“I just started a new role in Santa Monica at IBISWorld (a global market research firm) as a Business Development Manager. Prior to that, I was at ZipRecruiter, a tech startup in Santa Monica, doing Business Development there, too,” says alum John Jenkins.
Jenkins graduated in 2007 with a B.A. in Sociology-Criminology and minor in Anthropology from the College of Arts & Sciences at Ohio University.
John Jenkins
“Business development (sales) is really about relationships and relevance. Ohio University, and the diverse groups of people I encountered while there—be it professors, peers, random strangers, etc.—prepared me to maneuver through different business scenarios—barrier of entry, needs assessment, case studies, etc..
“However, since I didn’t major in business, it was my Arts & Sciences focus that allowed me to navigate the relationships needed to sort through the longer sales cycle.
“Sociology and anthropology (and humanities in general) are increasingly being requested due to the need to have these difficult conversations, as opposed to just having a knack for business jargon, acumen and processes.
“I love that sales allows me to talk and meet with various people, and it provides an awesome sense of accomplishment when there is a true need, and a relevant fit.
“Ohio University, both the education and the people I met during my four years there, has helped me get where I am today professionally, and for that I will always be grateful ????. Go Bobcats!”
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