half in the last year traveling the UK, Italy, Germany, Calgary, and both coasts of the U.S. all while being paid. Theres no way I’d trade the opportunities I’ve been afforded now just because I didn’t want to pack in a little extra work that someone else wasn’t willing to.

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