College Experiences That Helped a Head of Strategic Planning at Monster Energy Succeed
Blake's undergraduate experience at the University of Michigan, particularly joining a fraternity, fostered "a new level of confidence" and improved communication skills, which became key strengths in their career. This experience highlights the importance of networking and building relationships alongside academic pursuits, emphasizing that "it's not just all about what you know, it's who you know."
Communication, Networking, Confidence, Leadership, Teamwork
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Blake Britten
Head of Strategic Planning
Monster Energy Company
University of Michigan, 2006
UCLA Anderson, MBA
Engineering - Industrial
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Food, Beverages & Alcohol
Business Strategy
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Build strong communication and engagement skills: Blake emphasizes the importance of charisma and the ability to connect with people, highlighting these as key differentiators in his career. This suggests that students should actively cultivate their communication skills through various avenues, including extracurricular activities and social interactions.
2. Network and build relationships: Blake's experience in joining a fraternity demonstrates the value of networking and building relationships. He indicates that 'it's not just about what you know, it's who you know,' underscoring the importance of interpersonal connections in career advancement.
3. Find a balance between academics and extracurriculars: Blake's story shows that success isn't solely defined by academic achievements. He emphasizes the importance of finding a balance that incorporates both academics and extracurricular activities, suggesting that a well-rounded college experience can be beneficial for career success. He found this balance by joining a fraternity and emphasizes the positive impact it had on his career.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad that set you up for success in your career?
I started by picking the right school. Go Blue! Michigan was an incredible institution, and I loved every minute of my time there. For me, it was about breaking out of my shell from high school.
I was a huge introvert and took things a little too seriously, almost letting it define me. But when I got to college, I joined the Pike fraternity. It completely broke me out of my shell and gave me a new level of confidence.
It wasn't just academics; I became a real person, someone people liked and had fun with. I think that has really helped as a jumping-off point for my career. My charisma and ability to communicate and engage with people have been an absolute strength.
This has helped differentiate me from peers who may have analytics or data capabilities but can't communicate, engage, or sell to people. I really think that unlocked for me as a Pike at the University of Michigan. I made friends, had a ton of fun, and recognized that it's not just about what you know, but who you know and being able to build those relationships.