College 2 Career Panel

Friday (3/18/16)
9:00 AM
   On our first day of presentations, the chapter was fortunate enough to listen to a panel discussion on the transition from college to a career.  This was was similar to the one that we hosted during our marketing week back in October. However, this one gave a broader idea of the transition, from professionals in larger industries. Among the speakers were: Angela Ten Clay (of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield), Lauren Peters (of TekSystems), Ryan Ayo (of Aerotek), and Debbie Wade Carney (of Shocase). The most interesting/helpful responses given by panelists were:

• Look for companies that support your future, such as a package that provides funding for furthering education, like an MBA program.
• Resume: Keep. It. Simple. Search for "buzz words" that set you apart from the competition and stand out to prospective employers.
• In an interview:
1. Use "I" and not "we" to describe past successes. Set yourself apart from your peers by being recognized for the work that you have contributed.
2. Give well-thought-out answers to questions.
3. Use straight-forward & directly-relatable stories of past successes.
4. Do prior research about the company you are interviewing with & have questions prepared for the interviewer(s).
5. Have confidence!
• Reach upwards in the company; take risks to stand out to upper management.
• Choose a job that relates to the job that you want in 5-10 years.
• Find a mentor within the company that you are hired by.  Go out to lunch with new co-workers & get to know them individually; decide who may be the best fit for someone to work with.