Growing up in Hawaii, Cory (Class of ‘14) has always valued having a tight knight community and bringing people together with shared interests and common goals. Cory is a Fortune 100 recruiter and his career coaching business, Career Shakers, has helped corporate professionals plan out their careers and find their next job. He has spoken on the radio, workshops, technology events, and has a YouTube channel where he posts weekly career content, including the Life Switch podcast where he interviews entrepreneurs and other professionals who have switched careers. Since graduating, he switched careers from management consulting to recruiting so he could people achieve their dream of working for one of the largest technology companies in the world.
Why did you choose the Leavey School of Business for your undergrad?
It was a no-brainer when you think about the location and existing relationships SCU has with the biggest companies in the Bay Area like Google, Apple, Amazon, etc. Leavey professors also teach at other universities like Stanford and SJSU which ensures that students can get a combination of the curriculum.
What was the one professor/person/activity at SCU that made the biggest difference in your life?
This might be an unusual answer, but not getting accepted into the ACE Program was the best thing that ever happened to me. It taught me that success is measured by more than just your academics, and you need a well-rounded resume in order to be the best candidate.
How has LSB shaped your life?
Nearly all jobs require cross-functional collaboration with different departments, so having at least a basic understanding of what every business function does will make your job significantly easier. This saves you from staying late at work and allows you to impress managers on other teams, so appreciate those extra finance or marketing classes you don't want to take!
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?
The major/degree you graduate with only starts your career journey, it is not the only path you can take. Don't be afraid to pivot later on if your interests change. Self-awareness allows you to self-correct.
What piece of advice would you give current students who are joining the workforce?
For the first 5 years of your career, focus on skill development and happiness. Do not chase the money or prestige (speaking from experience). You'll spend 60% of your waking hours at work for the next 43 years, so make sure it's something you enjoy. And subscribe to my YouTube channel!.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
You work for your team, they don't work for you.