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How do I make myself stand out when looking for a business management job?

I think I may go to college whenever I get a baseball scholarship to! The college must have some sort of business degree!

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Howard’s Answer

Hello Luke,

The secret to outshining others in the quest for a job lies in emphasizing your previous experiences that align with the job description. Even if your professional history is limited, your personal life experiences can serve as persuasive evidence of why you're the perfect fit for the job. Whether you're in an interview setting or crafting a response to a job advertisement, make sure to highlight the unique skills that set you apart as an exceptional candidate. These could range from your leadership abilities, your passion for people, the influence of your robust communication skills, to your enjoyment of competition. Luke, I sincerely hope that my suggestions inspire and empower you as you embark on this journey.

Best of luck,

Professor C.
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Katie’s Answer

Hey there!

This is a great question. I myself was a student athelete in college-- and it provided me with a lot of awesome resources and a network that has served me well after college. I would suggest leaning-in to the career and personnel resources available to you while you are a student athelte prior to finding a full time offer for a job. Here are some suggestions to try and leverage as you look to recruit for full-time work:

Develop a strong personal brand: Clearly define your unique skills, experiences, and qualities that make you a valuable asset to a consulting or business firm. Highlight these attributes in your resume, cover letter, and during interviews-- this should include valuable things you have learned through your atheltics career and team expereinces.

Showcase relevant experience: Demonstrate your expertise and experience in the consulting or business field. Highlight any internships, projects, athletic acheivements or volunteer work that aligns with the job requirements. Quantify your achievements and emphasize the impact you made in previous roles.

Demonstrate problem-solving skills: Consulting and business roles often require strong problem-solving abilities. Showcase your analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and decision-making skills. Provide examples of how you have successfully solved complex problems in the past.

Highlight leadership abilities: Consulting and business firms value candidates who can lead and influence others. Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting experiences where you managed teams, led projects, or took initiative to drive positive change.

Showcase communication skills: Effective communication is crucial in consulting and business roles. Demonstrate your ability to articulate ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing. Highlight any presentations, reports, or public speaking engagements you have done.

Stay updated on industry trends: Show your passion for the consulting or business field by staying informed about the latest industry trends, news, and developments. This demonstrates your commitment and enthusiasm for the work.

Network strategically: Build a strong professional network by attending industry events, joining relevant associations, and connecting with professionals in the field. Networking can provide valuable insights, referrals, and opportunities.

Be adaptable and open-minded: Consulting and business roles often require flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Showcase your ability to handle ambiguity, learn quickly, and embrace new challenges.

Prepare thoroughly for interviews: Research the company, its clients, and the industry before interviews. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, and practice your responses to common interview questions. Showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm for the company and the role.

Follow up after interviews: Send a personalized thank-you note or email to the interviewer(s) after each interview. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This demonstrates professionalism and leaves a positive impression.

Best of luck!

Katie
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Joan’s Answer

Hi! Having interviewed lots of candidates for a variety of roles, I would have to say that candidates who stand out show up with great energy and enthusiasm around the role. I think people can tell when someone is excited about the work and the role, you can feel the positive energy. Experience counts, you have to make sure you meet the minimum requirements of the role to even get to the interview. However once you are there don't just focus on the experience you can bring, showcase what you as an individual can bring to the organization and the role. Good luck!

Joan recommends the following next steps:

Good article https://hbr.org/2022/07/5-ways-to-stand-out-in-your-next-job-interview
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Hagen’s Answer

The answers above provide some great thoughts and recommendations. My short answer is to stand out you have to actually KNOW something about business.

One way to gain some knowledge is to focus on "Domain Expertise". As Juney said management is very diverse and your career will almost certainly be married to a particular type of business (think retail, technology, healthcare ...).
I assume you like baseball based on your scholarship so learn as much as you can about the business of baseball (or sports more generally). Having a keen interest in the domain you're investigating will certainly add some wind behind your sails. I am sure there's a lot to learn about the business of sports and if things work out the way you are hoping you can ask to volunteer to intern within your college program.
For better or worse, it takes decades to develop business and domain experience and expertise. They go hand in hand, so pick something you enjoy and get started.

Hagen recommends the following next steps:

Think about the kind of business within which you would like to participate. Do you already have some experience within a business sector? How about people in your extended family?
READ: There are a ton of management books out there - I know I've literally read 100 maybe more. Reading a book a month will change your life.
General understanding of economics would be good: read Geoffery Moore and possibly Robert Shiller (more advanced).
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Detra’s Answer

Hi -- great question!! Be yourself, don't be afraid to ask questions and utilize social media!
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Doreen’s Answer

While each interviewer may have unique preferences, the value they place on experience remains constant. It's crucial to highlight your experience during the interview. If you lack experience, shift the focus to your understanding of the role and the company. Regularly updating and tailoring your resume to the job you're applying for is also important. Remember, a job posting can attract hundreds or even thousands of applicants. If you manage to stand out with your education and experience, you've achieved the first goal - securing an interview.

