Significant Career Lesson From a Merchandise and Marketing Manager at Major League Table Tennis
For Jordan, the most significant lesson learned is the power of handwritten thank you notes and consistent networking, a practice that, while seemingly "archaic" has been instrumental in career advancement. By following up with informational interviewees, professors, and supervisors with personalized notes, and by actively engaging in unpaid volunteer work within the small table tennis community, Jordan has fostered valuable connections, leading to job opportunities and lasting recognition.
Networking, Job Search, Career Development, Informational Interview, Gratitude
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jordan Yee
Merchandise & Marketing Manager
Major League Table Tennis
CSU Long Beach
CSU Long Beach MA Kinesiology Sport Management
Medical, Sciences & Related
Sports & Fitness
Sales and Client Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. The importance of handwritten thank you notes: Despite seeming old-fashioned, sending handwritten thank you notes after informational interviews or to supervisors can significantly help you stand out and be remembered, potentially leading to job opportunities.
2. Networking within a specific industry: The sports industry, especially niche sports like table tennis, is small. Volunteering and building relationships with others in the field can lead to valuable advice and job opportunities.
3. Informational interviews: Reaching out to people in positions you aspire to have and asking them about their career path and passions is a valuable way to learn and make connections.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you've learned that has proven significant in your career?
In our sport management program at Cal State Long Beach, they told us to write handwritten thank you notes and to follow up with individuals after you do an informational interview. As archaic or tedious as that might seem, that is the only reason why I've ever gotten jobs.
Initially, the process might be to reach out to someone whose career you aspire to, and ask them some questions about how they got there or what they're passionate about in their work. Afterwards, handwrite a thank you note and send it to them.
You should also handwrite a thank you note for any of your professors, supervisors, or bosses and send it to them because it stands out. No one else does that, and it helps them remember you.
Specifically for me, that has led to a lot of jobs where someone I had kept in contact with remembered me and then put my name in the hat for an upcoming job position. This is also true for networking. When you're working in a particular industry, it's probably not that big. The sports industry itself is very small, and table tennis is a very small community.
As you volunteer and spend your time unpaid with other individuals who are also doing unpaid work, they are much more willing to help you. Whether it's just advice or keeping you at the top of their list as a potential job opportunity they may be aware of, they'll most likely hand it off to you.