College Experiences That Helped a Senior Manager, Organizational Development in Global Entertainment Succeed
Elizabeth's undergraduate success stemmed not from specific coursework, but from juggling "school, clubs, a job, and friends," developing crucial life management and prioritization skills applicable to a career where continuous learning and well-roundedness are essential for navigating the complexities of "job, personal life, travel, or hobbies."
Prioritization, Time Management, Life Balance, Well-Roundedness, Multitasking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Elizabeth DeVeny
Sr Manager, Org. Development
Global Entertainment Company
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Hult Intl Business School, Master's International Business
Communications
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Human Resources (HR)
Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Prioritize and manage multiple commitments: Juggling academics, extracurriculars, a job, and social life in undergrad teaches valuable time management and prioritization skills crucial for professional success.
2. Embrace a well-rounded experience: Don't focus solely on academics; involvement in clubs, sports, or other activities fosters crucial soft skills and provides a broader perspective that is essential for navigating a career.
3. Continuous learning is key: Develop a love for learning and exploring new areas. This adaptability and intellectual curiosity will be advantageous throughout your career, as you will always be facing new challenges and opportunities
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I loved school and still do. If I could go back and be a student forever, I would. I just really like learning.
I think that's why I ended up in a career where I'm always in new and interesting areas I don't know about – because I get to learn. But the further I get from school, the more I realize it wasn't specifically the classes that prepared me for the professional world.
It was more the fact that I had a lot going on: school, clubs and associations, a job, friends, so much happening. In your undergraduate years, you have the opportunity to learn how to manage and prioritize your life.
So it's not just about one thing. That will carry you through as you become a professional, especially in the first 10 years of your career. Your job and that growth become such a part of who most of us are and how we define ourselves.
It can't just be your classes or your job. You have to be a well-rounded person. You have to learn how to prioritize and think about when to lean into one thing versus another.
Saying yes to a lot of things in undergrad is safer. Putting stuff on your schedule helps you learn to be a great friend, a great club member and leader, and still be involved in sports, your job, or whatever else you have going on.
Being able to balance all of that with your class load will set you up for any professional track you take, because that balancing act doesn't stop. Things just change. You have your job, your personal life, hopefully travel or hobbies.
You don't want to be defined by just one thing in undergrad or in your professional life.