College Experiences That Helped a Chief Growth Officer at Switchboard Succeed
Heather, a Chief Growth Officer, attributes success to gaining hands-on experience in college, which fostered a "less afraid to make mistakes" mentality that allowed for risk-taking and better receptiveness to feedback, however she wishes she would have applied this mentality upon entering the workforce. She also encourages college students, especially women, to actively seek help, mentorship, and feedback throughout their education and career, recognizing that "your career path is going to be more like a jungle gym than a ladder."
Hands-on Experience, Risk-Taking, Feedback, Mentorship, Career Evolution
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Heather Trumpfheller
Chief Growth Officer
Switchboard -- https://globalswitchboard.io/
University of Missouri
Creative Writing, Journalism
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Honors Student, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Getting hands-on experience in college was beneficial because it provided a safe environment to make mistakes and learn from them, fostering a willingness to take risks and improve.
2. Adopting the mindset that learning and making mistakes are continuous processes, both in college and the workforce, is crucial for growth and development.
3. Seeking help, mentorship, feedback, and coaching is essential, especially for women in male-dominated industries, to overcome potential biases and maximize professional evolution.
Transcript
What did you do in college to set you up for success in your career?
What did you do in college to set you up for success in your career?
Getting hands-on experience in college was so beneficial. I was less afraid to make mistakes because I was learning. I felt like, "I'm in college, I can make more mistakes here than in the real world."
So I took more risks, took on more assignments, and accepted feedback better. I felt like I did that more readily than when I entered the workplace. I had the crutch of knowing I was in college.
They expected me to make mistakes, but we're always learning and making mistakes. While that was helpful, I wish I'd applied that same mentality when entering the workforce.
Especially for women, I don't think they ask for help enough. In male-dominated industries, women are treated differently than men. We're not pushed as hard, so there's pressure to do it all.
I encourage women to ask for help, a mentor, feedback, and coaching. Do this in college, during internships, and in the workforce. Your career path is more like a jungle gym than a ladder. You're learning, growing, and evolving, and your professional life will evolve as a result.