An Elizabethtown College education is for people who feel the pull to contribute to the world. With a network of 24,425 living alumni, our graduates leave Etown to become the influential advocates and changemakers the world needs more of.
Meet Margaret B. Smith ’75, a Social Work alumna who started her own consultation business, UXL, where she coaches people on career transitions, leadership, and effective business communications.
“I still meet with a group of eight women from Etown every year, and those relationships are the biggest, best, and most impactful part of my Etown experience.”
What defined your Etown experience?
The relationships I built with fellow students was the most defining part of my Etown experience. I was part of the first group of students to live in Founders Residence Hall, and the students of C2 became very close. I still meet with a group of eight women from Etown every year, and those relationships are the biggest, best, and most impactful part of my Etown experience.
How has Etown changed you as a person?
Although I kind of paved my own path, I attribute my beginnings to decisions I made while at Etown and would have never even considered sales and marketing if it wasn’t for the opportunities offered at Etown.
How has your Etown degree benefitted you and your career success?
I earned my degree in Social Work and, coming out of College, had offers within the field, but ultimately decided to work as a merchandiser for the Hershey Chocolate Company after I interviewed with them on campus. I was promoted several times in the Hershey Chocolate Company and decided to remain in sales. I moved on to work for 3M in 1982 as a Sales Representative for the Industrial Business.
I was in this role for six years, promoted three times.and was then offered a Marketing position at the world headquarters in St. Paul, Minn. I started as an entry-level marketer, eventually working my way up to a business director in the automotive aftermarket industry. I was very successful during my career role and had the opportunity to travel the world, manage many different types of businesses and experience world class business leadership. My position at the company was eliminated in 2009 due to economic changes, and although offered another position I decided it was time to try something on my own, so I started, UXL.
UXL coaches people on career transitions, leadership, and effective communication in business. It works to help people communicate and get what they deserve in their careers, teams function at their best and leaders show up as strong and respected managers Companies hire me to work with individuals they wish to invest in, teams that need support to grow and contribute and emerging leaders that just need a little extra support. I also develop and facilitate leadership programs and am a licensed practitioner for Insights Discovery.
View more Etown Changemakers at etown.edu/125.