July 7, 2022

Meet Dave Appleton, he started his career with Drexel 20 years ago at the school of education, where he was a teacher and academic advisor. Dave is now the Associate Director of Student Services with the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship.

What are you most excited about in your new role at the Close School?

What really drew me to the role was being able to work with the students and see that they are getting the most out of their university experience. I’m excited to expose them to aspects of the university that they never would have thought about as well as work with the student entrepreneurs. I’m just blown away by their creativity, their mindsets, watching them problem solve, and their ability to collaborate with one another.

Just by looking at the alumni, I can tell that the Close School is preparing them to go into a world that is unpredictable and that requires a lot of adaptation. In that regard, I’m very excited to work with them to continue to build on their experience.

What advice would you give to students heading into their first co-op experience or job post-graduation?

Have an open mind, welcome new experiences, and recognize that the job won’t always be what you’re imagining. Take things step by step, be calm, listen, and find a balance between working on a team and taking initiative. The other advice I’d give is to seek out and find a good authentic mentor. And lastly, one of the things that are rare in this society is curiosity, so be curious and open to learning new things and really take in all aspects of the business/organization to get the most out of your experience.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love being a husband and a parent. I have two sons who are 13 and 12, and it’s the greatest thing I’ve done in my life. I also like to spend time outdoors whether it’s boating, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.