Summer Sales

I really enjoy going to school. It is fun being on campus with thousands of other people just like me and the whole college atmosphere at the U is a fun one to be involved with. The campus is set on the east side of Salt Lake "up on the hill" and has great views overlooking downtown and the valley to the west with the mountains directly to the east. Having been attending the U for nearly 3 years now, I have a good knowledge of where all the buildings are and the quickest routes to get from one to another (the campus is quite large).

I have had my share of "shortcuts gone bad." For instance, about a month ago I was trying to find a good way to get from my communications class (lower campus - or downhill) to my economics class (upper campus - or uphill). I have only fifteen minutes between them and it takes about that time to get from one to the next. The Marriott Library, the main library on campus, is situated right in the middle of campus and subsequently right in the middle of my path to economics. After growing tired of always walking around the large and wide building, I decided that I was going to go through it.

Bad idea.

The library is going through a massive renovation and the south, east, and north entrances are all blocked off due to construction. Wish I would have known that before I entered this now-become labyrinth of twisted steel and concrete! After about 20 minutes of frantically trying to find my way out of there, I finally got to the exit, conveniently known as the entrance 20 minutes previous. I was by now, of course, 20 minutes late to class with another 10 of walking left to go. Although this is equivalent to a modern day horror story, and one that is for sure much more entertaining than I Still Know What You Did Last Summer or Scream, or even both of them combined, I would prefer to take that passage to class every day rather than the one I have to take from Writing to Math.

In order for me to get to the Engineering Building (where my math class is) from the Business Building (writing class), I have to pass by the Student Union. A great place to hang out, watch the game, bowl, get some food, or use the computers - the Student Union has many great attributes. But sometimes you just want a peaceful walk by the building and to be...

LEFT ALONE!

Ain't gonna happen. This is where the summer sales parasites wait for you. These leeches prey on college students, flashing their big signs that claim, "Make thousands of dollars in three months," and they will stop at nothing short of getting your attention. In Utah, it's all about selling security systems and pest control. They target the returned missionaries because RM's have experience going door to door and "selling religion." Now all you have to do is sell security systems. Just sugar coat the presentation, master slimy sales tactics, and you're good to go. Just don't plan on getting any sleep at night if you have a conscience.

I had this one guy from Platinum Security offer me a dollar bill just to listen to him. I refused, but felt rude when he kept talking and I was walking away, so mistakingly I stopped and listened. Within a minute he was trying to get me to sign a lengthy contract and told me that I was stupid and a failure if I didn't. I told him that he was wasting my time and got ready to leave. Trying to impress me, he threw the dollar bill in my direction and said "Here, take this, I don't need it, I work for Platinum and make thousands." I said to him, "I don't want it." If there is one thing that bugs me more than almost anything, it is people trying to impress me with their money. It's a dollar bill. It's made of paper. Sure it could have gotten me a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, or maybe a small box of French Fries, but it wasn't going to buy me happiness (just a few extra grams of fat).

I did the whole security summer extravaganza last year, and that's a story in of itself. I almost got tricked into something similar again this year with another company, but luckily I have learned my lesson and got out. Maybe, if you are lucky and I am in the mood, I will write about it sometime. But not today. The focal point today is this area by the union and avoiding the recruiters for summer sales. I have learned that if you go along the east side of the library and west of the waterfall, there are fewer recruiters. Plus the area is larger so it is harder for them to single you out. Also, if you have an ipod, it is an awesome weapon. Just put those headphones on and turn it up loud! Make sure it is loud enough so they know you can't hear them. Head forward, eyes straight, keep walking. Works flawlessly!

Now I am not trying to say that the opportunities presented by some of these recruiters aren't worthwhile for some people, but for me they aren't. I've been there, done that. It is possible to make some good money. But, if I ever wanted to do something like that again, I know where to go and how to sign up. I am just tired of getting harassed every day by these guys. Who are they to tell me what I want and don't want? Who are they to tell me that in order to truly be successful I must enlist in their army of salesmen?

I am proud to be a student of the University of Utah, and especially a university where freedom of speech and opinion can be expressed without consequence. I enjoy attending classes where opinions differ. I like to debate with others about the existence of God and similar controversial topics in an academic system without fear of being expelled. I am being prepared for the real world by interacting with those from all backgrounds and belief systems. I enjoy being "outside the bubble."

But, with freedom comes sacrifice.

Although I don't agree with the summer sales programs and their sales tactics, I respect their opinion and their right to be on campus. Thankfully, I have freedom of choice. That's what college is all about, or at least should be. Choosing for yourself what you want to become of your life. As for summer sales, the Utah college craze, I choose no.

Good reads that make you consider:

Summer Sales Jobs Lucrative, But Tricky
- Unbiased information from the school newspaper
Missing Ethics In Door-to-Door Alarm Sales
- Sounds similar to what tactics the recruiters use on college students. It's no wonder the recruiters are former "top salesmen"
Article about Firstline Security
-The company I worked for, went bankrupt, but undoubtedly similar to most other summer sale alarm companies.
And another
-Obviously I'm against this!