Exploring alternative careers

Yesterday, I taught a seminar on “The Industry Around You” to attendees at the Carolinas GCSA Conference & Show. Most of the folks in the class were assistants or superintendents who feel “stuck” in their current career path and who are considering alternatives like sales, agronomic consulting or jumping on a plane and heading to a job in a booming golf market like China or South America. The bottom line is that the warm, fuzzy era of fast advancement and solid career prospects for superintendents in the U.S. is largely over and these folks are thinking carefully about their next professional step.

I’m just a schmuck who runs a magazine and I realized quickly that I didn’t have a helluva lot to teach these folks about their career choices, so I brought in some help: Tim Moraghan, our high-powered friend who consults with clubs around the world on agronomic and personnel issues; Terry Buchen, the legendary agronomist and club consultant and longtime GCI columnist; Mark Cleveland, an old buddy who manages regional sales for Aquatrols and Larry Adcock, sales manager for Revels Turf & Tractor in North Carolina.

Then I wisely asked them a couple of questions and sat back and let them teach the class. Genius!

Here are a few highlights:

-    Cleveland and Adcock both noted that superintendents who think the grass is greener over on “the dark side” of sales need to do their homework. Yes, there may be some much-needed stability and the best of the salespeople out there make good money, but the hours may be just as long and the pressure of “hitting your number” and closing sales can be stressful. Also, many who try sales find their hearts just aren’t in it and long to return to running a golf course.
-    Moraghan stressed that when you’re in job search mode, be honest, don’t pad your resume or write long-winded cover letters. Do present yourself well – make sure there are no typos or stupid mistakes on your resume and make sure to use every connection you have to a potential employer.
-    Buchen brought home the realities of consulting and working overseas. Before you strike out on your own, you should have 6-12 months of savings because you may not get paid for the first year. Also, use the GCSAA directory and other contacts to thoroughly research the business practices and culture of any potential foreign position, particularly in China where getting paid can sometimes be complicated.

All of my illustrious panelists agreed on one thing: pursue your passion, not just a profession, and you’re more likely to be happy and succeed in the long run.