Alumna’s Future Began on the Executive Level and Got Even Better

Schill pictured at Sentry headquarters

Like her father and brother before her, Megan wanted to be a Pointer. “I chose UW-Stevens Point because it has a reputation of being a great college and because it is close to my hometown of Wisconsin Rapids,” she said. Even after switching majors from art to psychology, Megan was unsure about a career path. She was sure, however, that completing her degree meant working her way through school. After a few months of general cleaning duties for Cleanpower in the Sentry Insurance Home Office, Megan was moved up to the executive offices. At that moment fate stepped in.

Thanks to his own work ethic, Peter G. McPartland, president and CEO of Sentry Insurance, is a familiar face to many of the evening cleaning staff. “I met Pete while cleaning on the executive floor,” remembers Megan. “We had a few conversations in passing. He would ask me about where I am from, school and my plans for the future. A few weeks before graduation, we ran into each other at Sentry. He was very encouraging and offered to be a reference for me in my job search or to talk about career opportunities at Sentry.”

Megan made a definite impression on McPartland. “She was here every night, on time, smiling, talkative but not imposing … an articulate, steady performer,” he said. During their chats he also sensed living in Central Wisconsin meant something to her. A month after graduating, Megan joined Sentry Insurance, first as a temporary associate, and soon after in the Human Resources department.

“Megan has the quality of all successful people,” said Jayne Petruska, director of talent and development at Sentry. “It is a willingness to do the work. She took a mundane assignment at first, made it her own and is now on her way. She is the face of the department.”

As the leader of one of the area’s major employers, McPartland relies on UW-Stevens Point to give students the rigorous academic preparation necessary to contribute and succeed in the real world. Sentry also looks for the ability to work collaboratively. Megan credits her UW-Stevens Point experience with developing effective interpersonal skills. “A large portion of my job involves customer service and my psychology and human services courses in particular have helped me in dealing with people. It is very important in my job to function well in a team environment. Looking back, group projects in college provided me with the skills that I use daily.”

McPartland also stresses the importance of intangibles that are characteristic of
UW-Stevens Point graduates. “Perseverance, flexibility, positive attitude, passion, kindness and thoughtfulness—these are all qualities we look for, along with a love of Wisconsin and the outdoors, a work-life balance and a sense of humor.”

As she emptied wastebaskets, scrubbed sinks and mopped floors, Megan Schill thought about her future. As he came to know and respect Megan, Pete McPartland also thought about her future and how he could help her out of the executive offices and into a job that utilized her potential.

Today, the future is bright and promising for this UW-Stevens Point alumna.