87. How Students can Build Connections using LinkedIn: From College to a Career in Sports with Connor Potkonjak

Building Connections: Connor's Journey from College to a Career in Sports

In this episode of the College and Career Ready Podcast, Coach Sonia welcomes Connor Potkonjak, a fourth-year commerce and international business student at the University of Victoria, British Columbia. Connor shares his process of building crucial connections within the sports industry, including how a LinkedIn cold message inspired by the College and Career Ready Podcast led him to a meaningful info session with Yvette Yzaguirre from the Seattle Mariners. He discusses the importance of mentorship, persistence, and understanding one's 'why' in navigating career opportunities. Tune in to learn valuable tips for transitioning from college to a career and the significance of nurturing professional relationships.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:43 Meet Connor Pockinjack
02:44 Building Connections on LinkedIn
07:14 Transitioning from High School to College
12:06 The Importance of Mentorship
13:07 Connecting with Yvette Izaguirre
18:09 Connor's Career Journey and Advice
21:27 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Connect with Connor:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/connor-potkonjak
Instagram: connorpotkonjak

Episodes mentioned with Yvette Yzaguirre:
Episode #51 and #52: https://collegecareerready.org/podcast

Career Connections Summer Course

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It is a 5-week Self-Paced Online Course w/ Weekly Virtual Group Sessions; first group session starts July 15th.

For more info: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/Course

Connect with Sonia Cacique
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Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Transcript

Connor: 0:00

Hi, I'm Connor Pockinjack and you're listening to the college and career ready podcast.

Sonia: 0:36

Welcome everyone. Welcome to the college and career ready podcast. on today's episode, we have Connor. Connor is a fourth year student at the university of Victoria, British Columbia. He has a passion for pursuing a career within the sports industry. Connor reached out to me and connected with me on LinkedIn after hearing two of my episodes, number 50 and 51, where I interviewed Yvette Izaguirre, she's a senior activation specialist with the Seattle Mariners, and he connected with me to express his gratitude. For that episode, because by listening to Yvette's story, he was inspired to connect with her directly for an info session. And from there he has continued to build and leverage his connections and these connections will hopefully lend him to his first career opportunity. Welcome Connor. Welcome to the college and career ready podcast.

Connor: 1:31

Hi, thank you so much for having me.

Sonia: 1:33

And you are just in the perfect time because you are soon to graduate, so we get to go back in time and, share with our audience, our listeners about your trajectory in building connections for your future career plans. But introduce yourself to our audience. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Connor: 1:53

Yeah, so I'm originally from Olympia, Washington. so just about an hour south of Seattle. I grew up, you know, it's a pretty small community. So a K through eight and then a high school, also local there, never moved. That's my hometown, you know, tried and true. and then I'm a dual citizen as well. So I'm a dual citizen between Canada and the U S which has allowed me to pursue an education at the university of Victoria. I've had a great four years studying in the commerce and business program, and recently a specialization in international business. So that's been great. I met a lot of great people. I've also been lucky enough to go to school with a couple of my family members, which not a lot of people get to do. and then I'm off into graduation come about a month from now. So that's a bit exciting. And I've began the job application process and continue to build on network connections and hopefully leverage those in the future.

Sonia: 2:43

Yeah. And, you know, tell me a little bit about that. When did you started realizing the importance of building connections?

Connor: 2:51

I had met a lot of older, so I have an older brother, which, you know, initially helps with a lot of high school and that whole transition process. But I had an older brother who had a lot of friends, who were moving into the college transition zone. And they had told me a story that they had bought LinkedIn premium and sent a couple hundred messages to just companies that they would like to work for. You know, they made a list and they sent it out. And ultimately ended up getting an internship and a job for a company in California and he's moved to California and he's worked for them. So that kind of success story was, a bit of an eye opener. And, uh, from then I kind of just picked, you know, did the same process, found people, you know, a little bit more locally that I'd like to work for. sent messages, told them a bit about myself and kind of started from there and it's had a great return overall. So. I love it. When did you start this process of connecting on LinkedIn? I would say seriously, I got into it not long ago. probably my 2nd year of university is when I kind of, you know, started sending those cold messages. It was a bit of a, uh, ambitious, you know, I was afraid of hearing the no and not getting response. That's kind of what's always prevented me. But as soon as I started and. I think one person gave me a yes. It was go from there.

