AU Student Body President 2005: Where Is He Now?
Think back to Camp War Eagle. You may not be able to remember much of what you learned about Auburn University, but you may remember one of the first faces you saw that day, the face of the Student Government Association President.
In the spring of every year, SGA holds elections for student senators, SGA treasurer, vice-president and president. It is an intense week full of meeting students, making appearances and debating platforms. Then, the winning candidate serves Auburn through this capacity for one year, but then what?
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John Tatum, SGA President 2005-2006, has taken the lessons he learned during his reign and applying them to life out of the AU spotlight.
John is current executive manager for a private day trading company located in Mobile, Alabama. There at the Day Trading Institute, John organizes seminars and marketing campaigns for seminars that take place in Orlando, Houston and Tokyo. He is also responsible for writing executive summaries for the CEO and conducting market research when devising contracts with allied businesses and support sales.
Tatum believes the recognition and public face time the position of SGA President offered, helped prepare him for the real world.
“I realized you cannot please everyone. There will always be people who disappoint you and you will always disappoint others, no matter the decision. You simply have to do what you feel is in the best interest of the organization.�
Having the opportunity to demonstrate his skills and test his ability to accomplish goals and tasks through this leadership role has given him the self confidence to take on more difficult goals. Tatum’s mindset that originated at Auburn is still very present in his life today. He said as long as he is progressing, moving forward and continually becoming better and more valuable, he is doing what he did at Auburn University.
During his time leading the Student Government Association, Tatum recognized the magnitude of a smart, friendly and hard working team. “It is the students on SGA Cabinet that work tirelessly for Auburn to produce events that passes almost all others in attendance and quality. I am proud to have had the opportunity to know these people and worked with them.� John said.
He believes it is these students who end up becoming great alumni. These special individuals make Auburn what it truly is.
When asked for advice to future SGA Presidents, Tatum spoke mostly about remembering their purpose and delivering their promises. He said, “Never to lose sight of the people you are working for and always show appreciation to the ones who are working for you.�
He also suggested spending time with the trustees and administration, learn to speak in public and never speak harsh words. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime.�
Tatum graduated August 2006 with a BA in finance. In addition to his job at The Day Trading Institute, Tatum has also picked up a few side projects along the way. He is a hedge fund principle and co-owner of Florentine Management Group LLC and Florentine Holdings LLC. Within these projects, Tatum works with other principals in making partnership decisions and selling accounts. He also creates marketing material, makes trading decisions and works with principles of institution and family office funds.
From Tatum’s experience, he took with him numerous lessons, memories and friendships he will never forget. He is grateful for his opportunity to serve Auburn University.
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