Congratulations to the Pitch Competition First Prize Winner Rin Hrahsel!
Congratulations to the Pitch Competition First Prize Winner Rin Hrahsel!
As the First Prize Winner of the Generation1.ca Spring 2024 Virtual Insights Pitch Competition, we sat down with Rin Hrahsel to hear about his experiences and observations since winning the first prize including his dream roles, experience with job search, favourite book, and experience moving to a new country and continent. The Virtual Insights Pitch Competition provided a platform for participants to present their innovative problem scoping skills, data literacy, brand ideas and talents. Contestants were tested on their ability to communicate innovatively, ethically, authentically, all with emotional and intellectual maturity reflecting a range of problem identification and problem scoping skills including their responses to judges’ questions and how they approached past challenges and how they hoped to approach future disruptions.
The Jury was chaired by Tamara Finlay, VP Human Resources at Securian Canada, supported by Nick Drew, CEO of Fuse Insights and Niloufar Taheri, last year’s Fall 2023 Case Competition Winner and Algonquin College graduate. Thank you as well to our industry sponsors and partners for helping make all this possible. You can read more about them in the employers and partners showcase handbook here.
As part of Generation1.ca’s first prize, Rin Hrahsel has won himself e-gift cash rewards, a Generation1.ca T-shirt, access to ESOMAR’s Virtual Academy Masterclass, as well as an annual Royal Ontario Museum membership for a full year. Congratulations Rin!
About Victory
What strategies did you employ to ensure your elevator pitch reflected the cutting-edge trends in data analytics resulting in your win?
Rin Hrahsel: In crafting my elevator pitch, I ensured to highlight my experience in data analysis and research, particularly emphasizing my involvement in projects that explored emerging trends in remote work and digital marketing analytics.
Reflecting on the Virtual Insights Career Fair and Pitch Competition, what piece of advice or insight resonated with you the most, and why? How will you apply this to your further career?
Rin Hrahsel: The advice that resonated with me the most was the importance of storytelling in presenting data-driven insights effectively. This insight highlighted the need to not only analyze data but also communicate findings compellingly and engagingly. Moving forward, I plan to integrate storytelling techniques into my presentations to ensure that my insights are not only informative but also resonate with my audience on a deeper level.
About Dream Career / Roles
What does your ideal career role look like at this juncture?
Rin Hrahsel: My ideal career role would involve leading strategic initiatives in content strategy and research analysis for a forward-thinking organization. I aspire to leverage my expertise in data analytics and content strategy to drive innovation and achieve measurable business outcomes.
In your journey to becoming an even more respected and well-known professional, what have been the most valuable skills or attributes you have learned or developed recently?
Rin Hrahsel: Recently, I’ve found that effective communication and collaboration skills have been invaluable in my professional growth. Being able to articulate complex ideas clearly and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams has enhanced my ability to drive successful outcomes in my projects.
How has the theme of “Futureproofing Data Talent: Bridging Disciplines and Fostering New Skills” at the recently concluded Generation1.ca career fair inspired or influenced any of your approaches to data analysis, business or insightful presentation?
Rin Hrahsel: The theme of “Futureproofing Data Talent: Bridging Disciplines and Fostering New Skills” has inspired me to adopt a more interdisciplinary approach to data analysis. I’m motivated to explore how insights from diverse fields can inform my work and contribute to more holistic and innovative solutions.
About Career Connections
Who were among your favourite connections made at the career fair? What standout insights from them helped you even in a small way in your professional journey in North America?
Rin Hrahsel: Among my favourite connections at the career fair were industry professionals who shared insights on the latest trends and best practices in data analysis and content strategy, specifically Big Robin. Their navigation towards the industry and their approach with their website and work opened up an interesting insight post-covid. Their expertise and perspectives have helped broaden my understanding and provided valuable guidance in navigating the professional landscape in North America.
Thinking out of the box, how do you intend to transform your winning pitch into a real-world application at work or a business model?
Rin Hrahsel: I intend to transform my winning pitch into a real-world application by integrating data-driven content strategies into my organization’s marketing initiatives.
About Moving to North America
What has been your favourite book about professional growth and development? If this book doesn’t exist yet what should it be about?
Rin Hrahsel: “There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job” by Kikuko Tsumura profoundly explores workplace dynamics and personal growth through the journey of its unnamed protagonist. Tsumura’s delicate handling of themes like workplace harassment and burnout, coupled with engaging storytelling and eccentric characters, makes it a captivating and insightful read. The book offers valuable reflections on the complexities of working life, making it a highly recommended read for anyone seeking nuanced insights into professional growth and development.
What is the most challenging and the most rewarding part about moving to a new country or continent / or moving across continents as a global professional?
Rin Hrahsel: The most challenging part of moving to a new continent is adapting to a different cultural and professional environment. However, the most rewarding aspect is the opportunity for personal and professional growth, as well as the chance to broaden one’s perspectives and experiences.
What kind of resources or supports do you hope for the most to improve the career and workplace integration journey for new movers and arrivers in North America?
Rin Hrahsel: I hope for increased access to mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and cultural integration resources to support the career and workplace integration journey for new movers and arrivers in North America and I am also very grateful for all the advice and resources I found at Generation1.ca as a career professional and mover and arriver myself.