“The first visit I made to Randolph-Macon College was during a Homecoming football game,” says Lauren Orga ’17. “Everyone was friendly and made me feel like I was already a Yellow Jacket. I felt pure happiness—and very positive about the culture at RMC. That’s ultimately what helped me make my decision to choose RMC.”

Since that fateful day, Orga, a business major and communication studies minor, has become an active member of the Randolph-Macon family. Orga has learned a lot by being a Yellow Jacket—both in the classroom, and as a member of the women’s soccer team. Skills such as teamwork, discipline and leadership helped her this summer when she did an internship at Ferguson Enterprises, Inc., a wholesale supplier of commercial and residential plumbing supplies located in Newport News, Virginia.

Alumni Connections
Orga secured her internship after meeting Spencer Gilmore II ’89 at Boot Camp, RMC’s annual two-day immersion program in which students learn to identify their career passions, and prepare for success after college. Gilmore, senior manager of strategic business services at Ferguson, later met with Orga and helped guide her through the internship-application process.

At Ferguson, Orga helped create training programs to address the needs of the center; delivered orientation materials to new Ferguson associates; and collaborated with a team of managers to create ideas and problem-solve.

“Lauren did a great job this summer,” says Gilmore. “She took full advantage of her opportunity, meeting many people and providing great work for the company. She also positioned herself very well to apply for a full-time job in our trainee program after she graduates.”

During his tenure at RMC, Gilmore did internships at Ethyl Corporation and Crestar Bank—experiences he considers critical to his career success.

“RMC students who take advantage of all that The Edge offers and participate in internships obtain a set of comprehensive skills and experiences that truly set them apart from others,” he says. “The Boot Camp program is second to none, as it connects students with alumni and provides them with the tools necessary to navigate the world of career placement. The Edge packages the entire Randolph-Macon experience—from technical to practical education to life skills and career coaching—helping students excel personally and professionally far beyond graduation.”

Lifelong Skills
“At Ferguson, I applied what I had learned in the classroom and built relationships with professionals—all while learning more about the industry,” says Orga. “Internships teach lifelong skills that students will carry with them throughout their lives. Because of the experience I gained from my internship, the courses I have taken at Randolph-Macon, and what I learned from The Edge, I will be prepared to enter the job market.””

Bernice Maldonado-Morant, training & quality assurance manager at Ferguson, says, “Lauren had the opportunity to shadow and learn about each department we service. I was very impressed with Lauren: She worked independently and delivered high-quality training presentations.”

Field Work
Orga has played soccer for RMC since her freshman year.

“As a member of the team, I have learned teamwork, discipline, time management and leadership skills, all of which have become useful both on and off the field,” she says. “I also have made friendships that will last a lifetime.” A member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Orga helps organize community service efforts and promote a positive student-athlete image. She has helped build houses as a member of RMC’s Habitat for Humanity chapter, and she has participated in Relay for Life, a campus event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. After graduating from Randolph-Macon, Orga plans to pursue an MBA.

“The best part about being a Yellow Jacket is that I’m part of a family,” she says. “Randolph-Macon has amazing professors and students—both of which contribute to the college’s diverse, positive atmosphere.”