College Experiences That Helped A Head Of Marketing At Storybook Marketing Succeed
Cami's career success stems from a proactive approach to opportunities, exemplified by "saying yes" to over 10 internships and cultivating a vast network of over 200 personal connections. This included seizing unexpected chances, like finding a discarded business card which led to an NBC Sports interview, highlighting the value of networking and building relationships beyond formal channels.
Networking, Communication, Career Exploration, Open-mindedness, Confidence
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Cami Bartel
Head of Marketing Strategy
Storybook Marketing, formerly The Knot Worldwide
Texas Christian University
MBA from Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Communications
Technology, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Communication and Marketing
Honors Student, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Be open-minded and say yes to diverse opportunities. Cami highlights her 10+ internships as a testament to this approach.
2. Cultivate a strong professional network beyond LinkedIn. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections and actively engaging with people.
3. Actively participate in networking events and don't shy away from reaching out to professionals directly. Her example of finding a business card and landing an interview demonstrates the value of proactive networking.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
That's a great question. At its core, being open-minded and saying yes to different opportunities is key. That's why I had over ten different internships. When I saw something I was interested in, I applied and just figured it out as I went.
It's also how I built a network of over 200 personal connections outside of LinkedIn. I collected their phone numbers and emails over time in college.
Here's a quick anecdote: I was an intern for my college's athletic program. During a football game, I saw a crumpled piece of paper on the field. It was dirty and grass-stained, but I picked it up, and it was for a producer at NBC Sports.
Instead of discarding it, I took it home and emailed him that night. I explained I was an intern and had found his business card, asking about internship opportunities. He actually got me an interview with NBC Sports for an internship. It didn't work out, but I wouldn't have gotten the interview if I hadn't said yes to that networking opportunity.
So, say yes to all the networking opportunities at your university. Attend speaker events and wait around to introduce yourself to the speaker. I secured two other internships that way.
You need to make those personal connections and build relationships. This habit not only expands your network and brings more opportunities but also boosts your confidence. It hones your speaking and interpersonal skills, which will be invaluable throughout your career.