When University of North Florida soccer player Juan Fajardo started the interview process for his first job out of college, one of his first stops was Corporate Traffic. Former teammate Sly Szczesniewicz was employed there and was having success in his first year of employment.
“I knew Sly well and he kept raving about the opportunity for success here at CT,” Fajardo said. “We are both very competitive and thrive in a team environment, so I knew the job would be a great fit. I joined in 2018 and I haven’t looked back!”
Sly and Juan are two of many success stories of former student-athletes making the successful transition into the business world after graduation. In the fast-paced world of logistics sales, finding top talent with the right blend of skills, drive, and determination can be a challenge. However, many college athletes bring a unique set of attributes honed through years of competitive sports, making them valuable assets in the dynamic field of logistics.
Drive and Determination: College athletes are no strangers to hard work and perseverance. Whether it’s on the field, court, or track, they’ve spent countless hours training, pushing their limits, and striving for excellence. This same drive translates seamlessly into the world of logistics sales. In a highly competitive industry where success often hinges on persistence and resilience, hiring individuals who have already demonstrated a commitment to achieving goals can give your team a significant advantage.
Player Mentality: Success in logistics sales is not a solo endeavor but rather a collaborative effort that requires effective teamwork and communication. College athletes understand the importance of working together towards a common objective. They’ve experienced firsthand the highs of victory and the importance of supporting their teammates through challenges. This team player mentality is invaluable in an industry where collaboration across departments and with clients is key to delivering exceptional service.
Time Management: Balancing rigorous training schedules with academic commitments requires exceptional discipline and time management skills. College athletes are masters of prioritization, juggling multiple responsibilities while staying focused on their goals. In the fast-paced world of logistics sales, where deadlines are tight and priorities can shift rapidly, having team members who excel at managing their time efficiently can make all the difference in meeting client needs and driving business growth.
Competitive Spirit: Competition is at the heart of both sports and sales. College athletes thrive in environments where they can test their abilities against worthy adversaries and strive to outperform the competition. This innate competitive spirit fuels their determination to excel and can inject a healthy sense of urgency and motivation into your sales team. Whether it’s pursuing new business opportunities or exceeding sales targets, hiring individuals who thrive on competition can elevate your team’s performance to new heights.
Adaptability and Resilience: In sports, as in logistics, unexpected challenges are par for the course. College athletes are no strangers to setbacks, whether it’s a tough loss, injury, or unexpected change in-game strategy. However, they possess the resilience and adaptability to bounce back stronger and more determined than ever. In an industry as dynamic and unpredictable as logistics, having team members who can quickly pivot in response to changing market conditions or client needs is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.
Corporate Traffic currently employs more than a dozen former student-athletes in various sales and operations roles throughout the country. Sly and Juan earned promotions into management and are now leading their own teams. At CT, we will continue to recruit student-athletes who bring their unique blend of drive, teamwork, discipline, and resilience to the table. By harnessing these qualities at CT, we can build sales teams that are not only capable of meeting the challenges of today’s logistics landscape but are poised to excel and drive growth in the years to come.