Benjarong Murray '17

Major: Finance, Computer ScienceBenjarong Murray '17 PBA alumni

Hometown: Clearwater, FL

Current City: Clearwater, FL

 

Describe your current job role:

I am an Assistant Golf Professional at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. PGA National is one of the largest golf resorts in the country, featuring 5 premier golf courses. The Champion Course is home of The Honda Classic each year, and ranks annually as one of the most difficult courses on the PGA Tour. My responsibilities as a golf professional include running weekly member tournaments, booking and checking in reservation tee times, providing insight on golf retail, giving instructional clinics and lessons, serving as a rules official, and assisting members with any issues they may have.

 

What professional experience(s) did you have prior to your current job role?

I previously interned at Morgan Stanley, assisting financial advisors with the wealth management of high net-worth portfolios. While my current work environment is quite different, I learned the importance of doing efficient work and how to effectively communicate with high profile clientele.

 

What do you know now that you wish you had known about being a working professional?

Being a working professional is all about helping others and garnering a sense of accomplishment from your work. If you reach the end of the day and don’t feel like you have accomplished something of worth, then you should likely seek another opportunity where you and your work are highly valued.

 

How did PBA prepare you for the world of work?

PBA provided me with the perfect platform to succeed. I competed for the Sailfish golf team on a national level for four years and learned a lot about motivating myself to become the best I can be. I also made several lasting connections in the golf industry who continue to help me as I progress in my career. My studies in Finance and Computer Science will also continue to provide me with the foundation I need to run the business of a golf course when I do become a Head Golf Professional or Director of Golf in the future.

 

What advice would you give to current PBA students and/or young alumni who are about to start their first professional full-time job?

The best advice I can provide is to find something you are passionate about and to chase after it. I work many long days and odd hours as a golf professional, but I thoroughly enjoy my job and what I am able to accomplish each day. It is difficult to imagine working many hours at a job that I dread going to each day. Even if the average pay in your chosen field is not desirable, do what you love to do. Outstanding workers will get noticed and rise to the top of the pay grade if you commit to your passion.

 

Have you been mentored by anyone in your professional field since entering the workforce?  If so, what impact has that had on you?

Randy Raimondi is our Member’s Head Golf Professional and a PBA graduate and golf alumni himself. He is my primary mentor and I am very grateful to have such a knowledgeable and experienced PGA Professional to guide me. I am currently a PGA Associate in the process of earning my full PGA Professional status through seminars, online courses, and testing. Randy has helped me at every stage to help me become the best professional that I can be. It is important to find good mentors and to listen to all they have to say. Most people are willing to help an eager learner, so do not be afraid to ask others for help.

 

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For current updates from Benjarong visit his LinkedIn profile.