7 answers
9
Asked 624 views

How can a high school senior who is going to major in marketing and sales, while working over 25 hours a week, use that situation to actually build a competitive advantage rather than fall behind?

How can a high school senior who is going to major in marketing and sales, while working over 25 hours a week, use that situation to actually build a competitive advantage rather than fall behind?
Most advice I see focuses on internships and traditional experience, but I’m curious what professionals in the field think - what non-obvious skills, habits, or opportunities actually help students stand out early in marketing and sales careers?
What have you seen in real hiring or career paths that separates students who just “do activities” from those who build real momentum and stand out long-term?
I’m trying to be intentional with limited time and would really value insight from people who’ve seen what actually works in the field.

spring26 marketing advice sales knowledge
Answer This
9

7 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Alan’s Answer

Take notes as you go, build a portfolio. You will get interview questions like "tell me a time when...." So each time you overcome a big challenge, drive change, coach/mentor, give/receive feedback - write it down. That is valuable experience that so many of your peers won't have, and will be a big edge in future interviews.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Mason
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Tyrone’s Answer

You're on a great path to building the skills you need for success in marketing and sales. Your experiences and how you connect them to job opportunities are key.

To boost your progress, focus on soft skills like communication and empathy. These will help you understand others' needs and concerns, giving you the insights needed for mutual success.

Remember to look beyond immediate needs and aim for the bigger picture. Think about the ideal outcome for your clients and how you can work together to achieve it.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate the great insight. Mason
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Helga’s Answer

Make your job work for you, not against you. Use what you do every day to build a strong portfolio. Show real examples from your work, like sales successes, customer talks, and important lessons. Keep track of your journey by noting down your wins, achievements, and even setbacks. What counts is what you learn from each experience. This will give you real-world proof of your skills and growth, while others may only have ideas.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Mason
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Dany’s Answer

Hey there,
I know it is tough. Think in Star Wars terms. Your time management skills is the FORCE in you.

Working 25+ hours a week can be a competitive advantage if you’re intentional about it.
From real hiring experience, students who stand out don’t just list activities—they turn work into proof of skill. Even non‑marketing jobs build valuable abilities: communication, handling objections, prioritization, accountability, and problem‑solving under pressure. Those matter a lot in marketing and sales—and they’re hard to teach.
What separates top early‑career candidates is:

Clear communication (writing, explaining ideas simply)
Concrete examples of impact (“Here’s what I improved”)
Strong time management and follow‑through.

This for me is key and has helped me a lot.
Best of luck!

Limited time forces focus. If you choose experiences that build real skills, tell strong stories about them, and stay consistent, employers will see maturity and momentum—not a resume gap.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

HK’s Answer

Recognize the value of your work experience and do not dismiss it as "just" a part-time or minor role. The impact of your work is shaped by how you show up, take ownerships of your tasks, look for opportunities, contribute to ideas, and being intentional about value adding. Treat each experience as an opportunity to develop your skills and show what you are capable of.

Make sure to include these into your resume - Turn your basic tasks into impact.
Example - Instead of "managing administrative tasks", you can mention how you "streamlined routine processes, reduced manual efforts, and improved workflow efficiencies".
Thank you comment icon Thank you, HK! Mason
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Larry’s Answer

Hi Mason,
I think you are ahead of the game just by work experience before going to college. During college, you will have a ton of opportunity to get experience that will help you land that first job out of school. I would recommend that you incorporate AI into anything you do moving forward. AI is crucial to all marketing and sales positions today. I heard someone say something that was spot on the other day regarding AI - "AI might not take your job but someone that is familiar with AI and using will." Good luck to you.
Larry
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your response. Thank you for your input! Mason
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jeff’s Answer

As a manager who has hired sales folks in the past, some of the things I’ve looked for in resumes aside from simple education and job work would be:
- does the experience show someone who takes initiative ( extra projects and achievements).
- has the person been promoted and or been given additional responsibility in whatever job experience they had.
- has the person looked for jobs and or projects that show a willingness to interact regularly with people.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Jeff. Mason
0