Mark Swaggard’s first contact with Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP), was at the annual Duquesne University job fair. After talking with ADP recruiters and engaging in a series of intensive interviews, Mark landed an internship that eventually led to a full-time position as District Manager after he graduated.

Indeed, just four months after graduating from Duquesne, Mark won the National ADP Idea Challenge. The challenge, open to over 50,000 ADP employees, solicits innovative ideas to improve the company. Mark was selected as one of the top five idea makers. He presented his plan to ADP’s executive team in New York City. Following his presentation, the judges opted to forgo the Q&A Session and instead began bouncing around ideas to support Mark’s pitch.

Mark’s innovative idea won first prize! His idea involves the use of data analytics that will improve the firm’s bottom line and increase brand awareness for ADP. After Mark was announced the winner, an ADP executive commented that she had never been more impressed by such a young talent. Mark is now working to implement his idea across ADP.

While developing his idea for the challenge, Mark worked closely with his professor, Dr. Peter Gianiodis, Merle E. Gilliand Professorship in Entrepreneurial Finance at the School of Business. Serving as his mentor, Peter met with Mark to develop his research, presentation and pitch. After winning the competition, Mark immediately called Peter to share his exciting news.

“I always believed I would make a difference because of my work ethic and dedication, but I didn’t know it was going to happen at the age of twenty-two.”

Congratulations to Mark for Impacting ADP!