M{2e} Students Meet With Denny Strigl, Fmr CEO & President of Verizon Wireless
By Lindsay Pedersen, Alyssa Santoro |
March 29, 2012
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Strigl, who is widely-recognized as a titan of the wireless industry, with over 40 years of experience in the business, spoke with the students on a wide-range of topics, including net neutrality, incentive spectrum auctions, the competitive landscape for digital video, and current trends in the global macro-economy.
During the conversation, Strigl also offered the students invaluable career advice. We've recaptured some of the most precious pearls for you to read, here:
How to Succeed in Your Job
-Be Accountable.
- Do what you are asked to do when you are asked to do it.
- NO excuses. If you didn't have time to complete a project of task, then admit it. Don't pass the buck.
-Never Lie.
-Learn as much as you can about your company.
- You don't need to explicitly tell people what you have learned, but it will be obvious in your day-to-day interactions.
-Always ask for more work.
- Unless you know you actually can't do it.
- This shows that you want to help, are motivated to learn more, and are willing to do what it takes.
-Try to make your boss better than he/she wants to be.
- In the end, they will owe you for it!
-Never talk behind your colleagues' backs.
- Do not get involved in corporate politics.
- Don't choose sides.
- Be loyal to your company.
- Don't expend vital energy looking for another job unless you feel you absolutely need to.
What to do to Succeed in the Interview Process
-Go prepared, learn as much about the company beforehand as possible.
-Ask questions based on what you learned about the company.
-Be 15-30 minutes early to ensure you know where you are going and are not late.
-Go with the intention of getting the job.
- A positive attitude will be obvious, making it clear that you want the job.
-The first question an interviewer will ask is "Do you know a little about about our company?"
-The second question they will ask is "What do you know?"
-Look like you want the job.
- Women should wear a business suit.
- Men should wear a suit with a tie.
- It doesn't matter how the recruiter is dressed: YOU are supposed to look professional.
-Be inquisitive. Make sure you have questions. Smart people ask questions because they want to learn.
-When the interview is over, stand up, shake the interviewer's hand and say "I really want this job. I'm sure I can do it and you won't regret this decision. What next steps do I take?"
-The goal of the job interview is to get a job offer. Get the job offer--this means they want you!--then decide if you want the job, or not.
Lindsay Pedersen and Alyssa Santoro are Communication majors in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.