Sonia: 4:05

Oh my goodness. I love that. So tell me a little bit about how you started. So you created your LinkedIn profile. How did you start targeting? How did you narrow down to your search?

Connor: 4:16

so I don't know if it's similar between the U. S. and Canada, but I know in the U. S. when I was in high school, I competed in DECA. And so that was been super helpful. And that's kind of the age that I set up a LinkedIn profile, but, you know, never posted, never liked anything. and then came back to it my freshman year at university and really. You know, set it up, made it look nice, kind of started connecting with people, and going from there. And the first people that I kind of targeted, I think I was a bit, uh, out of my umbrella. I went for a local team. So like, you know, Seattle's become a Mecca of metropolitan sports with, you know, the crack in and the sounders and the Seahawks and the Mariners. So I just kind of went to companies. Or, uh, teams like those to see who I can pick on. And I think I was a bit ambitious cause the first couple of people I went for like COOs or like, you know, top department people, which may not be the, the best approach, but kind of narrowed down, eventually and found people who were willing to help. Okay.

Sonia: 5:14

you, from the beginning, you knew you were going to target sports industry, correct?

Connor: 5:18

Yeah.

Sonia: 5:19

Okay. Yeah. Okay. And you started doing LinkedIn messages. Is that how you connected? Tell us a little bit about what that looked like.

Connor: 5:29

Yeah. So I found out, uh, probably my second year university that you can connect with someone on LinkedIn, but you can also send a personalized invite, under that more options. So for me, under the free version that I still use, I get like four free personalized invites a month. so I make sure I find four really targeted specific people that I do a lot of research and to kind of see, how they got there, why they got there, what they do, if it's what I want to do, and then eventually crack. It's a 200 word, you know, limit. And so I just kind of cold message someone and say, Hey, saw your job, saw your transition period, you know, really interested in what you do and would love to chat.

Sonia: 6:08

Awesome. I bet those no's or no response feels uncomfortable, but what about when you get a yes in a response? How's that feeling?

Connor: 6:17

Oh, I like social interaction, but even I get nervous from a yes. So I think that's an overall positive thing at the end all is that, you know, nervous means that you care and that you're excited. So, and then I've also had a few people who four months ago by and I'm like, yeah, you know, maybe that wasn't the right person. Maybe I didn't get a yes, or maybe I didn't get a response. And then all of a sudden they'll say, Hey, just saw this. You know, would you love to chat? And it's like, yeah, I would like, that would be great. So I love

Sonia: 6:44

that. So in LinkedIn, you already knew what job titles you were looking for. I'm assuming

Connor: 6:50

from high school and from my early university years, I wasn't, you know, certain I'd always had a passion for business. I've always heard growing up that and learning from decades, sports is a very saturated and it's pretty competitive industry to get into. So I, that always moved me in a different direction and try to focus on something else. But eventually I came back to it and I decided, yeah, I think that's what I'm going to try and pursue. So.

Sonia: 7:13

I love that. I love that. So let's, since you mentioned high school, what do you feel was the hardest part for you transitioning from high school to college?

Connor: 7:22

I think it was interesting, you know, it may not be a lot of academic issues that I had. But I'm talking about connections, and what that means to me is, like, I think there's a lot of value, you know, not necessarily in numbers, the amount of people that you're able to connect with, but the type of connections that you have with a smaller group. And I think when you hit university, there's that kind of social stigma that comes back in that says, you know, I need to be Mr. Popular, or I need to know everybody, or, you know, it's like, you're starting from square one, and it's everybody needs to know everybody, but. The friends that I'm still friends with today, out of my four years at university, are the small group of people with like minded values that I made in first year. and I think that's really helped me. And then also finding you know, people who want to grow in the same way as me. And so that transition from, you know, high school, you have your friend group, especially me, where it's a very local, you know, community built, uh, area to then it's, you know, people from all around the world coming to meet up with you again. I think that stigma I struggled with a bit.

