By Adriana Betancourt
From stepping into Barsema Hall for the first time to launching a career in technology sales, Devin Gonzalez’s journey at NIU is a powerful example of what’s possible when preparation meets purpose.
A December 2024 graduate with a B.S. degree in marketing and a Certificate in Professional Selling, Gonzalez maximized his time at NIU through deep involvement in organizations such as Pi Sigma Epsilon, our Professional Sales Program, the Experiential Learning Center and the Hispanic Business Student Association. As a first-generation college graduate, Gonzalez navigated the “hidden curriculum” of higher education with resilience, hustle and curiosity, turning challenges into strengths along the way.
Q: How would you describe your overall experience as an NIU student?
A: As an NIU student, I would say my overall experience was extremely positive. From the moment I stepped into Barsema Hall, I knew I made the right choice. There was always a resource and/or someone to connect with that could help point me in the right direction. The faculty and student body are full of growth-minded individuals, which made me feel that my time spent there was valuable. The culture provided there allowed me to fail safely and make new friends along the way. NIU is a place that rewards hustle. If you were willing to put in the work and get involved, the doors were always open.
Q: How did balancing academics, organizations and your personal life challenge you and what did it teach you?
A: Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with leadership roles in Pi Sigma Epsilon and my personal life was a defining challenge that taught me success is about much more than just working hard, it’s about strategic prioritization. Navigating those competing demands forced me to develop the discipline to manage my time with precision and the resilience to stay focused when things got high-pressure. I learned how to pivot quickly between being a student, a leader and a peer, which is a skill that has been directly transferable to a fast-paced career in sales. Ultimately, that balancing act at NIU provided me with the professional grit and organizational foundation I need to manage a complex workload today.
Q: Were there any courses, professors or hands-on experience at NIU that particularly prepared you for a career in sales?
A: While the entire curriculum was strong, MKTG 411 was undoubtedly the most impactful course of my college career. It provided a unique platform to network directly with sales leaders in the tech world, which completely shifted my perspective on the field and solidified my decision to pursue a career in technology. This hands-on exposure was elevated by the mentorship of Robert Peterson and Jenny Redisi. Their ability to bring high-level, real-world corporate examples into the classroom made the material incredibly engaging and removed the “mystery” of what to expect after graduation. Thanks to their insights and the practical nature of the course, I felt I didn’t just have a degree, I had a head start in understanding the nuances of the corporate tech landscape.
Q: Did you have a mentor at NIU (a professor, advisor, coach or peer) who played a key role in your journey?
A: While Robert Peterson and Jenny Redisi were instrumental in my academic training, they also served as pivotal mentors who shaped my professional identity. Beyond the classroom lectures, they took the time to offer personalized guidance that helped me navigate my own strengths and career ambitions. Their mentorship provided me with a safe space to ask difficult questions about the industry and, more importantly, the confidence to believe that I belonged in high-level corporate environments. Having mentors who were truly invested in my success as a person not just as a student, was the catalyst I needed to transition from the classroom to a competitive career in tech sales with a sense of purpose
Q: What advice would you give College of Business students who are interested in sales but may feel unsure about entering such a competitive field? A: To students feeling hesitant about the competitive nature of sales, my advice is to reframe how you view “competition.” It isn’t about being the loudest or most outgoing person in the room, but about being the most prepared and the most empathetic. Sales, at its core, is a service-oriented profession focused on solving complex problems for your clients. If you shift your focus from “winning the deal” to “providing the most value,” the competitive pressure naturally transforms into a professional drive. Trust the world-class foundation you are building in the NIU Professional Sales Program, stay curious and remember that the resilience you develop as a Huskie is exactly what will set you apart and allow you to thrive in any high-stakes environment
Q: What is one piece of advice you wished you had received as a student?
A: One piece of advice I wish I had received is that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t need to have every single step perfectly mapped out by graduation. As students, we often feel immense pressure to find the perfect first job, but the reality is that your early career is primarily about building a foundation of transferable skills and finding the right environment to grow. Focus more on the quality of the people you will be learning from and the problems you’ll be solving rather than just the initial title or paycheck. If you prioritize being a lifelong learner and stay adaptable, the success you’re working toward will follow naturally as you find your rhythm in the professional world.
Q: What were some challenges you faced as a first-generation student that others might not always see or understand?
As a first-generation student, the most significant challenge was navigating the “hidden curriculum.” Unlike students with family members in corporate roles, I had to build my own road map for things like securing internships, building a professional brand and understanding corporate etiquette from scratch. This often came with a side of imposter syndrome, where I felt I had to work twice as hard to prove I belonged in high-stakes environments. However, overcoming those hurdles taught me a level of resourcefulness and self-advocacy that has been vital in my sales career. It taught me how to walk into rooms where I don’t know anyone and confidently build connections, turning what initially felt like a disadvantage into one of my greatest professional strengths.
As Gonzalez continues his career in technology sales, his experience serves as a reminder that success is built through preparation, adaptability and a willingness to step into unfamiliar spaces. His story is one that future Huskies can look for motivation as they navigate their own paths.