Once you've secured the interview, it's time to prepare. Interviews can vary, ranging from one-on-one sessions to panel discussions. Practice both scenarios. You can do this with the help of friends, family, or mentors.
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Janine’s Answer

Hello there,

With a rich professional journey spanning over 25 years in Business and Project Management, I've gathered some valuable insights that I'd love to share with you. Always remember, your strengths are your greatest assets. During interviews, it's beneficial to adopt the STAR approach - Describe a Situation, Task, Action you took, and the Result.

Being prepared with a handful of scenarios demonstrating your proficiency in business management can significantly enhance the flow of conversation during the interview. Don't forget to have some thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer - it shows your interest and engagement.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the company you're interviewing for. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewer but also allow you to align your strengths with the company's needs more effectively. As you close the interview, make sure to emphasize how your expertise matches what the company seeks.

If you ever need additional guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.

Best wishes,
Janine Hanson
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Angela’s Answer

Great Question! Do your homework on an organization, beyond just a google search (the same one every other person is doing) dig in a bit and come with good knowledge and thoughtful questions!
Be yourself! Most companies what you for a reason,,, show them why
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Brooke’s Answer

Hi Luke! So many great answers already but three things that stand out to me that are important to address in interviews for management are your experiences with problem solving, conflict resolution, influencing others, and teamwork/collaboration. Based on your experience, these examples don't have to be from job experience - you can pull from school and personal experiences. A baseball background or any other team sports can provide great examples when it comes to teamwork/collaboration, influencing others, and conflict resolution. Examples from school like team projects, problems you've encountered that have to do with assignments can also be great to leverage.
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Robert’s Answer

Hi Luke, Fine question, since many job candidates don’t go the extra step to stand out. After reading some good books on interviewing, I’d strongly recommend doing your homework on the organization you’re applying for. What do online and knowledgeable sources say? Comment on the positive things you’ve heard. “I hear you’re the industry leader in making left-handed widgets.” Then, relate how your own specific background might fit into helping them. Mention your true achievements, but in a modest way. Don’t just say, “I did this. I did that.” Instead, for example say, “Folks on my basketball team said I’ve helped come up with some plays that helped us win the district championship.” Ask them about their department’s biggest challenge right now. What concerns the boss when he leaves work at the end of the day? See if your past experience might contribute. Doing your homework can pay big dividends in being remembered.
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Jason’s Answer

Hi Luke,
You are ahead of your competition by asking this question early. There are some great answers here that others have already provided. Please read carefully and follow their advice and you will do well.

Now I will give you an additional perspective. Like you, I was a college athlete (tennis). Keeping up with the demands of collegiate athletics as well as studies took a significant amount of time. As a result when I graduated, I did not have any relevant business management experience. I had great leadership experience and showed that I was disciplined and driven, by my athletic accomplishments. But my competition for that business management job had internships and tangible experience that the employer could see would fit their need. So I would say try to schedule time to get some work experience. Even if it is just volunteering during your offseason (because you may not be able to do an official internship). Bottom line, get practical experience that your competition is not getting and the employer will value.
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Amanda’s Answer

Whether you're in college or navigating your career path, seize opportunities to exhibit leadership. Don't hesitate to volunteer for leading projects and actively seek feedback throughout the process. Document your projects and leadership experiences for future reference. When potential employers are scouting for managers, they often request specific examples of leadership. Recording your experiences will enable you to easily recall and provide examples during interviews. Additionally, engage with the leaders or managers you collaborate with, asking them about the qualities and characteristics they value in a candidate. This demonstrates your keen interest and enthusiasm. It will also assist you in framing your experiences effectively.

For instance, if a manager expresses a preference for candidates who take initiative, you can draw from an experience where you willingly took the lead in a group project. What were the goals? Did you achieve them? This way, you're not just stating your skills, but backing them up with real-life examples.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Luke!

Preparing for a Business Management Job

To make yourself stand out when looking for a business management job, it is essential to have a strong foundation in both education and experience. Here are some steps to help you achieve this:

Obtain a relevant education: Authoritative Reference Title 1: Harvard Business Review The Harvard Business Review is a reputable source that provides valuable insights into the business world. By reading articles from this publication, you can gain a deeper understanding of various business topics and improve your knowledge in the field.

Pursue a business degree: Authoritative Reference Title 2: Forbes Forbes is a leading business magazine that offers information on top business schools and programs. Researching their rankings can help you determine the best business degree program to pursue.

