Ava, Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy : Advize Career Interview
From impactful internships in sustainability-focused business development to launching a company during a pandemic, Ava's career journey at Ivy Energy, as a Business Development Representative, is fueled by passion and versatility.
The role focuses on expanding into new markets, crafting market entry strategies, and building connections with clients, all while navigating the challenges of a startup environment.
People skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are crucial, and the daily reward lies in aligning personal environmental values with professional endeavors, especially in the novel intersection of sustainability and real estate.
In this industry, active listening trumps extroversion, and "pushback" is viewed as a chance for refinement.
Aspiring professionals should consider entry-level associate, representative, or analyst roles, prioritizing networking and patience in the job search.
Despite potential gender imbalances in business, remembering one's value and contributions is key to thriving. College preparation involves pursuing passions through coursework and actively participating in clubs, even creating new ones.
If you're looking for a career where environmentalism meets business and where your voice can truly make a difference, this could be the path for you!
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Ava Naple
Business Development Representative
Ivy Energy
University of San Diego
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Business Management & Admin
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Honors Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy
Ava's career path was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and included impactful internships in marketing with a residential compost company, and business development for the non-profit Zero Food Print, both focused on "the combination between sustainability and business." As classes were remote, they also started their own company during a year off, which has helped prepare them for the current role at Ivy Energy.
Main Responsibilities of a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy
Ava, as a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy, has several responsibilities stemming from working at a startup, a role that requires one to "be versatile." A main focus is expanding into new markets, specifically leading the business development team's efforts to move from California to the East Coast, and overall the role is the "start of the customer journey," including outreach, connecting with clients, and handling campaigns.
A Day in the Life of a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy
Ava, a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy, says that "it changes every day," but a typical day involves phone and email outreach to potential real estate clients, along with industry research to identify ideal properties for partnership, and finally developing the market entry strategy.
Most Important Skills For A Business Development Representative At Ivy Energy
For a Business Development Representative role at Ivy Energy, "people skills" are crucial to understanding a client's needs and positioning the company as a solution, and "problem solving skills" are essential for navigating the inevitable challenges in a startup environment. Teamwork skills are also vital, as the role involves collaboration rather than operating in isolation.
Favorite Parts of Being a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy
Ava, a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy, deeply enjoys the role because it aligns with a personal passion for environmentalism and business, stating the company's mission is what makes the role enjoyable; furthermore, what makes the role especially appealing on "the day-to-day" is the interaction with "clients, potential clients, as well as team members."
Challenges For a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy
Ava, a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy, finds the biggest challenge in the role is communicating the company's novel and complex service in a way that real estate owners can easily understand, since Ivy Energy is "the first in our industry to ever do this". Effectively "relaying the message of what we do and how we can benefit real estate owners" is key to overcoming this communication hurdle.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Renewable Energy Industry as a Business Development Representative
Ava enjoys the intersection of sustainability and real estate, as traditionally, these two haven't been linked. Ivy Energy's work is especially rewarding because "we find a way to bring renewable energy to renters...and to make it profitable for the property owner," connecting the consumer to sustainable solutions.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Sales Industry, According To A Business Development Representative At Ivy Energy
Ava, a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy, believes thriving in the industry doesn't solely rely on being an extroverted "people person," but rather on active listening and truly understanding the customer's needs. Effectively conveying a point after thoroughly listening is, according to Ava, "the most important aspect" of success in business development.
What a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Energy Industry
Ava wishes someone had told them that in Business Development, "you're going to get pushback," but that this isn't inherently negative; rather, it's an opportunity to "review and revise your approach," and understand that not every prospect is the right fit, as "sometimes a client isn't meant to be a client."
Entry-level positions for aspiring Business Development Representatives
Ava, a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy, suggests that those looking to enter the sales world consider "business development associate or representative" roles as a great entry point, while "entry level analyst job[s]" can be helpful for those interested in real estate or sustainability. Overall, focusing on positions with titles like "associate, representative, analyst, or assistant" can be a helpful strategy for students.
Top Career Lesson From a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy
Ava, a Business Development Representative at Ivy Energy, learned two key lessons: first, "be patient" during the job search, as the perfect role, aligned with career growth, may take time to find, and second, prioritize networking because "it's going to be much easier to infiltrate an industry when you have that personal connection."
College Experiences That Helped A Business Development Representative At Ivy Energy Succeed
Ava suggests that while college differs from a career, preparation involves taking classes that excite one's interests, particularly through side courses categorized by areas one likes. Furthermore, "joining clubs and organizations" and even creating a new group with faculty support if interests aren't represented, like how a fellowship "ended up leading to an internship," significantly contributes to future career success as a Business Development Representative.
How Identity Influenced a Business Development Representative's Career at Ivy Energy
Ava acknowledges that women are "a little bit behind in the race" in business but are making progress, emphasizing the importance of not being discouraged by entering male-dominated spaces because "your voice matters." By remembering inherent value and purpose, one can use their intellect to fuel their contributions, even when in the minority.
Advizer Personal Links
www.linkedin.com/in/ava-naple ivy-energy.com