From College to Career- Be Strategic

Build good habits early

At the Haile College of Business, we are preparing for Business Week. This one-week event helps connect students with industry partners. The program includes speakers from our local community, national and international companies. It is a great time to be at Haile. 

Today’s newsletter focuses on the transition from college to career. I have worked extensively in this area and have developed programming to assist our students in navigating this challenging transition. 

I am excited to share valuable insights on navigating this challenging period from Matt Frey, a successful professional and alumnus of NKU's Haile College of Business. Matt is a Haile Fellow and continues to help shape the program through his mentorship of our current students. Here are some Key Takeaways from a recent conversation with Matt. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Networking: Your Future's Foundation 

   • Plant seeds early: Invest in relationships during college and early career stages.

   • Follow-up is key: Always send thank-you notes after interviews or when someone writes a recommendation.

   • Nurture continuously: Schedule time weekly to reach out to contacts, even if you don't need anything.

   • Pro Tip: Pre-write thank-you notes before interviews and complete them immediately after for a lasting impression.

2. First Impressions Matter: Nailing Your First Day and Beyond 

   • Do your homework: Research your industry thoroughly before starting a new role • Come prepared: Have a strategic plan for your first day and early weeks.

   • Embrace opportunities: Be eager to take on new challenges, even if they're outside your comfort zone. 

   • Stay informed: Follow industry news and trends to contribute meaningfully to discussions. 

3. Demonstrating Your Value: Make Your Work Visible 

   • Document diligently: Keep a weekly log of your accomplishments and contributions.

   • Communicate effectively: Regularly share your progress with your manager.

   • Be patient: Remember that recognition and rewards may lag behind your efforts.

   • Tell your story: Learn to articulate your achievements in a compelling way.

4. Balancing Act: Academics and Extracurriculars

   • Prioritize studies: Focus on achieving academic excellence as your foundation.

   • Choose wisely: Select 1-2 extracurricular activities that directly align with your career goals.

   • Avoid burnout: Resist the temptation to join too many clubs or organizations. 

   • Seek quality over quantity: Aim for leadership roles in fewer activities rather than passive participation in many.

5. Lifelong Learning: Stay Ahead of the Curve 

   • Industry immersion: Read relevant publications and listen to podcasts in your field.

   • Conference participation: Attend industry events to build confidence and expand your network.

   • Seek mentorship: Actively look for mentors both within and outside your organization.

   • Continuous improvement: Regularly assess your skills and identify areas for growth.

Practical Tips for Immediate Implementation:

• Create a "networking calendar" to ensure regular touchpoints with key contacts

• Start a "success journal" to track your weekly achievements and growth

• Identify 3-5 industry leaders to follow on LinkedIn or social media for insights

• Schedule monthly "career check-ins" with yourself to assess your progress and adjust goals

Remember, success doesn't happen overnight. Be patient, work hard, and nurture your professional relationships. I want you to know that your efforts will pay off in time.

Want to dive deeper into these topics? Listen to the full conversation with Matt Frey on the latest episode of Economics with Dr. A.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your key takeaway from this newsletter on LinkedIn and tag us to continue the conversation.

Here's to your professional growth!

Best regards,

Dr. A