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August Webinar Recap

Click here for the link to the webinar recording!

"The Nonlinear Career: Experiences and Relationships That Matter Most" with Justin Coffin

In August, BYU Connect had the privilege of partnering with Justin Coffin, project manager and startup co-founder, who leveraged opportunities during his time as a BYU student to master networking and jump on opportunities for skill-based career change. Our discussion with Justin unveiled some valuable insights into how to lean into a changing career market and make oneself a valuable asset to any industry.

1) Transactional vs. Relational Networking

Justin first highlighted the importance of forming genuine connections with peers, mentors, and employers as opposed to solely seeking transactional opportunities. Some applicable skills he shared include showing up to every on-campus event possible with the goal of getting to know at least 1 person at each event. People can tell if someone is interested in making a real relationship with them or only looking to get something from them. He encourages students to treat every relationship as a connection.

2) Professional Pivoting

Justin emphasized exploring opportunities as early as possible. Regardless of current plans for the future, students should get their first internship as soon as their Freshman year so they can begin the process of discovering strengths and adding skills to their resume. He also suggests viewing all classes as ways to add skills and experiences to resumes. Students should do all they can to gain work experience as it sets them apart from other candidates. He encourages working with on-campus career services and attending career fairs to build professional networks. Along the same lines, students should explore which AI tools are most relevant to their projected professions and gain skills and certifications in these tools. Potential employees with AI certifications are 80% more likely to be hired.

Justin's invitation is to make one genuine connection this year and see where it takes you.

Justin Coffin

Justin Coffin is a product manager for City National Bank with over 8 years of product management experience. His main expertise consists of product, program, and project management. He has worked in several industries and has worked at: Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Southwest Airlines, Toyota, ADP, Dell, Deloitte, and has co-founded a startup. He also has done some consulting on various projects. He is passionate about: artificial intelligence, machine learning, process improvement, strategy, operations, and leadership. He also enjoys relaxing on the beach, being in the mountains, watching sports/movies/shows, and finding new restaurants.