Mingling on the green an effective way to network, Milthorpe tells students

Kathy Milthorpe ’82 is one of the few speakers at Mays Business School who will encourage the students to play while on the clock. The chief financial officer and treasurer for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and The LPGA Foundation said time on the golf course is a tried-and-true process for developing business relationships.

“It’s one of the few places where you can get three to four hours of uninterrupted time with a client, a customer, a colleague or a supervisor – and with a scramble type format used in most corporate and community events, it’s not necessary to be an experienced golfer,” said Milthorpe, who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University and was named an Outstanding Alumna of Mays in 2015.

Milthorpe started her career at professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, then went to work with the LPGA, which was a client. This is her third stint with the organization, each time in different roles. Now she oversees IT, finance, human resources and strategic planning. She said she enjoys the varying roles, and its entrepreneurial feel.

David Jordan ’16, a Business Honors and finance major, said he enjoyed learning about the LPGA’s utilization of its global television presence, which will allow the sport to thrive while developing a stronger domestic presence. For instance, Milthorpe said every time an LPGA event is broadcast, it is distributed to more than 170 countries with an average 182 million viewers worldwide.

Milthorpe said she enjoys working for the LPGA because it is global, the players are very engaging and the sponsors generously support the organization’s goals. She urged the students to develop the mindset of athletes on their jobs. “Have that passion and that drive to not give up,” she said. She also encouraged them to get involved in civic organizations, serve on local boards and work with local charities. “That way, you can develop leadership skills outside the workplace while also making a positive impact in your local community.”

Business Honors major Daniel Moore ’18 said he gained insight on some of the skills necessary to hold a high position within a company. “She explained how having sound technical skills is important, but having excellent leadership and social skills can be the key to setting oneself apart,” he said. “Furthermore, this opportunity reminded me that accomplishing simple tasks – such as writing a hand-written thank-you note or attending social events outside of work – can open many doors within the business world.”

Milthorpe also reminded the students they can start networking before they leave college. “You have the power of networking right here in your building,” she said. “You can talk to your professors and to representatives from companies that visit and recruit at Texas A&M. And you should be working toward finding a mentor – usually someone a little ahead of you, with a little more experience. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. It’s actually a sign of a good employee, and one who wants to advance professionally.”

Connor York ’16, an accounting and Business Honors major, said Milthorpe affirmed the adage: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” “Mrs. Milthorpe solidified this concept even further and it caused me understand the need to use your network to spread your interests, work hard to achieve those interests, and be open to new opportunities,” York said. “The most prominent way to further your career is to express with enthusiasm and passion what your goals are to those who are willing to listen.”

Business Honors major Catherine Carbery ’19 said Milthorpe’s talk motivated her to develop her Linkedin profile to make new connections and help find new opportunities. “She stressed the importance of finding a career that you are passionate about and that exposes you to many different things,” she said. “She explained the importance of networking and encouraged us to create our own personal brand that is unique to us.”