Sonia: 8:24

How did you find your specific groups of individuals? So if you go back in time and walk us through, what was your best target or the best strategy to find the people to connect with?

Connor: 8:36

Uh, well, one, first off definitely took some time. yeah. I think I can say I'm very lucky because, uh, I had two cousins who are from Vancouver, British Columbia, and they both also went to the University of Victoria for their first year. So I had two of my family members who are my age on campus, so they're pretty much built in friends, you know, you can't go wrong there. and they obviously knew other people from the area who were, coming to the school and then over time a couple people transferred, a couple people moved, but I got really, uh, deep rooted into things like intramurals or like extracurricular activities. Kind of just going out and trying new things that might be outside of my comfort zone. Cause there's probably kids doing the same thing. and you know, I ended up finding my girlfriend at the school. She had a bunch of friends she introduced me to. and overall it just kind of slowly expanded and, you know, as people went on and people have moved, I've kept in touch with people who are really important to me. So,

Sonia: 9:32

yeah. So do you think for students, do you think it's better for them to. Reach out to people who they feel are similar to them. Or do you think it's more advantageous to open your doors to opportunities and extracurriculars that you might have not thought you would have find a connection there?

Connor: 9:49

I'd probably say the latter. you know, I mean, there's nothing wrong with the first one as well. Uh, it's a very safe approach and definitely you'll find people who are like minded because that's what you're interested in, but I think the interesting part about the secondary one is that it's, It's allowed me to find things that I didn't think I'd really be interested in, and then I'm like, well, you know, like, that's just kind of fun, or that person's kind of cool, you know, they have people who know people who then ends up coming to something that I'm interested in. So it all is full circle, overall, but I think that opening new doors and just trying new things, especially when you're going into university, it's, you know, what do you got to lose is my mindset.

Sonia: 10:28

Yeah. I love that. So as a society, do you see areas that we can improve to help, our high school students transition to college? Is there areas that you feel like, I need to improve in this area to help with that transition?

Connor: 10:44

I mean, I think a lot of high schools, I think they do a great job. You know, I think people like you are helping, you know, set kids up for success and kind of open doors of, you know, Hey, this is the unknown, but we want to help you as much as you can. I think for me and my high school, there was a lot of, you know, they do the standards like senior extra interviews. So they kind of know that you have a plan and then you have counselors. So, you know, how are college applications going? you know, but to me, that kind of stops at the point. As soon as you put your cap and gown on, and then you move on to college, and it feels like those resources are for high school kids. You know, you can't use them still, or even if you're struggling, they may not people that you can connect with. but I think that's important. I think that's, you know, a support system is when you're going through something new is 1 of the biggest things that you can have. So, I think if my high school could shift into, maybe somehow allowing a discussion forum, or, uh, you know, a contact or someone to keep in touch with those students. People who have just left, would be, you know, a big emphasis. I think.

Sonia: 11:47

Yeah. Thank you for sharing that because that's exactly where my passion is filling in that gap for high school students and, college students, find the connections they need to be successful. When they graduate. And that's where you're at now. Right. Is, really transitioning from college to your career. What do you attribute your, best success in helping you right now transition from college to your career?

Connor: 12:14

I would absolutely have to go back to, you know, your bread and butter is the connections that you make. and so I've had, you know, a lot of interviews or a lot of applications that have come back and now, but. After working with mentors or, you know, like people that I've connected with and say, Hey, you know, like, why do you think this might be happening? and they've, you know, taken a look at my resume and changed it up quite a bit. And they've helped me with job interviews and they helped me practice and slow down. I used to be a. Super quick speaker. You know, I talk over to take a breath and relax, you know, that it'll be okay. And so things like that and the connections that I have around me and, uh, those kinds of people have really mentored and tutored me into feeling comfortable in a lot of new situations or interview situations. So.

