Campus Connection

How networking helped UWL senior Megan Coughlin launch her marketing career 

For UW-La Crosse senior Megan Coughlin, a moment of courage during a networking event turned into a life-changing career opportunity.  

Set to graduate in May, Coughlin says the College of Business Administration (CBA) played a major role in helping her build the confidence to connect with professionals and pursue opportunities beyond campus. 

“The CBA has always emphasized how beneficial conversations and networking can be in the long run,” Coughlin explains. “Being part of the CBA Ambassador program gave me opportunities to meet and talk with many different business professionals through events hosted by the college.”

Those experiences helped Coughlin grow more comfortable introducing herself, asking questions and presenting herself professionally — skills that proved invaluable when she attended an American Marketing Association (AMA) Milwaukee Summer Social the summer before her junior year. 

Despite feeling nervous walking into the event, Coughlin pushed herself to attend. 

“I felt like I had nothing to offer,” she recalls. “I had an internship that summer, but I was surrounded by people with years and years of experience in marketing. It was intimidating.” 

At the event, Coughlin struck up a conversation with Michele Tonkovitz, president of the AMA Milwaukee chapter and founder of the marketing agency Green Onion Creative. What began as a casual conversation turned into something more. 

After the event, Coughlin reached out to Tonkovitz and asked if she would be open to continuing the conversation over coffee. Before returning to campus for the fall semester, Coughlin met with her to learn more about Tonkovitz’s career and her experience running a women-owned marketing business. 

The two stayed in touch throughout Coughlin’s time at UWL, connecting whenever she returned home during breaks. Eventually, Tonkovitz invited Coughlin to join the team at Green Onion Creative, where she gained hands-on experience and mentorship in the marketing industry. 

What began with a simple introduction ultimately led to a full-time job opportunity after graduation. 

Looking back, Coughlin says the experience changed how she views professional relationships. 

“You never know where a connection can take you,” she says. “Even if you feel like you have nothing to offer, just having a conversation can open doors you never expected.” 

Her advice to other students who may feel hesitant about networking is simple: Show up and be willing to talk. 

“It can be intimidating, and sometimes you don’t know what to say,” Coughlin says. “But just being there and starting a conversation is the biggest step. Connections can become your biggest advantage in the business world.”