College Experiences That Helped A Technical Marketing Manager At Edmund Optics Succeed
Cory's undergraduate experience, particularly the rigorous optical engineering curriculum, taught the importance of "really applying myself" and developing strong study habits, skills crucial for a successful career. The unexpected benefit of creative communication projects, such as transforming video lab reports into a "soap opera," honed presentation and engagement skills equally valuable in their current role as a Technical Marketing Manager.
Communication, Problem-Solving, Resilience, Technical Skills, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Cory Boone
Technical Marketing Manager
Edmund Optics
University of Arizona, Graduated in 2016
M.B.A. from University of North Dakota
Biology & Related Sciences
Technology, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Communication and Marketing
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient
Video Highlights
1. Develop strong study habits and time management skills. Success in college, especially in a challenging field like engineering, requires dedication and the ability to learn effectively.
2. Cultivate communication skills. Find creative ways to present technical information, such as through video projects or engaging presentations. These skills are highly valuable in technical marketing and many other fields.
3. Embrace challenging coursework. Pushing yourself academically builds resilience and problem-solving skills that are transferable to various professional settings. The experience of overcoming difficult challenges is extremely valuable
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
In undergrad, my focus was on the engineering side of things. I had coasted through high school, always feeling at the top of my class. College was a rude awakening; I no longer felt as smart when surrounded by talented optical engineers.
I had to learn how to study and put in many hours, really applying myself. This skill has carried through to everything in my life. It was incredibly useful for the technical aspects.
While I didn't realize it at the time, developing communication skills became invaluable for what I do now. For example, in video lab reports, my lab partners and I turned them into a soap opera. We had an overarching plot, theme song, and characters.
We still completed the lab reports, but we got creative and had fun. Those skills surprisingly prepared me for my future, which combines engineering with communication, making it interesting and engaging.
Some things that prepared me for my current work were accidental. However, the most important part was tackling the challenge of an optical engineering degree. Learning how to get through that was the most crucial thing.