The fifth annual Professional Discovery Week, a program by Career Services to provide students in all majors with opportunities to explore career options, learn effective job search skills and transition from college to career, runs Monday through Thursday with events scheduled across campus.
Contact Career Services at 336-278-6538 or by email at rkosusko@elon.edu with any questions about the scheduled events. The following programs take place throughout the week (highlights are featured in blue):
Monday, February 14
How to Win Friends & Influence Your Career! Strategies from School of Communications Alumni
Sponsored by the School of Communications
1:40-3:20 p.m. in McEwen 011
School of Communications’ alumni representing CNN, National Geographic, High Museum of Art Atlanta and Ignite Social Media discuss how they landed their first job, how to network and answer audience questions about the job search and other career issues.
Marketing Plans Work for People, Too
Presented by Hal Walker, associate professor of sport and event management, and Tony Weaver, assistant professor of sport and event management
4-5 p.m. in Duke 101-J
Marketing is a philosophy – not a task. Learn how to infuse marketing principles into your daily life, as well as your job search. The job market for new graduates is very competitive and knowing how to effectively portray yourself is a skill that can profoundly enhance your opportunities for success. Come learn how to effectively market yourself!
Tuesday, February 15
Social Media and Your Job Search
Sponsored by the School of Communications
4:15-5:15 p.m. in McEwen 011
Sarah Findle ’09, account coordinator for social media and Hispanic marketing for Howard, Merrell & Partners in Raleigh, N.C., will discuss how to facilitate a job search utilizing social media.
How to Work a Room: Networking Step by Step
Co-sponsored by Alpha Kappa Psi, Professional Business Fraternity
4:30-6:30 p.m. in McKinnon Hall
In an uncertain world, one thing is certain – the best way to find a job in today’s economy is through networking, or using your connections to make connections. Ellen Baker is founder of Culture2Culture and is considered by many to be the Triangle’s Networking Guru. She has been featured on WRAL-TV and is a frequent contributor to the Raleigh News & Observer. In a hands-on interactive and structured regimen, Baker shares her valuable networking knowledge and techniques. You will learn: how to leverage the people you know to find the people you need to know; how to create your personal networking database; which questions to ask to create opportunities for yourself; how to “work the room” at a business event and how to maximize the use of on-line networking tools.
Graduate School Information Workshop
5:30-6:30 p.m. in Moseley 103, Commuter Lounge
Considering graduate or professional school? This workshop will discuss factors to consider in deciding to go, the process of researching and choosing the best school for you, and the steps involved in the application process. Presenters include Jenny Hammond, assistant director of graduate admissions, and Elon alum Ferris Wilkins, who is currently getting her Master of Arts in counseling. Note: There will not be information on all professional programs; please check with your departmental faculty for more information on specific programs.
Legal Careers – Getting There
Sponsored by Phi Alpha Delta Prelaw Fraternity, Elon Law School, and Elon Career Services
7:00-8:30 in Duke 101-J
If you think you might be headed to law school, attend this panel presentation to learn important tips about recommended undergraduate coursework and activities, internships, taking the LSAT, and successful law school applications. Panelists include: Sharon Newsome Gaskin, Esq., associate dean of admissions at the Elon University School of Law; Chalmers Brumbaugh, professor of political science; and Ashley Hairston, director of the Center for Law & Humanities and assistant professor of English and of Law & Humanities. Several alumni who are now enrolled in the Elon School of Law will share their stories.
Wednesday, February 16
A Day in the Life of a Graduate Student
Sponsored by Duke University Graduate School and Elon University
3:30-5 p.m. in Moseley 215
Do you want to know what graduate school is really like? Then attend this informative session to learn about graduate school and to talk with graduate students in your area of interest. The workshop is divided into three parts:
– Should I go to graduate school? – 3:30–3:45 p.m.: Brief overview about graduate school provided by Douglas James, assistant dean for Academic Affairs, Duke University.
– What do graduate students do? – 3:35–4:15 p.m.: “Day in the Life of a Graduate Student,” a panel provided by graduate students from Duke University.
– Want to talk with graduate students? – 4:15–5 p.m.: Provided by Duke graduate students in the following fields: Neuroscience, Business Finance, Genetics, Environmental Science, Biochemistry, Psychology, Cancer Biology, Immunology, History, Engineering, Business Management, Religion, Computer Science, Sociology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Economics.
For more information, please email Dr. Nancy Harris at harrisn@elon.edu.
The Interview Reality Show
Co-sponsored by Sigma Kappa Sorority
6-7 p.m. in Koury Business Center 101
Are you prepared for a job interview? Strong interviewing skills are critical for getting the job or internship you want. This panel discussion, conducted by top professionals in their fields, will give you all the information you need to excel in any interview situation. Panelists include: Wanda H. Pemberton, an employee development specialist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Anne-Marie K. Streeter, senior manager of employee relations and compliance at the SAS Institute; Kimberly Velazquez, talent acquisition manager with Enterprise Holdings; and Jennifer Scrimshaw, on-site performance manager for Greene Resources, Inc.
Careers for the Common Good
Sponsored by The Kernodle Center for Service Learning
6-7 p.m. in Moseley 103, Commuter Lounge
If you’re interested in a post-graduate job in service, come hear about one and two-year service positions with organizations like AmeriCorps, Teach for America and Public Allies. Participate in a panel with recruiters and past participants as they recount their own experiences and share what their organizations look for in applicants.
