Allison Russo: From Intern to Regional Director
What is it like to intern for Medasource? Or better yet, what is it like to grow your career at the same company you interned at? In honor of National Intern Day, we sat down with Allison Russo, Medasource’s Regional Sales Director, to discuss her 12-year journey with Medasource and the Eight Eleven Family of Companies that all started with an internship in May 2012.
How Did You Get Started with Medasource & The Eight Eleven Family of Companies?
“I started interning for (Eight Eleven Group) back in May 2012 and then got hired on as full-time in June 2013. One of my first responsibilities was consultant experience. The recruiters would give me a list of candidates that were their ‘hotbookers’ or people that were really strong but we just didn’t have any work for them at that time. I would then call them just to check in, see how they were doing, and let them know we were thinking about them. From there, I moved to sourcing resumes. I would sit down with the Recruiting lead in the morning and see where they needed the most support. Then I would comb the job boards and send any relevant resumes to the recruiter working on that req (job posting). My absolute favorite though was the check drops. Back (in 2012) we would hand deliver all paystubs to consultants each Friday, so I would get the AEs to allow me to come along so I could get on-site and see all the action firsthand.”
What Initially Attracted You to Medasource at the Time?
“I initially heard about the internship from Amanda Cucinotti (current Medasource Technology Vertical Director) who was in my sorority. She had been the intern before me and was going full-time after college. I thought it was an awesome sign that she got a full-time job, and so instantly threw my hat in the ring. I think for me, it was the fact that no one treated me as just an ‘intern’. I had a few internships previously, and the interns were always kind of a separate group. From day one, I was interacting with everyone in the office, and they wanted to see me succeed – it just felt so genuine!”
(2012) Allison poses in front of Brooksource’s booth, a sister company of Medasource, at The St. Joseph’s University Career Fair ready to recruit.
How Was Your Transition to Full-Time?
“I actually had no gap at all. I interned my entire Senior year of college and went full-time as soon as I graduated. The most impactful part of my internship truly was that I learned the job before I had to do it. I understood what we did, and how we did it before I was expected to do it on my own. When I did go full-time, I felt way ahead of everyone else because of that knowledge that I had. I really think it helped me jumpstart my career, and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything. Once (graduated), I became a recruiter for Brooksource (at the time Medasource was just starting) and then when I got promoted and transitioned into sales, I started working directly for Medasource.”
What Is Your Current Role Now?
“I am currently the Regional Director for Medasource. I oversee our sales teams in Washington DC, New York/New Jersey, and Philadelphia. My main responsibilities are ensuring our sales team has the strategy and structure needed to succeed; while also assisting with our high-level client relationships. Before transitioning to my current role, I was a Sales Lead in Philadelphia, and prior to that I was a Senior Account Executive for 5 years.”
Allison’s Employment Timeline
Intern
May 2012
Recruiter
June 2013
Account Executive
March 2014
Senior Account Executive
December 2017
Regional Director - Sales
January 2019
Did Eight Eleven Group’s Professional Development Programs Help Prepare You?
“The Eight Eleven University program has helped me tremendously to prepare for this role. It’s pushed me outside my comfort zone to accomplish things I normally might not have done, while all tying me back to our core values. It’s also really helpful as a coach because it’s a way I can assure my team that this company really cares about its people and is willing to invest in them.”
What Would You Say to Someone Wondering About Medasource’s Room for Growth?
“I think one of the coolest things about our leadership team today is the fact that all these roles didn’t exist when I started, and many didn’t even exist 2 years ago! As our team grows, so has our leadership, and that creates so much opportunity for everyone.”
(2014): Allison (Front Row) poses for a picture with her team at a client event.
Why Have You Stayed with Medasource All This Time?
“Definitely the people, but also the growth opportunities. For me to be happy long term, I need to know that there is always something I can be working towards. When I’ve had an idea of how I think things could improve – it’s listened to! If I want to tweak how I do something to help us all grow – it’s supported! I love that about this company.”
(November 2022): Mike Finnegan, Medasource President, addresses the Medasource employees from the stage as they celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary.
What Would You Say to Someone Wondering About Medasource’s Culture?
“I would tell them I don’t think there is another company with sales as its focus that is as supportive as this company is. When you think of a sales team, most people think cutthroat, but we are the opposite. Because everyone has their own lane to swim in, we run fast together, and that is so rare! There have been so many moments where I had people believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Those same people are the reason I get out of bed and push myself every day. If you are going to spend as much time with your coworkers as everyone else in your life, then they should be a group of people who elevate and support you - and I have that here.”