Three Questions For the Pros

In this newest series, BluChip talks with leaders of industry to uncover the qualities that make successful professionals tick.

Subject: Paul Allen

Company: Primal Positioning

What business are you in? Strategic Business Consulting

What is your current title/position? Executive Director

What college did you attend? Lafayette College

What sport(s) did you play? Ice Hockey (goaltender)

1. What three aspects of being a student-athlete helped you most in your career? Could you provide some examples?

A. Preparation and muscle memory: As a goalie, come game time, all there is to rely on is preparation and experience. When it’s time to perform in real time, there is no more time to get ready. As you prepare to compete in the real world, these same disciplines apply. Before you walk into each and every professional – or personal for that matter – opportunity ask yourself:

Am I prepared as a can be?
What surprises might be coming my way?
Do I have complete confidence in my story?

B. On a team, but all alone: While it seems unique to goaltending, we are all often required to perform both as a team member as well as an individual contributor. Understanding this dynamic is critically important in life and business. Teams make or break each other, and one individual’s performance can change everything for the team. Ask good questions about this dynamic when considering professional opportunities.

What kind of team will I be working on?
Who are the team members?
What will my specific role be on the team?
How do I best help the team AND advance my career?

C. Being a Good Loser: While losing sucks, it is always a learning opportunity. And a test of character. After a bad game or two it’s always time to regroup, assess, adjust, and get back to preparing for the next one. The same will apply to your job search. You will have setbacks, strange interviews, and dings in your confidence. Learn from it, shake it off, and put your skates back on. This is very important in the business world and makes for good reputation management.

2. What advice would you have for student-athletes as they pursue their first job after college?  

A. Use your sports network effectively. Find other student-athletes from your school and your sport who are now in the workforce. They are more likely to help you than strangers. It’s all about who you know.

B. Do your homework about the company you’re interested in. Be prepared to ask them good questions and relate your sports experience to that company specifically.

C. Be aware of your online profile and social media activities. As a student-athlete, you likely already have online visibility and scrutiny. Carefully manage your online presence. Potential employers will check you out online.

3. Is there any other sage advice you’d like to share? 

Be persistent: – But you got that – you’re a student-athlete.