Careers in Management Event

On March 23, 2016, I attended the Careers in Management event at the Seidman College of Business in Grand Rapids, MI. This event was for students interested in many different types of management/business or who just wanted to learn more. It included a keynote speaker, panel discussion, and the opportunity to network with different companies, such as Steelcase, Amway, and Kellogg's, Spectrum Health, and Enterprise.

The keynote speaker at the event was Mary Zick, the VP of Global Total Rewards and Total Management at Perrigo. Perrigo is a healthcare company, and the largest over-the-counter drug distributor. She shared her story with us and how she became successful. Her first job was like many of ours, at Burger King. She had several different jobs throughout her life and eventually started her own company. After, she was offered a position at Perrigo and decided that it was a good fit for her. She has a B.A. in organization communication and a M.A. in I/O Psychology. She recommended that we take the Myers Briggs test, DISC test, and Strengthfinder test to help determine our personality types and how we work.

The advice I received from her speech was the idea that your career management is about more than just you:

1. It's about the business.
• Be selective about the company you choose to work for.  You want a company that fits your goals and motivates you.
2. It's about your team.
3. It's about your network.
• It is important to have advocates that support you.
4. It's about your network connections.
5. It's about your influence in your network.
6. It's about the environment you create.
• You want an environment with minimal politics, and where there can be honest conflicts and conversations.
7. It's about overcoming fear with passionate pursuit.
• Take risks. Don't be afraid to change companies or try a new job if you don't like where you currently are. Be ambitious. 
• It is not about your job title, it is about your passion.

After her speech, there was a panel discussion with employees in management from several different companies, large and small. Key advice they gave was:

• Network, network, network.
• A positive attitude is necessary.
• Employers are more willing to hire for attitude and train for skills.
• Own what you struggle with.
• Be authentic!
• Your opportunities are the people around you.
• Make sure you directly answer the questions asked in an interview.
• Ask questions in an interview and do your research.
• Make sure you know the full name and title of all interviewers.
• As an intern, be engaged and don't be shy.

For students who plan on going next year, I suggest that you go with an open mind. I didn't think I would be interested because I am not a management however; I learned many new things that will help me in the future, such as interview tips, networking advice, and ways to be successful as an intern. Also, dress business causal to business professional and come prepared to network (bring resumes)! There were a lot of companies at the event ready to talk to students, and it is a great opportunity to make connections (management major or not). Lastly, be an active listener and absorb the information presented. These events are put on to help students prepare for their futures, and I took a lot of valuable information away from this event.