Channing Nesbitt's journey from Division 1 baseball player to a successful career in technology and data analytics is a testament to the power of adaptability and seizing opportunities. His story offers valuable insights for students and young professionals navigating their early careers. Watch the full conversation here.
Early Aspirations and Identity Shift
As a child, Channing dreamed of becoming an astronaut, fascinated by space and the prospect of exploring uncharted territories. However, his more tangible goal was to become a professional baseball player. From age eight until 22, Channing strongly identified as an athlete, culminating in his college baseball career at the University of Washington, where his team made it to the College World Series
This athletic identity played a crucial role in shaping his early career decisions. The transition from athlete to professional was a significant mental shift that influenced his choice to pursue graduate studies and his subsequent career path
The Graduate School Decision
Channing's decision to attend the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington immediately after his undergraduate studies was a pivotal moment. He highlights both the advantages and challenges of this choice:
- Pros: Being in "school shape," no transition period for relearning study habits, and no adjustment from a working routine.
- Cons: Lack of real-world experience and perspective on career direction1
Channing emphasized the importance of carefully considering the timing of graduate school, weighing factors such as financial commitment, personal circumstances, and career goals.
Internships and Early Career Experiences
Seattle Foundation
Channing's internship at Seattle Foundation marked his first significant professional experience. He stresses the unique value of internships and student experiences:
- Unparalleled excitement and opportunities
- Support from professionals eager to help
- Chances to shadow and gain diverse exposures
- Building relationships that can impact future career directions
Tableau's Turn of Events
Channing's career took an unexpected turn when he joined Tableau as an intern. Despite his initial focus on law and policy, he found himself in the tech industry, working on data visualization and public-private partnerships. This experience taught him the importance of:
- Being open to unforeseen opportunities
- Recognizing the value of new skills for career development
- Adapting to rapid changes, such as the Salesforce acquisition of Tableau
Key Career Lessons
- Saying Yes to Opportunities: Channing advocates for a balanced approach to taking on new challenges. While it's crucial to know one's limits, he emphasizes the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone
- Navigating Corporate Culture: Coming from an athletic background, Channing faced a learning curve in adapting to the corporate world and technology sector
- Stakeholder Management: His role at Tableau involved managing relationships with internal supporters and external partners, a crucial skill in business
- Cross-Team Collaboration: Working on initiatives like the Racial Justice Data Initiative and Data Equity Hub required extensive cooperation across different departments
- Importance of Supportive Leadership: Channing credits his success to having an excellent manager who provided opportunities for growth and coached him through failures
Channing Nesbitt's career journey illustrates the importance of embracing change, seizing unexpected opportunities, and continuously learning. His transition from athlete to tech professional demonstrates that with the right mindset and support, one can successfully navigate significant career shifts and thrive in new environments.