Connecting Here There Angie Beltz VP, Cisco Solutions Group Tech Data

A Bit About Me…… Graduated from Florida State University in Fashion Merchandising, minor in Marketing Started career in Atlanta, GA with Rich’s/Lazarus Today: Vice President, Product Tech Data (3 ½ years) 14 years in Technology Industry 3 boys (oldest is senior in High School) Community Focus: Junior Achievement, Girls Inc, STEM education initiatives, Women Leadership 2

3 Lattice vs. Ladder Career Path Retail - Management People Management Company Culture Business Expectations Know the Business Operations Retail – Buyer Strategy Advertising/Demand Gen Risk Intelligence Business Predictions/ Development Negotiation Planning

4 Lattice vs. Ladder Career Path Electronic Retail – Buyer Asset Manager Data Analysis Analytical Skills Planning Risk Intelligence Influence Risk Mgmt Big Box Retail – Purchasing Data Analysis Analytical Skills Critical Thinking Scalability System Leverage/IT Speak Risk Aversion Negotiation Profit and Loss Relationships Tech Data –Tech Disty Purchasing Data Analysis Analytical skills Risk Mgmt Negotiations Deliver #’s People Mgmt Operations Supply Chain/Compliance IT Business Integratin Risk Intelligence Relationships Tech Data Sales/Operations Deliver #’s Profit and Loss Relationships Operations Risk Intelligence Risk Mgmt IT Business solutions Business predictions Innovative thinking Critical thinking Business Development Supply Chain Drive high performance team Tech Data – Product Marketing Leadership (& Thought) Strategy Drive high performance team Deliver #’s Profit and Loss Relationships Business predictions Innovative thinking Critical thinking Risk intelligence Analytical Risk Mgmt Influence Negotiations What’s Next? Doors are open!

How To Navigate Your Career Defining your 1, 3-5 year goals can limit you Keep things open Don’t always target ‘titles’ or ‘positions’ in your goals Stay away from targeting tight timelines in goals Continue to learn – always! Extend your skills – target specific skills Take on more - expand your knowledge/experience 5

Technology/Business Skillsets Does a certain ‘Major’ define your career? Your Ability? 6 Skills Open Doors Data Analysis Analytical Skills Communication Skills Problem Solving Skills Critical Thinking Skills Risk Intelligence Decision Making Skills Leadership Skills

What’s Expected In The Workplace Collaboration Inquisitiveness Team Work Passion for Winning Effective Communication Drive & Initiative A Level of Risk Taking Deliver Results 7

Tips For A Successful Transition Into The Workforce Set your own expectations appropriately Be humble, but hungry Be confident, not cocky Be grateful Be patient and strategic Don’t limit yourself to ‘title’, ‘department’, ‘role’ or ‘company’ Culture/environment is as important as money! 8

Tips For A Successful Career Identify your personal brand - solidify Professional Development – Seek out a Mentor, Build out your promoters Constantly look for opportunities to expand your exposure, role, contribution (leadership) Work hard and smart Find your passion and use it to drive your objectives You have to earn it! Nobody owes you anything! 9

Key Takeaways To Help You Prepare Networking Internships Local Opportunities Interviewing Your Competition For Your First Job Is Sitting Next To You! Invest In Yourself Now! 10

Networking Networking may get you your first job Networking takes practice Take advantage of opportunities to Network Follow-up so the connection is validated Your tool kit: – 3 topics/questions you can use to approach anyone – Shake hands, hand out your business card, ask for theirs, be confident – Leverage someone you know to make introduction 11

Internships Internships could get you $15K more with your first job ($51,930 vs. $37,087) 50-60% of Companies offer full time jobs to interns and 86% of interns accept those offers 63% of folks with internships get at least 1 job offer vs. 35% of folks with no internship Experience gained to be used in interview process Exposure to corporate environment is a benefit Is the company a good fit for you? 12

Learn About Area Opportunities Know what companies in the Tampa Bay area could be potential Understand programs they leverage with UT Research local companies to determine if you may just want to work for them Determine what networking/connection opportunities are available Start Now! Don’t wait until your Senior year 13

How To Interview Effectively Practice in mock interviews with peers Don’t assume your experiences don’t count Be prepared, research, understand who/where/what you are interviewing for What is on paper does not show ‘who’ you are Leverage Career Center to develop a solid resume Prepare your interview ‘kit’ – suit/dress, resume and recommendations, questions to ask Follow-up with a ‘Thank you, close the deal’ 14

In Closing…..How to Get There Career paths are not always predefined Keep your options open – don’t pigeon hole yourself Set realistic expectations – reduce distractions Skills are key! Start building them now! Perform the things now that will be expected later Once in….Embrace your career Network, Intern, Attend local events Practice & Prepare for Interviewing 15

Thank You! Techdata.com linkedin.com TBTF.org UTTechClub.com 16