Undergraduate Blog / Career Development

March Madness with Sales! Google, Acquia, EMC, Fidelity Investments, Oracle, Tech Target and Yelp – Oh My!

This post was written by Jaime Doherty and Caroline Hayes, Undergraduate Center for Career Development, Babson College

March Madness with Sales!  Google, Acquia, EMC, Fidelity Investments, Oracle, Tech Target and Yelp – Oh My!

Over the course of 3 evenings, UG CCD hosted the following companies on our campus: Google, Acquia, EMC, Fidelity Investments, Oracle, Tech Target and Yelp!  Are you wondering what all 7 of these companies have in common? They all recruit college graduates for sales opportunities in each of their organizations and came to campus to share with you why this exciting, entrepreneurial and innovating career could be for you! 

We started off by welcoming Google to campus.  Junior, Nathan Lemieux, describes his experience having Google to Babson… “This week, around 250 students both undergraduate and graduate were given the opportunity to attend the Google Informational Session here on campus. We learned about Google’s amazing culture, what it takes to become a Googler (The official nickname given to employees), as well as available positions. The Googler representative gladly answered to what seemed like an endless stream of questions with enthusiasm and excitement which clearly spoke to the company and its culture. It was particularly interesting hearing about the unique approach Google takes in sales focusing more on relationship building rather than the typical sales role we have come to expect. With Google it is clear that you have the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives every day.”  There was definitely an exciting, positive buzz around campus about Googles presence.  We had over 200 students register to attend the event and the session was fantastic. 

Next up was a session titled, “Beyond the title, what does it really mean to be in sales?”  5 companies and 30 students filled the room for a night of great advice and conversation.  The lively panel included senior level executives from Acquia, EMC, Fidelity Investments, Oracle and Tech Target.  In addition, several ’13 Babson alumni joined to network with students following the panel—what better way to get advice than from those that were just in your shoes. A few of the quotes from the panelists are below—some very valuable advice!

What do you need to do to succeed in sales career?   

  • “Ask the client questions and listen, listen ,listen!” Mike Cotoia ’93 COO, Tech Target
  • “Preparation is key! Understanding and researching their (client) business before the meeting!”
  • “Be passionate!!! Be curious!! Always look for challenges!”

Steve Sadler, Vice President of Global Inside Sales Development for EMC, shared his top 5 pieces of advice for undergraduate students in regards to a career in sales:

  1. It is your opportunity to make money uncapped. 
  2. Pick your company wisely – try to pick the best products in the industry!
  3. Choose a company that is in an exploding marketplace!
  4. Determine if you will be able to develop yourself professionally and get to know you company/manager/mentors.
  5. You should always be asking yourself, is there opportunity for advancement in company? 

To stay ahead of the curve in business, the following books were recommended by Kristen Regan, Vice President at Fidelity Investments.

  • Strengths Finder, Tom Rath
  • Raving Fans, Ken Blanchard & Sheldon Bowles
  • Start with Why, Simon Sinek
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie

Last but certainly not least, we hosted Yelp for an evening of networking and conversation in the Pub.  With over 30 seniors in attendance, the Yelp recruiter and sales manager held captive audiences while a video clip of life at Yelp played in the background.  The number one theme we heard from Yelp was to have PASSION.  Have the passion to learn, to excel, to compete, to have fun, and to make a difference every day.  Sounds like Babson to us!

 So keep an eye out – we will continue to host successful employers with exciting opportunities!