College Experiences That Helped a Head of Global SDR at a LinkedIn Top Startup Succeed
Iain, Head of Global SDR at a LinkedIn Top Startup, emphasizes the crucial role of practical experience in launching a successful career, noting the common catch-22 of needing experience to get a job but lacking experience upon graduation. The interviewee's advice centers on securing internships, networking ("met people...and asked them as many questions that I could"), and maintaining a focused course load to maximize time for these activities.
Networking, Internships, Career Exploration, Communication, Job Search
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Iain Rodoni
Head of Global SDR
Linkedin Top StartUp
UCSB
N/A
Biology & Related Sciences
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Get experience through internships.
2. Network with professionals in your field of interest.
3. Don't be afraid to explore different areas to discover what you want to do and what you don't want to do.
Transcript
Q12: College ideas for success
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career? I think the best thing an undergrad can do is just get experience.
There's a catch-22 coming out of college these days. I know because I'm hiring for these roles. You won't get a job if you don't have experience, but how are you supposed to get a job if you don't have experience? That doesn't really make sense to me.
I don't have experience, that's why I need a job. So, the best thing you can do in college is just get experience. It doesn't matter. Hopefully, it's a little closer to what you'll end up doing, but most people figure out what they want to do by figuring out what they don't want to do.
I did internships to help myself. Wherever I could, I met people who had jobs I was interested in or wanted. I asked them as many questions as I could and built some relationships or connections there.
Get internships, talk to people, and don't just fill your classes. Those are the three best things I did to set myself up for professional success.