Sonia: 13:01

Yeah, I think that's wonderful. So now you're at the point where you're transitioning out. Let me go back to your meeting with Yvette Isaguirre. You had an info session with her. So let's bring our audience full circle to that opportunity. what made you connect with her and what did you gain from that info session?

Connor: 13:21

she was super helpful, I don't know when a corporate partnership has exactly became an interest to me. but she works obviously in the corporate partnership division for the Seattle Mariners. so a local market. and she's also, you know, she gives the perception that she's wanting to help and give back to kids. I think I saw a post where she said, you know, I love when kids connect with me, or I get the chance to speak to the next generation so I thought, you know, that's a perfect. You know, someone's pretty much saying, Hey, connect with me because I love to help. you know, and so I shot her a very basic message and she immediately got back to me and was super helpful. so hopefully she's still listening. So I can't thank her enough, but I would say she was one of my first kind of, you know, like legit cold call meetings, someone in like an organization that I really wanted to work for. Okay. and she gave me a couple of really good pointers. She, uh, emphasized knowing your why, you know, which I think you've talked about on your podcast a lot. It's kind of finding your core reason. And, also a lot about persistence. I think, you know, her story is how much she's applied to different jobs and how long it's taken for her to get where she gets and how nonlinear it's been. So that, you know, it's kind of an eye opener in that aspect. and then ultimately I ask about how the culture of the Mariners operated and, I met with her about a year ago. So I think it was in November of 2023 and, you know, she really emphasized as a manager and working with other people, what it takes and she emphasized that, you know, she really cares about birthdays. That was like a really big thing for her. and so she makes people on their birthday, whether they want to be, you know, Celebrated or not, you know, depending on how the person is, she creates a company culture by making sure that they're kind of seen, and they're heard and they're cared for their team. And so just knowing that even things like that take place in a major organization, a sports team, you've got people like her who are always caring about her teammates, 1. We, you know, reemphasize my passion for the sports industry, but to help me find my why and kind of create a statement that if I was to tell someone, you know, like, what's your dream goal, I can tell you what and why as well. and then finally, just, once again, going back to nurturing and caring about other people and building those connections over time has really helped her get where she is. So super inspiring. yeah, and going back through Yvette's, initial connection that I have with her, I was able to apply, for a corporate partnerships position at the Seattle Mariners for this upcoming summer, and she, uh, you know, obviously I checked base with her, but she allowed me to use her as a reference on my application, And I was able to put Yvette as a reference and say, this is someone who can speak to, you know, my initiative. which ultimately led me to getting an interview, And, the guy I interviewed with, I had connected with on LinkedIn, I'd shot him a message. So even that when I went into the interview, I was like, I know this guy, you know, so once again, it always comes full circle too.

Sonia: 16:10

Yeah. So it, it sounds to me like these opportunities almost prepare you for that job interview because you're narrowing down your brand, your own personal branding, who you are, your mission, what you're looking forward to. So when you have these interviews, right, you can clearly state that.

Connor: 16:29

Yeah. I usually, when someone gives, says, what's your professional overview, tell me about yourself. I always go back to kind of what she said and I finish it with my why statement. And so I'll say, you know, yes, I'm from here, blah, blah, blah, blah. But this is all important because I'm, you know, in that why statement. And so that's really helped me, set a precedence at the beginning of interviews of, you know, why am I here? Why am I applying for the job? Why are you important? Why are you special? Why, you know, what's the meaning behind it?

Sonia: 16:56

Yeah. Do you want to give it a shot and tell us what your why is?

Connor: 17:00

so my why for corporate partnerships position, which is something that's been really interesting to me is that? I think it's, Tertiary, Um, it's that it benefits multiple different groups. And so you get to benefit the team because obviously they make revenue. it benefits the company because they have goals and objectives that they're trying to reach or do a partnership with the team. And then finally, it benefits the community. So, they get to see the rewards and the benefits of people's hard work and it benefits them and their game experience. So having a job that, benefits a lot of people is something that I really want to contribute into.