Tips for Getting the Job You Want
Presented by Anne-Marie K. Streeter, MBA, SPHR, a senior manager for employee relations and compliance, SAS Institute
Sponsored by the Elon Society for Human Resource Management
7-8 p.m. in Koury Business Center 101
Do you know the best way to get your foot in the door of the “right” organizations – those where you want to launch your career? Do you have a strategy for how to present yourself in networking, interviewing and job hunting situations? If your answer is no, then attend this program to find out how to impress the decision makers. Streeter will share suggestions and insights based on her 15 years of experience in human resources. Come learn how to present yourself in the best light in order to get the job you really want!
Imagine the Possibilities: Life with a History Major
Sponsored by the Department of History & Geography
7:30-8:30 p.m. in Lindner 206
Has anyone asked you, “What are you going to do with a history major?” Perhaps you already know what you plan to do when you graduate. But if you’d like to explore the myriad of possibilities, this session is for you. While pursuing the Masters or Ph.D In history is certainly an option that will be discussed, the session will include information on some of the other alternatives open to history majors, including public history and law school. We will also explore a variety of employment opportunities that perhaps you haven’t even considered. This session will be led by Nancy Midgette, a professor of history, and Michelle Jones, assistant director of Career Services; history alumni will also participate to share their stories and insights.
Professions in Psychology
Sponsored by Psi Chi, the Psychology Honor Society with faculty advisor Alexa Darby; and the Psychology Club, with faculty advisor Linda Wilmshurst
7:30-8:30 p.m. in Long 106
Thinking about a career in psychology? Then attend this panel discussion where professionals in the field discuss their careers and share information on how to be successful.
Thursday, February 17
Exploring Careers on Wall Street
Presented by Peter Herbert, Managing Director-Goldman Sachs
2:30-3:30 p.m. in Koury Business Center 101
Peter Herbert has extensive experience with a major Wall Street organization, and will share his personal insights and advice to seniors, juniors and sophomores who are contemplating a career on Wall Street.
Careers for English Majors
Sponsored by the English Department
4-5 p.m. in Alamance 305
Want to know more about career options for English majors? Plan to attend this open forum featuring English majors who will share their own graduate school and career experiences and offer advice for the transition to life after college. Guests include Gerald Whittington, a former English major and currently Elon’s senior vice president for business, finance and technology and new English faculty member Scott Proudfit. Other English faculty will also share their insights and suggestions.
From Facebook to Resume: Using Social Networking Tools to Market Yourself
Presented and Sponsored by Teaching and Learning Technologies
4:15-5:15 p.m. in McCoy Commons (Oaks) 201
Have you seen the headlines … Facebook: Friend or Foe?, What You Say Online Could Haunt You, Jobs, Facebook, and the Clueless Generation? In a 2009 survey, it was determined that 45% of employers used social networking sites to research candidates. The same survey indicated that 35% of employers said that what they found caused them not to hire a candidate. If 45% of employers are Googling your name, do you know what they are finding? Have you considered how you can use social networking tools to create a professional online identity to market yourself? Let’s re-think how you can use Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social networking tools to create an online reputation that you (and your grandma) can be proud to show.
Marketing Your International Experience to Future Employers & Graduate Schools
Presented by Heidi White, associate director of Study Abroad, and Rene’ Jackson, a career counselor with Elon Career Services
Sponsored by Isabella Cannon Centre for International Studies
4:15-5:30 p.m. in McCoy Commons (Oaks) 207
When asked about their international (study abroad, etc) experiences, students often reply “it changed my life” or “it was awesome.” This session is designed to help you learn how to better articulate (through resumes and interview question responses) to future employers and graduate schools the skills and competencies you gained on your international experience – setting you apart from the rest. Please bring a printed copy of your current resume so that you can make notes on it during the session.
Biology/Science Career Panel – Highlighting Careers with Science Degrees
Sponsored by the Biology Club & Lincoln Pre-Health Professions Society
4:15-5:30 p.m. in Lindner 102
Individuals from the health professions as well as other biology/science related careers will share their insights about getting a job, what types of experiences were helpful and answer questions from the audience about the current job market.
Life After Elon: Preparing for the Real World
Presented by Anthony Hatcher, associate professor in the School of Communications
Co-sponsored by Better Luck with your Buck, a community financial education initiative
4:30-6 p.m. in Koury Business Center 101
Are you ready to handle your own finances when you leave Elon? Associate professor Anthony Hatcher will address the practical economics of making a living after graduation. What are all of those mysterious deductions from your paycheck? How will you live on the rest? This session will give you strategies for budgeting for rent, car payments, loan payments, a cell phone, cable, and an internet connection. And then there’s food! Also learn how to determine the cost of living for various areas of the country. For example, a lower salary in North Carolina may bring in more money than a high salary in Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia or New York.
Going Global Opportunities
6-7 p.m. in McKinnon Hall, Moseley
Interested in living abroad after graduation, but not quite sure where to begin? Come listen to a panel of speakers who have lived and worked abroad. Panelists include: Jonathan Romm, Peace Corps; Heidi White, Teaching Abroad; and Bill Burress, Bunac.
Occupational Health Psychology: Helping Maintain Employee Health in a Changing World
Sponsored by the Elon Chapter of Psi Chi’s National Honor Society for Psychology, the Department of Psychology and Leadership Studies
6-7 p.m. in McEwen 011
Robert Sinclair, an industrial/organizational psychologist at Clemson University and expert in the field, will speak about his work in occupational health psychology and the reciprocal relationship and impacts between employee health and work settings. This topic is receiving increased attention in the social sciences, medicine, and business settings as researchers continue to better understand the social as well as economic costs associated with work-related accidents, injuries, and illness.
For more information, please email associate professor Chris Leupold at cleupold@elon.edu.