Rachel Biby
Contact Information: rachel.biby@montagehealth.org
Industry: Healthcare
A Day In the Life of a Business Developer
Carries out the strategy and vision of Montage Health’s strategic plan and quality commitment. Monitors industry trends for opportunities and helps develop business strategies/cases for existing and new programs/services. Oversees the overall performance of the destination care program; the regional onsite corporate wellness program; employer/broker outreach and relationship management; the physician liaison program to include the sales/relationship management of Epic Connect practices; and the decision support program to ensure the cost accounting system and resources meet the ongoing needs of various organizational users.
Educational Pathway
Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Masters degree in Business Administration. 6 years total of post high school education, but took a few years break in-between undergraduate and graduate to obtain real working experience.
Characteristics/Skills
Business development is very forward facing and interactive with a number of internal and external stakeholders. Having an outgoing personality and ability to "sell", while also keeping in mind long-term strategy is necessary. You must be a goal-oriented and creative individual who thinks outside of the box. Rachel knew she was a fit for this because she always felt energized and motivated when collaborating with others.
Pros and Cons
Pros: People interaction, creative thinking/program development, and adaptable skill set.... meaning - Business Development can be done in almost any industry
Cons: Competitive, potential for significant after hour/weekend obligations and pressure to succeed.
Biggest Challenge Faced In Getting Where They Are Today - How did they overcome it?
Biggest challenge was and continues to be time management as it relates to a work life balance. Being a female, there can be times where juggling career demands and that of your young children and family can be strenuous. Truly believe that you can do it all and manage both as priorities in your life. The most helpful thing has been to be an open and transparent with your boss, work colleagues and family. Flexibility is key!
Advice For One Pursuing this Career
Recommend to get as much working experience as possible. Consider taking some time to work in the field of choice prior to exploring grad school options. Working experience accelerates your ability to forge strong relationships, network and ensure a much easier time in future job connection.
Ann-Marie Heidingsfelder
Contact Information: annmarie@trs-rentelco.com
Industry: Engineering
A Day In the Life of a Sales/Business Developer in Engineering
I collaborate with technology companies to create testing equipment acquisition strategies that match their engineering and financial goals. We co-create actionable plans to deliver measurable benefits that include improved cost management, technology risk sharing, and faster project progress.
Educational Pathway
BA in Psychology & MBA - It took several years out of school to get my position.
Characteristics/Skills/Inspiration
High Emotional Intelligence (EI) and an ability to quickly absorb new information, Consultative Selling Skills; Persistence & Optimism
Pros and Cons
Pros: Autonomy, Flexibility, Self-Determination
Cons: Stress of meeting a quota, Managers who lack proper skills in managing people, Travel
Biggest Challenge Faced In Getting Where They Are Today - How did they overcome it?
I'm not technical, so learning just enough about it to be dangerous and carry on an intelligent conversation with engineers.
Advice For One Pursuing this Career
Expect to start out in position that may not be your dream job to get experience!
Extra Notes/Interesting Facts
My career has come full circle as I find myself returning to a role I held over 20 years ago, back when I was in my 20s and single. I progressed to leadership positions for the Fortune 100 and then spent 11 years working as a part-time consultant while raising our daughter. Now, after more than two decades, I've been offered the chance to return to TRS-RenTelco full-time, and it feels like the perfect opportunity!
Rob Guthrie
Industry: Healthcare
A Day In the Life of a SVP Business Developer
Try to grow the business by adding client partners
Educational Pathway
This path was led to by a BS in Business Administration…have since added an MMC in Mass Communication, but not required for this role
Characteristics/Skills
In depth subject matter expertise
Pros and Cons
Pros: dynamic, leadership, financial
Cons: lots of lows, pressure, highly matrixed
Biggest Challenge Faced In Getting Where They Are Today - How did they overcome it?
Introvert in a typically extroverted role
Advice For One Pursuing this Career
Be open to change… It is not imperative that you know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life on day one or earlier