College Experiences That Helped a Strategic Accounts Sales Director at Ouster Lidar Succeed
Max, a Director of Sales, prioritized networking and collaboration over academic excellence in college, finding "networking...more realistic of the working world." This skill proved crucial for success in their sales career, where the ability to "find answers" through teamwork was paramount.
Networking, Sales, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Max Coates
Director of Sales - Strategic Accounts
Ouster Lidar Inc.
University of Colorado, Boulder
N/A
Economics
Electronics & Semiconductors, Technology
Sales and Client Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Networking is crucial for success, especially in sales. It's more valuable than individual studying.
2. Collaboration is key; learn to work with others to achieve goals. This mirrors real-world teamwork.
3. Hard work is important, but effective networking can be even more impactful in a sales career.
Transcript
What did you do in your undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I wasn't an engineer, nor was I the best student. But what I did learn was networking, especially in college through study groups and similar activities.
That's more realistic of the working world than what I was doing in class for much of the time. It takes a village to get things done. You won't know all the answers, especially if you're in sales and not an engineer or a lawyer.
So you have to network and find answers. Relying on that ability is probably what I picked up most in college. Hard work too, but probably more networking than studying. That's for sales, and that's probably what I got most out of college.
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