Ryan Carrigg
Class of 2003
Networking Success
What is your current position/title, and what is your "typical" day like?
I am currently an Analyst at Compete, Inc. in Boston. Compete is an internet market research company that predicts trends in a number of industries based on consumers’ web behavior. Often times I field email surveys asking specific questions that yield valuable information for our clients. We have a number of proprietary web based tools that we offer to our clients that connect consumers and marketers more closely and offer benefits to both sides. Helping internet users who have questions about one of our products is another daily task.
Can you provide a quick snapshot of the path that took you there?
After graduating I went into financial services for roughly a year and a half. I was not happy with my position at all and knew that I needed to make a career change. While I wasn't sure exactly what industry I wanted to be in, I was drawn to advertising and marketing. Through a UVM Career Connection event in Boston I made several contacts that provided me with invaluable guidance on looking for a new job. Through relentless phone calls, emails, and interviews I finally landed a job that I am very proud of.
What do you like best about your work?
The thing I like best is that I am surrounded with some of the most intelligent people I have ever encountered (other than at UVM of course!). I work at a start-up company that is only 5 years old. The office environment is laid back but everyone knows that hard work leads to results. We work hard as a team and it is easy to stay motivated with energy surrounding you.
I am currently an Analyst at Compete, Inc. in Boston. Compete is an internet market research company that predicts trends in a number of industries based on consumers’ web behavior. Often times I field email surveys asking specific questions that yield valuable information for our clients. We have a number of proprietary web based tools that we offer to our clients that connect consumers and marketers more closely and offer benefits to both sides. Helping internet users who have questions about one of our products is another daily task.
Can you provide a quick snapshot of the path that took you there?
After graduating I went into financial services for roughly a year and a half. I was not happy with my position at all and knew that I needed to make a career change. While I wasn't sure exactly what industry I wanted to be in, I was drawn to advertising and marketing. Through a UVM Career Connection event in Boston I made several contacts that provided me with invaluable guidance on looking for a new job. Through relentless phone calls, emails, and interviews I finally landed a job that I am very proud of.
What do you like best about your work?
The thing I like best is that I am surrounded with some of the most intelligent people I have ever encountered (other than at UVM of course!). I work at a start-up company that is only 5 years old. The office environment is laid back but everyone knows that hard work leads to results. We work hard as a team and it is easy to stay motivated with energy surrounding you.
Any special interests outside the workplace?
I play sports all year. This year I played in two basketball leagues, two softball leagues, four touch football leagues, and one indoor soccer league. Obviously this is a good way to stay in shape but it is also a great way to network and meet new people.
What was your major at UVM and what experiences at UVM have proven important in terms of your career?
My major was Economics. Econometrics was the most important class that I took at UVM. It provided me with some experience in handling large databases and synthesizing data into a story.
What's the single most important tip you have for UVM students as they prepare for their careers?
Get an internship, even if it is unpaid. Find a cool company in a field that you are interested in and intern for them. Experience is the key to landing a job.
I play sports all year. This year I played in two basketball leagues, two softball leagues, four touch football leagues, and one indoor soccer league. Obviously this is a good way to stay in shape but it is also a great way to network and meet new people.
What was your major at UVM and what experiences at UVM have proven important in terms of your career?
My major was Economics. Econometrics was the most important class that I took at UVM. It provided me with some experience in handling large databases and synthesizing data into a story.
What's the single most important tip you have for UVM students as they prepare for their careers?
Get an internship, even if it is unpaid. Find a cool company in a field that you are interested in and intern for them. Experience is the key to landing a job.
Any special tips for anyone interested in your industry/field?
A computer science background is key. In hindsight I wish I had at least minored in Computer Science. Having a technical background is very important.
Any additional comments for students and/or alumni using the Career Connection?
Use all the connections that you can, stay in touch with everyone and don't burn bridges. I met a contact at the Boston Career Connection event last year that helped me with my resume and cover letter. Without this help I would probably not have landed the job that I did.
A computer science background is key. In hindsight I wish I had at least minored in Computer Science. Having a technical background is very important.
Any additional comments for students and/or alumni using the Career Connection?
Use all the connections that you can, stay in touch with everyone and don't burn bridges. I met a contact at the Boston Career Connection event last year that helped me with my resume and cover letter. Without this help I would probably not have landed the job that I did.
(for UVM staff)