Sonia: 17:34

I love that. I love that because you made your job or your job title come full circle as far as why, who you're connecting with and what you're trying to build. I love that. I love that.

Connor: 17:45

So I can definitely say it still needs some refining. There's

Sonia: 17:50

yeah. And you know what? That is the beauty of this. The more you say it, the more you share it, the clear it gets. And so it's important for people to ask you your why, because every time you say it, you realize, practice makes perfect.

Connor: 18:05

exactly.

Sonia: 18:06

I love it. Connor will share if you don't mind. Tell us where you're at in your education journey and anything you want to share about what Connor is up to as far as career planning.

Connor: 18:21

So I'm in my 4th and final year. at the University of Victoria. I've, uh, got about 1 month left. My last day of classes is August 2nd, and then I'm officially done with school with the bachelors of commerce and international business. I've continuously been trying to set up work experiences and I've had a couple of job interviews with the Vancouver Canucks, I'm excited to graduate. I have a bit of a trip planned in August as a relax, you know, clear the mind before entering the workforce,

Sonia: 18:50

And I think the clear, your goal is, The better it is for you, because no matter what opportunity is the next job, right, for you, that's just going to be a stepping stone to moving in the right direction. So even if this first opportunity is not the exact definition of what you're looking for, you're going to gain the skills to continue tapping on, knocking on those doors, and hopefully having that opportunity, which is exactly what Yvette shared with us on that interview.

Connor: 19:16

Exactly.

Sonia: 19:17

If there is top three things that you would say to high school students and college students. What would that top three things be, from your experience and helping them prepare for their future careers?

Connor: 19:30

I think, you know, I've got two that come straight to my head and I might have to think a little bit harder about the third one is, you know, I mean, it's a bit, I think it's a bit corny and a bit funny, but I was watching a video of, uh, I think he was like eight, on like a different podcast. And he said a quote, he said, uh, you can't control the wind, but you can only adjust your sails. And, you know, funny enough coming from an eight year old, you make, it is what it is, but I really resonated with that. And so I've kind of realized as I hear no from things or as things may not work, you know, the way I want them to, that might be an example of where the wind's pushing me in the wrong direction, but, you know, always adjust your sails and kind of continue to focus on what your goal was. so that's really resonated with me for number one. and then number two, especially after connecting with a lot of. business or industry professionals is, you know, like you don't always have to be cool. I think a lot of the times is the more you kind of put yourself out there or you're kind of a bit different or you're a bit unique, it makes a lasting impact and, it makes you remembered in those people's eyes. It's like, yo, they weren't just your, you know, cookie cutter, basic interviewee, they kind of touched on points that I thought were interesting or new or innovative. and so coming up with those different ideas and not just trying to tell people what you think they want to hear, has been a real big realization in my eyes. And then, I don't know if I have a tip for the third one, but I just, you know, my third point might just be, everything's gonna be okay. You know, like at the end of the day, give it a year from now, that thing that you might be dealing with is not gonna be the thing that you're thinking about. or that career that you thought that was like, Oh, this is the only thing I'm meant to do in my life. Might not be, you know, the top of precedent. So at the end all in, in however long it takes, everything's going to be all right, then the transition works and people will be there to support.

Sonia: 21:19

I love it because like, as I always say, your career is not an end destination, it's a journey. Exactly. Exactly. Thank you so much Connor for being a guest on our podcast and I wish nothing but many connections for you in that next job opportunity. Hopefully we can have you again in the future. once you're at your professional career level and get to go back in time and share where you at now and where you are then. So really appreciate it.

Connor: 21:48

Yeah, I really appreciate you having me on and I will always shout out the podcast. So listen in and follow the next episodes.

Sonia: 21:54

Thank you so much, Connor.

21:57

Thank you for listening in. If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much to me if you share it with a friend, a colleague, or your own community. If you share it on social media and tag me, I'll make sure to personally thank you. My two favorite places to hang out are Instagram and LinkedIn. Check out our show notes for a direct link. I'm so thankful for each and every one of you. And as always stay well, be present and enjoy the journey. I'll talk to you next week. Adios.