#BE

Tag: #BE

Career Spotlight: Talent Acquisition and Recruiting

Talent Acquisition and Recruiting are critical corporate processes. Talent acquisition specialists are often seen as the backbone of any firm, since they are in charge of discovering, acquiring, and onboarding the best personnel to help businesses succeed. In today’s competitive economy, where human capital is regarded as one of the most precious assets, the demand for talented recruiters is rapidly increasing. 

At its core, Talent Acquisition & Recruiting entails bringing the right individuals into a business. While recruiting focuses on filling current job openings, talent acquisition takes a more strategic approach, creating a pipeline of talented applicants for future positions. This proactive mentality enables firms to plan for growth and solve talent gaps in a timely manner.

Professionals in this sector handle a variety of responsibilities. They research the employment market, find applicants via channels such as LinkedIn or job boards, and evaluate them through interviews and screenings. Aside from hiring, they prioritize promoting the company’s employer brand, guaranteeing a seamless onboarding experience, and developing long-term connections with prospects. Talent acquisition is more than just hiring; it is about building a sustainable workforce that is aligned with the organization’s long-term goals. 
Learn more about Talent Acquisition and Recruiting here!

Insights from Santosh Kutty: From Lawrence to Leadership at Deloitte

Santosh Kutty’s journey from being an international student at Lawrence University to a Partner at Deloitte exemplifies how a liberal arts education, strategic career moves, and adaptability can lead to remarkable professional success. Here are the key takeaways from his reflections on his journey.

As an international student, Santosh initially faced challenges adjusting to a new environment but soon thrived. Lawrence’s liberal arts education played a pivotal role in his development. By designing his own major that blended computer science, communication, and teamwork skills, he gained both technical expertise and the soft skills critical for professional growth. This unique combination of analytical thinking and interpersonal abilities has been instrumental throughout his career.

During Santosh’s time at Lawrence, computer science wasn’t a fully established major. Undeterred, he collaborated with professors to curate a personalized course load tailored to his long-term goals in technology. His initiative in designing a CS-centric curriculum reflects the

As Vice President of Lawrence International Club, Santosh developed leadership and networking skills that would prove invaluable in his career. This role taught him the importance of building connections and fostering inclusive communities—lessons he carried into his professional life.

Santosh’s path to Deloitte was shaped by his rich educational background and professional experiences. After completing a master’s in computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA from Northwestern University, he amassed a decade of experience before applying to Deloitte. A key moment in his journey was leveraging his Lawrence connections; a friend from his college days recommended him for a position at Deloitte, showcasing the enduring value of networking.

As a Partner and the US L&A/Group Insurance Technology Practice Leader at Deloitte, Santosh has spearheaded groundbreaking projects in insurance technology. His leadership highlights include:

  • Developing Deloitte’s LifeTech 3S Modernization Method to help insurance carriers drive growth and efficiency through agile technology investments.
  • Leading large-scale transformation projects for global clients, including implementing systems like PEGA, SAPIENS, and FINEOS across multiple countries.
  • Collaborating with diverse teams across geographies to deliver tailored solutions for complex challenges in the insurance and financial sectors.

Santosh’s passion for his role at Deloitte stems from its dynamic nature. No two projects are the same, and interacting with diverse clients keeps the work engaging and fulfilling. For Santosh, the constant evolution of challenges and opportunities makes every day exciting.

Santosh emphasized that finance and insurance companies value adaptability, communication, and networking skills in addition to technical expertise. For undergraduates, particularly international students, networking is crucial. Santosh advises actively attending events, building genuine relationships, and maintaining connections over time. These efforts can open doors to unexpected opportunities, as they did for him.

HubSpot: Niche Career Resource for Business & Entrepreneurship Career Community

For business majors looking to specialize in marketing, sales, or customer relationship management, HubSpot Academy is a niche resource that provides free, high-quality training in cutting-edge business tools and strategies. Designed for aspiring professionals, HubSpot Academy equips you with skills that are both practical and highly sought-after in today’s job market.

