Southwestern Sales Talk

Here is a blog submitted by Patrick Dichter, a veteran Student Manager with the the Southwestern Company’s Eagle-Blitz organization.  Patrick has a degree in International Business, and is pursuing an MBA at the University of Denver.  He also was a candidate for the Student Excellence Award this year.

Tim Tebow was recently drafted in the first round to the Denver Broncos. A huge number of people from Denver fans to sports writers have been very vocal critics of picking a quarterback like Tebow who clearly has yet to develop the technical abilities normal required in the NFL. His biggest fan, Mark Rau, would tell you Tebow can take on the whole league blindfolded, with a 21 point handicap. Denver’s coach, Josh McDaniels, however defends his choice by stating Tebow has certain characteristics that simply can’t be taught – he’s super competitive, a natural leader, and has the ability to rally a team. McDaniels thinks these ‘intangibles’ are worth the first round pick, and the other pieces of the puzzle like throwing mechanics can be taught. 

SO, many college students wonder what will help them in the job market after college. The vast majority focus primarily on their technical abilities inside the classroom and traditional internships or jobs. Yet what are the vast majority of employers looking for in recent grads? In every information session for the Southwestern Company, I reference the study in Job Choices magazine where NACE surveyed companies asking for the #1 most desired trait in potential employees. The entire list is…..drum roll….. intangibles! The number one is communication skills. So the question begs to be asked, of the hundreds of thousands of college students looking for a top pick in the employment draft, who is going to garner the attention of the best teams(aka top employers)? Most likely those who have taken the time and effort to develop the intangibles such as communication skills, personal growth, personal motivation and leadership. 

The good news here is that all hope is not lost! While many feel the intangibles of an NFL quarterback cannot be learned, the intangibles of a great career CAN be learned at Southwestern.

Thanks, Patrick!  If you feel inclined, comment!  If you have a pertinent blog that you need to share, send it to me.

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