College Experiences that Helped a Chief Marketing Officer at Lookout Succeed
Deb, Lookout's Chief Marketing Officer, credits Cal Poly's "learned by doing" philosophy for her success, emphasizing the importance of practical skills over solely book learning. The key takeaway is to highlight accomplishments and skills gained through coursework, such as public speaking or problem-solving, rather than solely focusing on internships or specific prior roles when seeking entry-level employment, as these demonstrate valuable "real life learning."
Problem-Solving, Communication, Real-World Examples, Practical, Actionable Tips
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Deb Wolf
Chief Marketing Officer
Lookout
Cal Poly
English, Writing & Education
Technology
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Hands-on learning is key: Focus on practical skills and experiences, not just theoretical knowledge. Deb emphasizes 'learned by doing' and suggests highlighting projects or classes where you actively applied your knowledge.
2. Demonstrate initiative and skills beyond coursework: Employers value skills like public speaking, software proficiency, or campaign experience gained through classes, clubs, or personal projects, even in the absence of formal internships.
3. Develop strong problem-solving abilities: The ability to tackle challenges creatively and effectively is highly valued. Highlight instances where you've approached problems with innovative solutions, showcasing your critical thinking skills.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
Because I studied English and had no idea I was going to go into marketing, I can't say there's a direct correlation. However, having been at Cal Poly and really getting that "learn by doing" philosophy, I think it's relevant.
When I think about my experience at school, whether it was a speech class or a writing class, we were really expected to dig in. It wasn't just book learning; it was real-life learning.
When I'm looking for people out of school, I always ask: "What have you learned or what have you done that I don't have to train you to do?" This could be anything, like public speaking, a piece of software you learned, or a campaign you worked on.
Oftentimes, people say they didn't have an internship. But I'll ask, "What class did you take that really resonated with you?" It doesn't have to be a specific internship.
How did you approach problem-solving in that class, rather than just the book learning part? I think that's probably what Cal Poly's philosophy set me up for the most.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn.com/debwolf