Why HubSpot Academy?

  1. Specialized in Marketing and Sales
    HubSpot Academy focuses on key areas such as inbound marketing, sales enablement, and customer success. These skills are vital for roles in marketing, sales, and account management.
  2. Practical, Tool-Based Learning
    Courses are tailored to HubSpot’s CRM platform, teaching you to manage leads, track customer interactions, and optimize campaigns. Even if you don’t use HubSpot tools in your job, the skills are easily transferable to other platforms.
  3. Free Certifications
    HubSpot Academy offers free certifications like Inbound Marketing, Social Media Strategy, and Email Marketing, which are highly regarded by employers in the industry.
  4. Flexible and On-Demand
    Learn at your own pace, whether you’re balancing a full course load or an internship. Most certifications can be completed in a few hours.

How Can HubSpot Academy Benefit You?

  • Hands-On Marketing Skills: Learn how to attract, engage, and retain customers through SEO, content creation, and social media campaigns.
  • Sales Enablement Expertise: Master sales pipeline management, deal tracking, and closing techniques to succeed in sales roles.
  • Resume Boost: Showcase your certifications on LinkedIn and your resume to demonstrate your specialized expertise to recruiters.
  • Career Insights: Stay ahead with industry trends and best practices in digital marketing and CRM, giving you a competitive edge.

HubSpot Academy in Action

Many business students use HubSpot Academy to land marketing and sales internships. For example, completing the Inbound Marketing Certification prepares you to create and optimize campaigns that attract and convert leads—skills that directly translate to workplace success.

YELLOWBRICK: Niche Career Resource for Business and Entrepreneurship Career Community

The NYU Tisch Business of Entertainment is an online certificate course designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving entertainment industry. Developed in collaboration with NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and industry experts from leading companies such as Amazon, HBO, Sony Music, and Netflix, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering key sectors: Film & Television, Music & Audio, Gaming, and Live Performance.

Program Highlights:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: The course comprises five modules, each taking approximately 3-5 hours to complete. These modules delve into topics like the impact of streaming and emerging technologies, ideation and planning, content creation, marketing and press strategies, and distribution and product life value.
  • Industry Expertise: Participants learn from NYU Tisch faculty and professionals from top entertainment companies, gaining insights into real-world challenges and strategies.
  • Flexible Learning: The self-paced, on-demand format allows learners to progress according to their schedules, making it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their expertise.
  • Certification: Upon completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, bolstering their credentials in the competitive entertainment industry.

This program is ideal for individuals aiming to raise financing for projects, secure positions at leading companies, or advance their careers within the entertainment sector. By focusing on current industry trends and practical applications, the course prepares participants to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. To apply and learn more, go to  Yellowbrick. 

Essential Soft Skills for Business Success

In today’s fast-paced business environment, technical expertise alone is not enough. Essential soft skills—those interpersonal, emotional, and cognitive skills—are the glue that holds successful businesses together. Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence enable us to interact effectively, foster positive work cultures, and build strong professional relationships. Let’s dive into the top soft skills that every professional should master and some practical steps for developing them.

1. Communication Skills: The Foundation of Business Success

Effective communication is at the heart of every successful business. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting to clients, or resolving conflicts, how you communicate can influence outcomes and drive projects forward.

How to Develop Communication Skills:

  • Practice Active Listening: Focus on listening to understand, not just to respond. Acknowledge and validate what others are saying before sharing your thoughts.
  • Seek Feedback: Ask colleagues for feedback on your communication style. Adjust based on constructive insights.
  • Engage in Public Speaking: Take advantage of any opportunity to speak publicly, even if it’s a small team meeting. Over time, you’ll build confidence and clarity in conveying your ideas.

2. Emotional Intelligence: Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Business

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. High EI fosters empathy, improves teamwork, and enhances decision-making.

How to Develop Emotional Intelligence:

  • Practice Self-Awareness: Reflect on your emotions regularly and identify triggers that influence your behavior.
  • Develop Empathy: Pay attention to how others feel, ask open-ended questions, and acknowledge their emotions.
  • Improve Self-Regulation: Respond calmly to stressful situations, taking a moment to pause and evaluate your response rather than reacting impulsively.