Develop your skills: Authoritative Reference Title 3: Business News Daily Business News Daily offers valuable resources for learning new skills and staying updated on industry trends. Regularly visiting their website and engaging with their content can develop your business acumen and stand out to potential employers.

Gain experience: Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work in the business field can help you gain practical experience and showcase your skills to potential employers.

Network: Connect with professionals in the business world through social media, conferences, and other networking events. Building relationships with industry experts can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights into the business world.

Prepare a strong resume and cover letter: Authoritative Reference Title 4: The Balance Careers The Balance Careers offers guidance on creating a professional resume and cover letter. By following their advice, you can present yourself as a strong candidate to potential employers.

Prepare for interviews: Research common interview questions and practice your responses. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview process.

Showcase your unique skills and experiences: In interviews and applications, emphasize your unique skills, experiences, and qualities that set you apart from other candidates.

By following these steps and utilizing authoritative resources, you can stand out when looking for a business management job.

Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.

GOD BLESS YOU,

James Constantine Frangos.
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Eric’s Answer

Hello Luke,

Pursuing a business degree is an excellent stepping stone for your career. Acquiring business knowledge during your college years lays a robust foundation for your future professional journey. As a former scholarship athlete, I can relate to the challenge of balancing the rigorous demands of college-level competition with academic responsibilities. Despite the limited time for other activities, I wouldn't have chosen a different path. My college years were filled with enriching experiences that I cherish, and I'm grateful for the path I took. I encourage you to stay committed once you've made your decision. Remember, perseverance is key.

Best wishes,
Eric
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Juney’s Answer

Business Management jobs are highly diverse in their roles & responsibilities, depending on e.g. geography, culture, company, company vision, company leadership, existing team expertise & needs, and many other factors. It will also depend on the current state of the world, economy, and all players within it, and therefore change over time.

As such, a business contributor, and especially leaders in this space, will certainly need to be creative, flexible, agile, sharp, insightful and open minded, among many other attributes dependent on the above variables.

"Standing out" by definition means a comparison with a heterogenous group of folks similar & dissimilar to you, in ways that are relevant to the company you apply to -- and as such, is going to be influenced by all of the above.

To answer your question with more questions, determining an answer on how to stand out to a given company, in a given branch, in a given geography, at a given time, will be heavily influenced by your own personal answers to questions such as:
* What geographies are you considering? What impact does the locality have on business: Demographics, Culture, Government, Infrastructure, etc.?
* What branches appeal to you, and why?
* What (kinds of) companies are you interested in within those branches, and why?
* What (kinds of) roles & responsibilities would be meaningful & rewarding to you, and why?
* What long term career vision do you have for yourself currently?

These can be used to narrow your scope, enabling you to do a deep dive into a reasonable subset of potential companies & roles. Once you've made this selection, you can research their company vision, leadership, structure, demographics, and history.

From there, you can investigate the roles & responsibilities that speak to you most. Which skills & knowledge do you have, which are transferrable, which can give you a boost, and what are your areas of improvement? What will your competition look like, and what advantages / disadvantages do they have in comparison to you?

I'm not into baseball, but I'd expect preparing for a match with a casual/fun group of juniors, a rival in local competition, and a rival from another country will require a different approach -- "standing out" in a job hunt requires approaches at least as diverse, as much fewer variables can be considered equal :)

Good luck!
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Mary Ann’s Answer

Hi Luke,
You've gotten some great responses to your question. Here's something else to consider. If you do go to college on a baseball scholarship or just end up playing baseball at the college you go to, talk to the coaching staff about possible jobs or internships you can complete during college. Maybe something at the college or something with a sports organization outside of your college. I know suggestion might sound a little weird but, many college coaches have worked for professional sports teams or have friends who work for professional sports teams. And then of course, their past students have gone on to work for professional sports teams (even AA or AAA ball). So, coaches have lots of contacts that can help you get started. Having a coach recommend you or introduce you to others is a great way to stand out. Also, working in the sports field would align with your personal interests and set you up for success.

Good luck!
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Mei’s Answer

Hello Luke. In addition to the wonderful responses shared here, keep in mind that your best 'hook' is your own story. Whenever I interview candidates, those who standout are the folks who share their personal experiences to showcase that they have the skills needed for the role they're applying for.

You mentioned baseball so talk about the discipline you put into preparing for a game to show that you can do the same in any job. Tell a story about how you drove your team into action to achieve a goal and how you'll replicate this when assigned to a critical project. Share how you partnered with your coach to strategize how to win the game to demonstrate that you contribute when and where you can and is not afraid to share your voice / POV.

Net, share your true self and you'll stand out. After all, there's only one YOU!

All the best.
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