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Business Project, Questions for those in ski industry

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hanksy
Posts: 659 - Karma: 265
For one of my business classes I have to do a networking assignment, and for part of that I have to contact a 'professional' (not a pro skier, just someone with a job really) and get some information about their industry and experience. I figured it would be most interesting for me to contact someone in the ski industry. I was going to just email a bunch of companies and hope to get in contact with someone, but I figured posting it on NS would get some interesting responses from someone that I wouldn't have contacted at first. Also, I am sure that tons of people on here would be interested in what people who are actually in the industry would have for advice. Here are some questions:

1) How important is location for your company and your specific job? What about when looking to get into the industry?

2) What were some of the important ways that you networked to get a job? The obvious answer is 'knowing people,' but how did you generally get into contact with these people?

3) What was your major in college? Do you think this was important in helping you get to where you are?

4) Did you work anywhere else that you think helped give you experience professionally? What was that? If not, what was your initial position in the ski industry?

I know these are pretty broad questions, but I'm not looking for an essay of a response, really any advice or information would be extremely helpful. I don't care if you are an orange or green name, if you think you work in the ski/snowboard/action sports industry, I'd love to hear your responses and any general advice you'd have. If you'd rather not post in this thread, feel free to email me at hstove@gmail.com. Thanks a ton in advance to anyone who can help out, and if anyone has any other questions that you think would be beneficial for me or you about this, feel free to post it.
Dec 2 2010 7:03PM
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monstertruckk
Posts: 3044 - Karma: 454
you will probobly have better luck contacting someone locally. company owners are usually pretty willing to talk about what they did to become successful.
Dec 2 2010 7:30PM
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.Max.
Posts: 2930 - Karma: 701
1.) It's right downtown near two collages so we get a lot of business from students as well as people on their way downtown.

2.) I talked to reps, got to know some of my dads friends in the industry, and frequently visited the shop before I worked there.

3.) I'm a Junior in high school. So probably not.

4.) I'm in my initial position


I know these might not be the exact answers you're looking for, but it's the info I've got.
Dec 2 2010 8:19PM
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blong131
Posts: 2193 - Karma: 59
i did this with the owners of on3p and rime last year and they were both really awesome
Dec 2 2010 8:23PM
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hanksy
Posts: 659 - Karma: 265
I'll do that, thanks for the heads up
Dec 2 2010 9:39PM
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titsLOL
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 396
Career advice from a Junior in high school... fail.
Dec 2 2010 9:49PM
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t_rob
Posts: 6433 - Karma: 11,459
rosstafari reid is all business all the time.
Dec 2 2010 10:04PM
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J.DUKE
Posts: 1233 - Karma: 38
post this on TGR, theres adults with jobs there
Dec 2 2010 10:23PM
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HeathR
Posts: 4359 - Karma: 1,382
1) How important is location for your company and your specific job? What about when looking to get into the industry?

Location is extremely important. First job was not in the best location but I have moved to better places.

2) What were some of the important ways that you networked to get a job? The obvious answer is 'knowing people,' but how did you generally get into contact with these people?

Moved from one Vail resort to another so they supervisors new each other and can give good info. My brother also knew the head guy and got me in touch before I actually applied.

3) What was your major in college? Do you think this was important in helping you get to where you are?

Ski Resort Management Helped some but it should help more in the future.

4) Did you work anywhere else that you think helped give you experience professionally? What was that? If not, what was your initial position in the ski industry?

I feel like most experiences help out. Doing carpentry and construction helped and starting out teaching skiing gave me and intro to the industry.
Dec 2 2010 10:38PM
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Wibby
Posts: 293 - Karma: 165

1) How important is location for your company and your specific job? What about when looking to get into the industry?

Why would a ski company want to be near beach?  The Ski Journal is located in Bellingham, WA - close to Whistler, Stevens Pass and Mt. Baker.  Being close to the mountains is very important to The Ski Journal as we stay connected and relevant to mountain culture.  Location is important for my specific job as I like to Ski.

2) What were some of the important ways that you networked to get a job? The obvious answer is 'knowing people,' but how did you generally get into contact with these people?

Went skiing (a lot), college, secured an internship, got a good degree and worked on my high five till I got it right. 

3) What was your major in college? Do you think this was important in helping you get to where you are?

My degree is in Marketing.  As The Director of Marketing for The Ski Journal, it is important as I looked good on paper and had a strong fundamental background in Marketing.

4) Did you work anywhere else that you think helped give you experience professionally? What was that? If not, what was your initial position in the ski industry?

I was a paperboy in my youth, taught me skills such as working hard, being consistent, counting money, being reliable, customer service....and my Marketing Internship at a major ski company didnt hurt.

Dec 3 2010 2:46AM
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Pipe_Munky
Posts: 10888 - Karma: 2,184
1) Because the company I work for has such a broad product line (not just skis) it's important that we're located to an international airport and main shipping routes in Canada.

2) I worked in the dreaded ski retail for several years and when I learned of the opening for my job, I jumped at it and had a couple of the company's sales reps put in a good word for me.

3) I majored in marketing. Not using it right now but who knows, I've got my foot in the door and hopefully I'll move into a position like that. Definately not all that important in where I am in the company.

4) Ski retail fitting boots and mounting/tuning skis gave me a good background for dealing with customers and getting a good technical base for my job.
Dec 3 2010 1:57PM
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MAPLE_SYRUP
Posts: 1910 - Karma: 68
I am so happy that i am a marketing major :D

I can't wait to land an internship with a ski company or resort
Dec 3 2010 2:42PM
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