College Experiences That Helped a Google Category Business Manager Succeed
Christopher, a Category Business Manager at Google, credits "hang[ing] out with people that were not like [them]" in college as crucial for career success. This exposure to a diverse group of friends from various backgrounds fostered an ability to "thrive in environments that like aren't what you're used to," a skill essential in a diverse and transplant-heavy professional environment like San Francisco.
Networking, Communication, Adaptability, Diversity, Interpersonal Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Christopher Speed
Category Business Manager
CSU San Marcos
MBA University of San Diego
Economics
Manufacturing, Operations & Supply Chain, Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Building a diverse friend group in college provides exposure to different perspectives and prepares you for working with diverse colleagues in the workforce.
2. Learning to thrive in environments that are different from what you're used to is crucial for career success, especially in diverse locations like San Francisco.
3. Actively seeking out and engaging with people who are different from you in college will give you valuable experience for navigating the diverse environments you'll encounter in your career.
Transcript
What did you do in college that set you up for success in your career?
I hung out with people who were not like me. In college, I had a very diverse group of friends. These included people from my fraternity, those I played sports with, classmates, and members of the econ club. I surrounded myself with a diverse group of people.
The reason I mention this is that when you enter the workforce, nobody is exactly like you. They all come from different places. I live in San Francisco now, and everyone here is a transplant from somewhere else. I'm from San Diego and have been in San Francisco for four years.
The point is that learning how to thrive in environments that aren't what you're used to is really important. So, surround yourself with people who aren't your core group. This will give you exposure to things you'll encounter as you get older and start working.