A Secret to Getting Great Sales People - Hire College Athletes

Why is it that college athletes are so successful in sales and marketing careers?  I recently spoke to Stephen Sangree (Steve), a senior marketing and business student at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) to get some insight into his experiences as a college basketball player and what he has learned.  What will he bring to his first job as a result of his college basketball experience?

1.    College athletes like to compete and win!

As a college athlete, the greatest joy is winning a close game.  “I really feel most alive when I’m on the court and the pressure is on.” reflected Steve.  “We’re trained to have a laser focus on winning.  Every coach’s attitude is ‘just get it done’.”    What great preparation for the business world, where you need to fight to win every sale.

2.    College athletes give 100% all the time!

Throughout the season, coaches emphasize putting everything on the line, in games and even practices.  College athletes are trained to go all out, a skill that is particularly useful when you’re starting your career in sales. “Every minute of practice is critical preparation for the game, and then during the game, every moment you’re on the court you are looking to make an impact and help the team win.”  said Sangree.

3.    College athletes work as a team! 

“Being a college basketball player is all about teamwork” said Steve.  “If one guy isn’t pulling his weight or is having a bad day, that will impact the whole team.”  The team rises and falls together based on everyone’s performance.  As a result, college athletes are uniquely suited for a team business environment.

4.    College athletes thrive under pressure!

“All eyes are on you all the time” quipped Steve.  Both in games and in practices, each athlete is constantly being evaluated and judged.  “And everyone thinks they could do better” said Sangree.  “Learning to survive and then to thrive with pressure is a key skill.”

5.    College athletes experience disappoint and learn to never give up!

Steve has battled back from two college injuries, one in freshman year and one in senior year.  He has had to deal with disappointments of injuries, extensive rehab and training.  There were  lots of times when his Case Western team lost a close game.  Nevertheless, he continued to work hard to get back in the game.  “Never, ever, give up” is his motto.

6.    College athletes know how to juggle!

Sangree emphasized the significant time commitment that being on a basketball team entailed.  In addition to classes, he had 20-30 hours a week of intense workouts, travel to and from games, and other basketball-related responsibilities.  “As a college athlete you learn how to prioritize, juggle, and keep a lot of balls in the air!” according to Steve.

7.    College athletes can relate to everyone!

One of the great experiences of being on a basketball team is the close relationship you develop with lots of different people from different backgrounds.  “I traveled with Case Western to different campuses and even to Belieze on a basketball trip” Sangree stated.   “I also spent a lot of time with my teammates, which helped me learn about different types of people.”  As a result, college athletes have the confidence to talk to anyone.