Account Development Representative
What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?
My first ‘real’ job was the Account Development Representative position at Survalent. This role, although seemingly unrelated to my political science degree, actually required many of the skills I had developed during my studies. In short, Survalent is the leading provider of real-time smart grid management systems for enabling visualization, optimization, and improved operations for utilities and renewable energy companies. The role entails researching and cultivating new business connections via warm and cold outreach, including LinkedIn, email, and phone calls. Specifically, in my case, it’s reaching out to Directors and C-suite executives in the renewable energy space, booking qualified introductory calls with prospects and my regional manager, and executing Survalent’s sales strategy throughout the cycle. Moreover, attending industry-specific conferences around North America and presenting our capabilities to prospects is also part of the overall job.
What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout your program that you have found most useful in your career?
The most important skill I’ve learned throughout the program, which benefits me greatly today, is the importance of efficient research. This skill, which involves not just finding information but also critically evaluating and synthesizing it, is crucial in a sales job and in life. I learned to efficiently research using different tools and methods like Google, databases, annual reports, etc. This skill was engraved in us during our undergraduate career by our professors, and I could not be more thankful.
Another skill I learned during my tenure in the political science program was collaborative and communication skills. McMaster does this well with its emphasis on group activities in certain courses and encourages active participation, which honed my communication and critical thinking skills to another level. Engaging, debating, or disagreeing with my colleagues in the classroom was vital in helping me appreciate new ideas, become an active listener, and invite criticism. These skills are not just important in academia, but also in the professional world, where effective communication and collaboration are key to success.
What advice would you give to a current Social Sciences student who is exploring career options?
I cannot stress this more, but please take time to breathe and realize that not knowing what you want to do in the future is not the end of the world! A Social Science degree is the most diverse degree in the world. The job opportunities are endless and many doors are opened with it. For example, I graduated from the Political Science Department, intending to attend law school and become a lawyer. Now look at me. I work in a technical sales job at a World-Leading SCADA/Engineering software company. It’s almost the complete opposite of what I studied, but I would still never change a thing. Now, I’m not saying don’t have a career plan and figure it out at the last stages of your university career. Absolutely not. Having a plan and sticking to it is fantastic. “Think about tomorrow, yesterday.” – I love this saying because it makes you plan about the future that you want to have tomorrow and not walk on this earth blindly. However, it’s essential to know that life works in miraculous ways. One day, you want to do something, and the next, you want to pivot to something else, and that’s totally ok! McMaster does a great job assisting students who go through this, ensuring they follow their original or new dreams. That said, always know your worth and believe in yourself no matter where life takes you. Embracing change is a sign of open-mindedness and adaptability, two qualities that will serve you well in your career journey.
