Looking forward to reading everyone's reflections in our discussion post thread. Just about everything that I mentioned in my reflection is contained somewhere in my recent tweets! Wishing everyone an easy finals week! I am signing out #BCSTT
In a Woods class I took, we had a venture capitalist come in to speak who claimed that there were less VC's in the US than there are professional athletes. That stat baffles me...can anyone fact check? #BCSTT
It was such a pleasure to hear from Frances Schwiep when wrapping up our in-person talks. It's always nice to hear the experience of a woman in business and her advice to make a more fair workplace for all by imposing more metrics for hiring. #BCSTT
After serving as interim CEO, Tim revealed that the CEO has to be the driving force behind workplace culture. If the core of the company’s culture holds people accountable to high standards, the company can truly go in any direction you want to take it. #BCSTT
Tim Morse's emphasis on the importance of integrity was a valuable takeaway. Integrity is a foundational building block of credibility. You’re creating a brand for yourself when entering the business world; which involves holding strong values that you continuously uphold. #BCSTT
I have been to the Popstroke in Florida when I was on vacation so it was especially cool to hear from Greg, the entrepreneur behind it. He seemed to emphasize this idea of innovation and never getting complacent. The key to disruption is always looking forward. #BCSTT
I'm currently in a class called Business Planning for New Ventures. Much of what we learn in class coincides with the lessons from Tech Trek, including Greg Bartoli's advice that a good business idea is the solution to a problem or the result of finding what is broken. #BCSTT
@JohnFenlon18 Jack and I actually talked about how we wish we had taken this class earlier in our careers here at BC. But as we approach graduation, it's clear that we'll bring these takeaways with us as we start our careers this summer. #BCSTT
For any underclassmen that took part in Tech Trek, @JohnFenlon18 and I are more than willing to answer questions about the job application process if you're interested in pursuing investment banking or tech sales. #BCSTT#growyournetwork
On the hiring process: Employers look for a candidate who is selfless, trustworthy, team-oriented, and not worried about getting credit. Many of our speakers spoke of hybrid type people who can do a lot of things well rather than specializing in one facet of the business.#BCSTT
Another positive insight that I took away from our speakers was to bet on yourself. Be aware of what assets you bring to a company and put yourself in a position to highlight those. A trusted advisor once told that to Mark Murphy and he has ran with it ever since. #BCSTT
The majority of speakers also mentioned this idea of a start-up mentality, a mindset that can be used even in a large highly profitable company. Don’t push off meetings, contact co-workers when necessary, get things ironed out right away, and maintain a gritty work-ethic. #BCSTT
Perhaps my biggest takeaway came from James Loftus’ talk early in the year. He offered advice that I wish I had heard as an underclassman: worry less about what you think employers want to see and more about what actually interests you and aligns with your career goals. #BCSTT
5. It’s not all about landing the job, but also becoming a valuable asset to the company once you get there. Sydney Walker from Salesforce emphasized this most: how can you set yourself apart and play into your strengths in the workplace? #BCSTT
4. During the hiring process, pitch yourself like you’re pitching an idea. A good pitch is concise & deliberate, & should summarize what you bring to the table & why you deserve the position over other applicants. Be confident & use your assets to your advantage. #BCSTT
3. Though it’s important to have a long-term goal, be comfortable & willing to tweak it & evaluate it as the market and industry changes. Understand and balance the idea of who you are as a professional and as a person and look to find a career path that combines the two. #BCSTT
Second, your career path is never linear. Use each and every work experience as a learning exercise - allow higher ups to teach you the fundamentals and be coachable. Your previous experiences will promote higher work ethic and open doors for you in the future. #BCSTT
As I turn in my reflection paper & Tech Trek wraps up, I’m left with a few valuable insights. First, the power of building a strong network. With a strong personal network, you have people to call on for advice and guidance. Our alumni network is a powerful place to start. #BCSTT
We’re only beginning to see the impacts of SVB’s complete collapse. SVB provided financing for almost half of US venture-backed tech & healthcare companies, & I feel as if Mike Liberatore will have insight on this topic as someone with personal ties to Silicon Valley. #BCSTT
Also looking forward to hearing from Mark Murphy; CEO at Greenlight Networks. Start-ups in the internet service industry are particularly ambitious, so I’m excited to hear about his experience founding a company in such a highly competitive and capital intensive industry. #BCSTT