For Justin Donaca '10, landing a position at Octagon was always the dream. It just took some persistence—and a single-minded focus—to get there.

Donaca first learned about the global sports and entertainment marketing powerhouse when he met some of the agency's representatives while volunteering to help out with ESPN College GameDay for the 2009 Ducks vs. USC game.

Fresh out of school, Donaca started work as a technical recruiter at an information technology staffing firm. But he just couldn't shake his passion for a career in sports marketing. "I always had Octagon in the back of my mind," recalled Donaca.

Seeking advice, Donaca got back in touch with James Chang, director of career services at the Lundquist College. When Chang suggested he apply for a newly available contract position at Octagon, Donaca jumped at the chance, and he was hired as one of thirty-six event coordinators for last summer's BMW Drive for Team USA event.

The next four months saw Donaca driving BMW 3 Series and other luxury vehicles in nineteen states throughout the eastern United States, as part of an Octagon-run promotion creating awareness of BMW's new line.

Two more contract positions later, and Donaca was invited to apply for a full-time position at Octagon. This January he started work at the firm and is now the account executive for PPL EnergyPlus, the official sponsor of the Philadelphia Union, that city's Major League Soccer team.

Looks like Donaca is well on his way to his dream career.