Significant Career Lesson From A Project Manager At KINEXON Sports And Media Inc
Patrick's most significant career lesson is the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships: "to not burn bridges and to always build good relationships because you never know where that relationship will lead to you". This is exemplified by Patrick securing a pivotal role through a colleague's recommendation, highlighting the unexpected career benefits of networking and prioritizing positive connections.
Networking, Relationship Building, Job Search Strategies, Professional Connections, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Patrick Song
Project Manager
KINEXON Sports & Media Inc
University of Notre Dame, 2012
UCLA Anderson MBA
Economics
Sports & Fitness
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Building and maintaining strong professional relationships is crucial for career advancement. Networking, even informally, can lead to unexpected opportunities.
2. Don't underestimate the value of connections, even if you don't immediately see the benefit. Helping others and building relationships can create opportunities down the line.
3. Job postings aren't always the primary way people find jobs; networking and referrals are extremely important for securing positions, especially in competitive fields like professional sports.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you've learned that has proven significant in your career?
One lesson I've learned is to not burn bridges and to always build good relationships. You never know where those relationships might lead.
Even if a connection doesn't lead to something immediate, you shouldn't discount the relationships you build or dismiss someone based on their background. You might underestimate the value they can provide.
I don't think you should only meet people to build a connection based on immediate value. But if you generally try to build good connections, it will always be helpful.
For example, when I first landed my pacer job, I didn't even know that job existed. Most of the time, when you see jobs like that open on Indeed or other platforms, they've already been filled internally. They might just be posted to fulfill a legal requirement.
What happened was a colleague I had built a relationship with through Instagram was offered that job. He couldn't take it due to prior obligations and recommended me instead. He was also a student, and we were both trying to get into professional sports.
He was more interested in hockey, not necessarily basketball. But just because of that connection I made, that was pretty much the single reason why I got this pacer job.