Who did we visit?

Google, Intuitive Surgical / da Vinci Surgery, San Francisco Housing Coalition, Interstellar, LinkedIn, Pac-12 Networks, Salesforce, AppDirect, Morgan Stanley, and BACO Realty Corporation & Kezar Capital, Inc.

My Takeaways:

What to do before an interview:

• Have three stories to reference during responses. Make sure these stories are about both your successes and failures and how you overcame those failures.
• Thoroughly research the company and the position you are interviewing for. Know the CEO, what the company does and much more.
• If possible, arrange for an in-person interview. This will give you a better feel for the company and its location.

When interviewing:

• Be open to feedback and learn from it.
• When asked behavioral and hypothetical questions, respond with clarifying questions. Consider asking “Has this been done before?” and build from there.
• Don’t jump into your answers. Take a second and think about it. This shows that you are considerate and analytical.
• Be authentic, honest and impactful.
• When asking questions at the end, consider asking what their metrics of success are.

Things that kill an interview:

• Someone with a lack in self awareness.
• Someone who seems entitled.
• People who don't show up as their best self.

What to do after the Interview / when accepting a job:

• Send a thank you email.
• If offered the job, make sure to set a start date that is reasonable. Remember to consider moving, school schedule, etc.
• If you have family around, bite the bullet and save money by living with them. 
  

When Networking:

• For the most part, people you network with probably cannot get you a job.
• Use them more as a reference and learn about their job position.
• Ask for a 15 minute informational phone call when starting the relationship.

What to look for in a company:

• Think about what problems you care about and consider the companies that are working to solve them.
• What is their culture like and do you fit into it?
• Do you think you can learn from your supervisor?
• Do they have an HR team? Is that important to you?
• Are there opportunities for promotion?

Skills and Experience to develop as an undergrad:

Sales, SQL, public speaking, project management, networking, business development, account management, operations and marketing.

What companies look for in job candidates:

Character, Capacity, Energy, Experience, and Empathy.

General Advice:

• Be committed, act like the owner, learn from everyone, listen and invest in your relationships.
• Explore all of your options.
• Build a craftsman mindset. Become really proficient in a few things.
• Utilize Twitter and Google alerts to stay up to date.
• Enjoy and feel good about your work.
• Be a lifelong learner.
• Have a long term look out.
  
  

Thank You Alumni and Hosts!

Thank you UO alumni and other industry professionals for donating your time and efforts to meet, inspire and prepare us for our future beyond our time at the University of Oregon. We are greatly appreciative and look forward to connecting and working with you all in the future.

Sincerely,
Kaheawai J. Kaonohi

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This trip was generously sponsored by the UO Vice President of Student Life and the Parent Leadership Council. All stories and opinions are not altered or preferred by any sponsors. Opinions stated in this blog do not directly represent companies visited, University of Oregon, University of Oregon Alumni Association, UOAA Duck Career Network, UO Student Alumni Association or any other person/entity referenced unless otherwise directly quoted.