Bronco Spotlight: Rachel Batts
Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, 2008
General Manager at Verizon
I run a multi-million dollar retail Verizon property. I have about 15 employees, some managers. I am responsible for all facets of the business from customers, sales, and employees to the operations of the store. In addition to my role as a general manager, I work on a special team to help drive accessory performance across 5 states in the Great Lakes Market. I created a development program to help front line sales reps career path to a leadership role that is now being scaled across the nation standard for Verizon.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
People and development are my passion. The most rewarding part of my job, my absolute favorite, is the opportunity to teach, coach, and mentor a number of different people to grow personally and professionally. The collaborative environment in the retail side of Verizon is incredible and allows me the opportunity to expand my network and learn from others as well as help develop. I love the fast pace, changing environment and the new challenges that come with each day.
What experiences impacted the choice of your career path?
Initially, I planned to major in Fashion Design and Merchandising. Anthropology 101 (if I remember correctly), was a random GenEd class I took that really opened my eyes to other possibilities that interested me. I absolutely loved the class, the understanding of basic human condition and the things that make us who we are were fascinating to me. I had planned to, at the very least, minor in business with the goal to be an entrepreneur some day regardless of my 'trade.' My interest in that class plus the basics of business led me to change my major to business with the focus on leading and dealing with people.
What advice would you offer students to help them decide on a career path?
Be open to opportunities, many driven people go into college thinking they know exactly what they want to do, but take advantage of the general education courses! Try music, try psychology, try chemistry (maybe not, that's really hard, haha), the point is don't just try to 'get through' college, be present and intentional about the classes you take because they will impact you far more than you will ever know.