Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Strategists
Sarah, a GVP of Strategy at Huge Inc, wishes someone had emphasized the unparalleled learning opportunities available early in a strategy career, advocating to "be more of a sponge" and observe diverse company structures and strategies. Access to senior clients provides invaluable insights, and this experience should be actively leveraged for both project work and personal professional development.
Career Development, Executive/Leadership, Networking, Industry Realities, Observational Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sarah McMains
GVP, Strategy
Huge Inc
USC, 2006
CSULB, MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology; UCLA Anderson, MBA
Psychology
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Business Strategy
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Be observant and learn how different companies are organized, how they think about their markets, and how they do business development.
2. Take advantage of the opportunity to work with senior clients and learn from their experiences.
3. Early exposure to different industries and roles can help you better understand how companies operate and make strategic decisions.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
As an agent doing climate-based and project-based work, you have an opportunity to be exposed to so many different industries. You see so many different ways that roles and responsibilities manifest themselves.
I wish someone had told me to be more of a sponge early in my career. I wish I had been more observant and really taken in how different companies and spaces do things. Seeing how companies are organized, how they think about their markets, their corporate strategies, and their business development is invaluable.
You usually have a front-row seat to very senior clients, often C-suite or one to two levels below. Especially when you're early in your career, having access to someone like a CMO of a Fortune 500 company is incredible.
I think it's important to honor that opportunity and use it not only to do your work but also as a personal learning experience. I realized this fairly early on, but I wish someone had pointed it out so I could have made the most of it.
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