College Experiences That Helped A Category Development Manager At The Wonderful Company Succeed
To stand out, college students should demonstrate leadership and results, "showing increased results," like Evan did as president of their American Marketing Association chapter by increasing membership by 40%. This, along with internships and part-time jobs showcasing responsibility and problem-solving skills, provides valuable interview stories and experience, which is key to separating oneself from peers and securing a competitive edge in the job market.
Leadership, Extracurricular Activities, Results-Oriented, Problem-Solving, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Evan Reed
Category Development Manager
The Wonderful Company
University of Arizona 2014
University of Southern California MBA 2019
Marketing
Food, Beverages & Alcohol
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Show quantifiable results in extracurricular activities or jobs.
2. Develop leadership and people management skills through clubs and internships.
3. Gain relevant experience and interview stories through internships and part-time jobs that demonstrate problem-solving abilities.
Transcript
What do you do in undergrad that helps set you up for success in your career?
This is one of the most significant questions you can ask, and it's also highly applicable. Many people are discussing it and trying to find answers.
To start, you need to figure out how to differentiate yourself from your peers. This might involve academic credentials if you're considering graduate studies or a PhD.
For me, I was always interested in various career paths. I wanted to gain experiences that would lead me to those jobs. This came from extracurricular activities and actively participating in them.
For example, I was the president of my American Marketing Association chapter. I demonstrated increased results by switching our payment methods from checks to a digital system like PayPal. This decision increased membership by 40% because it removed a significant barrier to entry for many people.
Showing tangible results is key. If you get a job, like at Starbucks or The Gap, you can highlight achievements. It doesn't have to be a club; you could say, "I decreased wait times at Starbucks by 15%."
These experiences also provide valuable interview stories. You'll have examples of how you've dealt with challenges and overcome them. This is a crucial skill for interviews.
While focusing on your studies is essential for admission, the real differentiator is demonstrating leadership and people management skills. This can be shown in clubs or through part-time jobs and internships.
Internships are excellent for understanding what jobs are like and proving you can handle responsibilities and deliver results. I've had internships in event planning and brand marketing.
These are some things I've done and would recommend for anyone trying to enter any industry. Entertainment is particularly challenging to break into, as is packaged goods.
However, working retail jobs and showing leadership in clubs can significantly help you get noticed. I strongly encourage anyone looking to enter these fields to pursue such opportunities.