School Hosts 2007 Undergraduate Business & Career Exploration Conference
Storrs, CT (12/12/2007) - On Friday, November 9th, 2007, more than 150 undergraduate students attended the annual Business & Career Exploration Conference hosted by the Undergraduate Program Office. This year's topic, Essentials of a Professional, focused on networking skills and the development of a clear academic plan which encompasses the activities and experiences essential to a students' career track.
The conference kicked off with two corporate speakers from Aetna and ING, sponsors of this year’s event, who also happen to be UConn alums. Jason M. Hill '06 MBA, ING's Director of Strategic Innovation, and Jessica Richard '07, Aetna’s Financial Consultant, spoke with participants about their own student experiences and how the opportunities they engaged in while in school shaped their career interests and prepared them as job candidates.
Priscilla Cale ’06 MBA, Director of the School’s Family Business Program, followed the discussion by emphasizing the need and skill of networking as a critical tool in interacting with employers and securing employment opportunities.
Twenty-seven recruiters from various companies – including Aetna, CIGNA, Control Station, Inc., Frito-Lay, ING, Phillip Morris, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, SS&C Technologies, Inc., Travelers, and Xsellense, Inc. – promoted their organizations, presented information sessions and interacted with students.
“As students begin exploring career opportunities and companies for which they would like to work, a conference like this provides an ideal opportunity for both students and employers to come together and learn a little bit about one another,” said Lin Klein, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs. “Information gathered and exchanged at this stage significantly enhances the career search process for students as well as the recruitment process for employers who get a first look at new talent.”
Student response from the event was overwhelmingly positive with most noting that the event was helpful in creating meaningful interactions and relationships with employers. Students also felt that the event allowed them to develop a strong understanding various company values, and more importantly, what they need to do personally and academically over the next few years to make themselves a top job candidate for internships and permanent positions at those companies of interest.
The conference also included faculty presentations on majors and areas of interest including study abroad and law school. Student organization groups were also on hand to share information, network and encourage student membership. The Business Placement & Career Center along with University Career Services rounded out the event with workshops on career preparation.
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