3. Adaptability: Thriving in Change

In a business landscape that’s constantly evolving, adaptability is essential. Being adaptable allows you to remain open to new ideas, adjust to changing conditions, and pivot when necessary to meet goals.

How to Develop Adaptability:

  • Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Take on projects or tasks that challenge your skill set. Trying something new helps you become more flexible.
  • Adopt a Growth Mindset: Embrace a mindset that values learning and growth. This mindset makes it easier to face challenges as learning experiences.
  • Reflect on Past Adaptations: Think about times when you adapted to change successfully. Use these experiences as reminders of your ability to handle future changes.

5. Problem-Solving: Navigating Challenges with a Solution-Oriented Mindset

Problem-solving is a highly valued skill that reflects your ability to approach obstacles methodically and find effective solutions. Strong problem-solvers are resilient, creative, and strategic in identifying and addressing business challenges.

How to Develop Problem-Solving Skills:

  • Practice Root Cause Analysis: Instead of focusing on symptoms, dig deeper to identify the root cause of issues.
  • Encourage Creative Thinking: Brainstorm multiple solutions, even if some seem unconventional. This can expand your problem-solving toolkit.
  • Seek Diverse Input: When solving complex problems, collaborate with others to get fresh perspectives and avoid biases.

7. Conflict Resolution: Turning Differences into Opportunities

Conflict is inevitable, but managing it effectively can improve relationships and lead to better outcomes. Conflict resolution skills help in de-escalating tensions, fostering understanding, and creating mutually beneficial solutions.

How to Develop Conflict Resolution Skills:

  • Stay Calm and Objective: Manage your emotions during conflicts. Taking a deep breath and staying objective can help prevent escalation.
  • Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a safe space for discussing differing viewpoints. Listening actively and acknowledging each side’s perspective can lead to effective resolutions.
  • Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, direct the conversation toward finding a compromise or solution that satisfies both parties.

What Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Should Know Before Launching a Startup

The process of starting a business is both thrilling and difficult. There is a powerful pull to producing something profitable and important, but having a solid idea alone won’t get you there. Before starting their business, prospective entrepreneurs should think about the following:

1.Conduct in-depth market research

A thorough grasp of your target market is essential prior to launch. Investigate your sector, evaluate your rivals, and find any gaps that may be filled. You will be better able to provide your potential clients with a distinctive value proposition if you have a deeper understanding of their requirements, preferences, and behaviors.

2.Verify Your Concept

A lot of startups fail because the original concept doesn’t fit the needs of the market. To obtain accurate input, validate your proposal using focus groups, questionnaires, or a minimal viable product (MVP). Before making a significant investment, this validation might help you improve your offering and make sure there is demand.

3. Draft a business strategy

A business plan serves as the road map for your startup. It should include your target market, financial forecasts, marketing plans, mission, and vision. A carefully considered plan helps you stay focused on your objectives and draws in investors.

4. Recognize Your Needs in Finance

Capital is frequently needed to launch a firm, and costs can mount up rapidly. Calculate how much you’ll need to start your business and keep it running until it turns a profit. Investigate financing alternatives such as venture money, loans, or bootstrapping, and make sure you have enough cash on hand to handle unforeseen expenses in the early stages.

5. Adopt a Lean Approach

Launching a basic version of their product, learning from consumer feedback, and iterating quickly are all encouraged by the lean startup technique. This strategy reduces waste, preserves resources, and enables you to adjust to changing market demands.

6.Create a Strong Network

Through networking, one might find possible investors, clients, and mentors who can offer resources and advice. Join local business communities, go to industry events, and look for seasoned advisors who can guide you through the challenges of the startup world.

Starting a business is a bold step that calls for preparation, endurance, and patience. You may build a solid foundation for your company and raise your chances of long-term success by equipping yourself with the information above. Keep in mind that every successful company began with a dream and a lot of effort; yours might be the next!