Beyond Bounds: Hire SJU's Swedish Sensation Dennis Granath
Dear hiring managers in Minnesota:
Senior Dennis Granath already has a polished LinkedIn, but I've taken the liberty to morph this blog of mine into in-depth -- and hopefully entertaining -- resume for Mr. Granath.
Why?
Because the Swedish native wants only one thing – to find a career job in the United States (preferably Minnesota) because he simply loves it here.
That and because if he doesn't, his visa's expiration in one year becomes a one-way ticket home.
So, allow me to introduce 24-year-old Mr. Granath, the golfing star from St. John's University, boasting a 3.4 GPA in business management, who would be a good fit for virtually any opening you have.
Overachieves independently
2-time All American
2-time Academic All-American (he takes reading the greens as seriously as he does mastering Excel spreadsheets)
2012-13 SJU Student-Athlete of the Year
3-time All-MIAC
Succeeds as part of a team
His Johnnies are ranked No. 3 nationally.
SJU won three MIAC titles with him on board.
Overcomes obstacles
He boldly traveled 4,250 miles across the world to attend school in the northern woods of Minnesota.
"I never had time to visit before I made my decision to go to St. John's. I was picked up at the airport, and found out only on the drive up that it was a split campus (with the women's campus at St. Ben's) ... I thought, 'Oh God, this is not happening.' But I have loved it here and have met the most amazing people. The community is so tight – I couldn't have made a better decision."
Knows exactly what's wrong with Minnesota
1. "The foods a little greasy for my taste – too many fast food chains."
2. "The weather in Minnesota could be better. I'm not happy about it."
3. "I don't like that there isn't good public transportation in Minnesota."
Knows exactly what's right with it
1. "I've traveled all over the world – Spain, Germany, Jamaica, Mexico, France – and to New York, Boston and all over California. But Minnesota's the nicest. I love the people. They're so friendly."
2. "Growing up in the middle of Stockholm, I wasn't familiar with going out on lakes when I got here. But I'm starting to like fishing."
3. "The best hockey is here. I love watching the Wild … except there are too many Finnish players on the team."
His sense of humor lacks little confidence
For validation, check out his Twitter handle.
He's already experienced work in the real world
"Back in Sweden, I worked for DHL, the delivery company. I was driving around in my little truck and delivered all day long. Looking back at it, it gave me great work experience, and made me mature a bit before I came here."
Sets lofty (and yet realistic) goals
Golf goals: "A national championship for us is absolutely possible. I know we can pull it off." (The program's last was in 2008)
Career goals: "I would love to work as a sports agent. That would be my dream. But right now, I like recruiting. I know I'm good with people."
Final thoughts
How many job applicants do you know who find immense success while seamlessly acclimating to a culture that's 4,250 miles from home?
Exactly.
So, hiring managers of Minnesota, you know who to call.
