Embracing Opportunity
Embracing Unexpected Opportunities: My Journey in the Sales Club
When I first heard about the sales club at my university, I was hesitant to join. I was pursuing a degree that wasn’t related to sales or business, and I didn’t see how being part of the club would align with my academic or career goals. The idea of joining a group where I felt I might not belong was daunting. However, looking back, I’m incredibly grateful that I took the leap and embraced this unexpected opportunity.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
Despite my hesitations, I was influenced by a peer and decided to attend a few meetings just to see what the club was about. I quickly realized that the skills being taught—effective communication, persuasion, negotiation—were universally valuable, regardless of my field of study. However, the fact that I wasn’t pursuing a business degree made me feel like an outsider at first. I worried that I might not fit in or that my contributions wouldn’t be valued, but I quickly was able to discount these thoughts of negativity.
As I continued to participate, I started to see how I could bring my unique perspective to the table. Even though I wasn’t studying sales, I was able to approach problems differently, ask questions that others hadn’t considered, and apply what I was learning to my own field. This helped me prove my value to the group and slowly build my confidence to where even though I didn’t physically belong to the school, I still felt like I belonged in that room.
Gaining Confidence and New Skills
The more I engaged with the club, the more I began to see the relevance of sales skills in any career. Whether it was learning how to pitch ideas, build relationships and network, or understand the needs of others, these skills were applicable in almost any professional context. I started to gain confidence in my abilities and realized that my non-business background didn’t limit me; instead, it allowed me to contribute something unique. I was also able to find more similarities between what my professors were teaching me in the classroom and what was being taught in these weekly meetings.
This growing confidence led me to take on more responsibilities within the club. Over time, I found myself not just participating but actively seeking out opportunities to lead. I began to see myself not just as a member of the club, but as someone who could make a meaningful impact.
Becoming a Leader: Joining the Executive Board
As I became more involved, an opportunity arose to join the executive board. At first, I was hesitant—could I really lead in a space that wasn’t directly aligned with my academic focus? But I decided to challenge myself and applied for a position. When I was selected, it felt like a turning point.
Being on the executive board was a transformative experience. I held multiple positions over my time with the club which included Recruitment coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, and Marketing Coordinator; each one pushing me to grow in new ways. Whether it was organizing events, managing communications, or mentoring new members, I found that my confidence and skills were constantly being tested and refined. This leadership experience allowed me to see the bigger picture and think strategically about the club’s goals and direction. It also showed me the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as I worked closely with others to achieve our objectives.
Applying These Skills in My Career
Looking back, I realize that the hesitation I initially felt was a natural part of stepping into something new and unfamiliar. But embracing that discomfort was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The sales skills and leadership experience I gained have been incredibly valuable as I move forward in my career. I’ve learned that being able to communicate effectively, understand the needs of others, and build strong relationships are essential skills, no matter what field you’re in.
More importantly, I’ve learned the value of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing opportunities that don’t seem like an obvious fit. Even if you don’t feel like you belong at first, you can find ways to contribute and grow in unexpected ways.
The Power of Embracing the Unexpected
My journey in the sales club is a testament to the importance of being open to new experiences and allowing them to shape your path. It taught me that sometimes the most valuable opportunities are the ones that push you to think differently, challenge your assumptions, and help you discover new strengths and passions. Not only did I prove something to myself, but I also was able to set a standard and example to others who may have felt similarly to me when I first joined. The organization reached individuals outside of its main demographic and allowed students in other colleges to gain the same skills and confidence that I did.
Artifacts
One of the artifacts presented includes a biography of the speakers who attended an event hosted by the sales club. Individual biographies do more than just provide background info; they’re key to making an event like "Women Who Lead" a success. They help set the tone, boost engagement, support promotion, shape the event’s flow, make introductions smoother, and give attendees something to refer back to. These details ensure the event connects with the audience and hits its goal of celebrating and empowering women in sales.
PowerPoint presentations, meeting notes, planning documents, and reflections are all powerful artifacts that display the journey I undertook in the sales club. They not only showcase the specific skills I gained, such as communication, persuasion, and strategic thinking, but also reflect the deeper personal growth I experienced. Through these artifacts, it's clear how the sales club helped me develop the confidence and leadership abilities that I now carry into my career. These are more than just records of what happened during sales club meetings; they are tangible evidence of the skills, knowledge, and growth I experienced throughout my time in the club. These artifacts serve as a visual and written representation of the journey I took, showcasing the development of my abilities and the value I contributed to the club. These presentations reflect the growth of my communication skills, showing how I learned to tailor my message to different audiences and objectives. They also highlight my ability to think strategically, considering how to best present information to achieve a desired outcome.