Todd Pigeon
Clemson Marketing ‘89
1. Favorite memory as an undergraduate student?
The Spirit at Clemson, that I captured, first as a freshman, and then later transferred as an
upperclassman stirs many memories. Clemson provided a landscape within which I
could get involved across many different disciplines. Those memberships allowed me to
share a common spirit that Clemson emanated and continues to emanate. If you had to
ask for a specific memory, I can feel the chill and smell the Fall from one of many nights
building a float or two on Bowman, in between attending classes and going downtown.
2. How did Clemson marketing prepare you for the real world?
I had the opportunity to participate in a work-study program within the Department of
Marketing. That exposure led me to get involved with organizations on campus such as
the American Marketing Association (AMA). AMA then led to speaking engagements, like
Toastmasters, as well as allowed me to take casework from my Marketing courses to
Association competitions and trade fairs. All this exposure allowed me to solidify my
confidence as an undergraduate. So, when the time came to engage with that thought of
“Life after Clemson”, I was ready.
3. What should students be doing now to prepare for the future?
I don’t think you can over-prepare. The danger is under preparation. Organizing your
undergraduate story to be able to both concisely and, when needed, elaborate on your
story, is pivotal. What drives you? How is that reflected in what you have accomplished?,
and how you will bring value to those associated with you, in the future?
I would be prepared for what your non-negotiables in life are, e.g., geographical location,
company culture, remote work %, continued educational benefits, etc… Be prepared to
accept that the initial job, or jobs, that you take in the beginning of your future, they are building
blocks towards a greater one. I see, too often, that the expectations of a first role(s) must
avoid all non-negotiables. Preparing for your future also means preparing, not settling, for
a path that is not always vertical. To prepare for the future is to understand that it is more
of a zig-zag vs. a 45-degree angle, where lateral learning can add as much value into your
future than just promotions to the next level.
4. What piece of advice would you give to college students?
My experience was mine, however profound that is. I would advise fellow Tigers to build
their experience, vs. just allowing it to happen to them. Follow companies, attend
speaking engagements, listen to diverse podcasts, while ensuring your voice is present
and heard in the classes you take.
Build uniqueness within your journey, realizing the world outside of Clemson is
wonderfully diverse and goes beyond those foothills. As the Alma Mater chorus states,
“That the Tiger’s roar may echo O’er the mountain height”, so after Clemson is not a
daunting thought. The spirit and comradery found at Clemson translates well in a
business context. You will win, you will lose, you will depend on others, and you will
support others. So be a great ambassador for Clemson when you move forward and be
an even greater fellow citizen.
5. Is there anything you wish you had done differently during your time at Clemson?
I was fortunate to utilize the Career Services at Clemson to achieve multiple interviews
and receive multiple job offers. While that was great, I did not reach out consistently to
contacts that I had made during my journey, as I felt both a degree of awkwardness and “I
can do this on my own” mentality. So, Be Humble, but be bold in reaching across your
academia contacts, your social network, LinkedIn contacts, to insure you are marketing
yourself as if you are a unique brand, because it is. Looking back, I would have
marketed myself even more, so do that for yourself. You are
