Alec, Director of Business Operatins at Select Star: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from civil engineering to investment banking, consulting, and ultimately, a Director of Business Operations role at a dynamic data startup, reveals a path filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons.
Select Star's growth mirrored Alec's expanding responsibilities, encompassing customer success, sales, and overall operational management.
A typical day blends external client interactions—demos, trials, negotiations—with internal strategic planning and new hire onboarding.
Success requires proactive problem-solving, strong communication, and the ability to "manage up." The most rewarding aspect is the direct impact on a rapidly evolving business, particularly in a constantly innovating data discovery industry.
Challenges include prioritization and time management, but the fast-paced environment fosters continuous learning and improvement.
Entry-level analysts at startups offer a great starting point, emphasizing a willingness to tackle diverse tasks for significant growth potential.
Key takeaways include the importance of proactive communication, leveraging college resources for networking and exploration, and understanding that consistent effort leads to improvement, regardless of the field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Alec Bialosky
Director of Business Operatins
Select Star
Tufts 2011
UCLA Anderson (MBA)
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Engineering - Civil
Data Management
Operations and Project Management
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Career Path of a Director of Business Operations at Select Star
Alec's career journey, beginning with a civil engineering degree and an initial foray into construction management ("kind of bored with it"), unexpectedly led to investment banking in the telecom sector before a seven-year stint in consulting, punctuated by business school. This ultimately culminated in Alec's current role leading business operations at a data-focused startup, fulfilling Alec's desire to "build a business."
Main Responsibilities of a Director of Business Operations at Select Star
Alec, the Director of Business Operations at Select Star, joined a small company (12 people) and has since seen significant growth (to 26 people), taking on a broad range of responsibilities including leading customer success, "leading sales in sort of an interim capacity," and overseeing all operational aspects to ensure the business runs smoothly. This demonstrates the evolution of Alec's role alongside the company's expansion.
A Day in the Life of a Director of Business Operations at Select Star
Alec's role as Director of Business Operations at Select Star involves a dynamic mix of external and internal responsibilities; a typical day might include customer calls, "showing them a demo, walking them through trial, negotiating the actual subscription," alongside internal meetings focused on onboarding new hires and strategic initiatives like sales targeting and financial modeling, reflecting the varied nature of the position.
Most Important Skills for a Director of Business Operations at Select Star
Alec, a Director of Business Operations at Select Star, emphasizes the importance of "being proactive" and "managing up" in a startup environment where independent problem-solving and a strong sense of ownership are crucial. Effective communication, both internally and with customers, is also highlighted as a critical skill for success in this multifaceted role.
Favorite Parts of Being a Director of Business Operations at Select Star
Alec, Director of Business Operations at Select Star, finds the most rewarding aspect of their current role to be "having a direct impact on the business," a significant shift from their consulting experience where implementation of recommendations was uncertain. This direct impact, coupled with the collaborative nature of building the company and the constant interaction with colleagues, customers, and engineers, fuels Alec's drive and makes the role fulfilling.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Director Of Business Operations At Select Star
Alec, Director of Business Operations at Select Star, cites prioritization and time management as the biggest challenges, stating that "there's so much stuff to do and not enough hours in the day." This necessitates focusing on high-impact activities and accepting "perfect is the enemy of good," a crucial lesson learned in their new sales-related role.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Data Industry as a Director of Business Operations
Alec, a Director of Business Operations at Select Star, enjoys working in the data discovery industry because it is "a really exciting time" with constant innovation; the company is at the forefront of industry advancements, and Alec finds it rewarding to see the impact of their product on modern organizations.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Startup World, According To A Director Of Business Operations At Select Star
Alec, a Director of Business Operations at Select Star, identifies a "bias for action" and comfort with ambiguity as key traits for success in the startup world, explaining that "everything is a chance to do something new and improve upon what was done before," but acknowledging this fast-paced, less structured environment isn't ideal for everyone.
What A Director Of Business Operations At Select Star Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Technology Industry
Alec, a Director of Business Operations, wishes they had known the significant sales component of the role beforehand, stating, "how much sales was gonna be involved," impacting their initial ramp-up. Understanding the technology used was also crucial for success, highlighting the importance of technical comprehension in a technology-focused business operations role.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Business Operations Analysts
Entry-level Business Operations Analyst roles, especially at startups seeking "cheap talent," offer significant growth potential. A willingness to handle diverse tasks, from "updating spreadsheets" to "Mission critical stuff," builds trust and allows for rapid advancement within the field.
Significant Career Lesson From a Director of Business Operations at Select Star
The most significant lesson Alec learned is "the ability to manage up," proactively anticipating needs and communicating effectively. This involves presenting solutions, not just problems, building trust by demonstrating initiative and competence, and ultimately, ensuring that management has confidence in their ability to handle challenges.
College Experiences That Helped a Director of Business Operations at Select Star Succeed
Alec's undergraduate experience, while initially focused on architecture, unexpectedly shaped their career through strong networking and athletic involvement; the latter taught valuable lessons about "practice and understanding that if you put the time in...you can improve." They suggest future students leverage "the student card" to explore career options by proactively engaging with professionals and learning about their daily work.
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