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The Western Illinois University Department of Communication will host its 10th annual Career Preparation Day Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the University Union.
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WIU Department of Communication's Career Preparation Day Celebrates 10th Anniversary Oct. 16

October 8, 2018

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MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Department of Communication will host its 10th annual Career Preparation Day, beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the University Union.

The one-day conference was created by faculty members Cynthia Ridle and Stacey Macchi to help communication majors and minors prepare for their future careers. Throughout the day, various workshops are held to help students learn the skills necessary to conduct an effective job search and to interview effectively.

The workshops are created and delivered by department alumni who return to talk with current students. Event registration begins at 8 a.m. outside the University Union Grand Ballroom. A welcome will be given by WIU Department of Communication Chair Peter Jorgensen.

"Career Preparation Day is a multifaceted event designed to celebrate the successes of our alumni, to explore the promise of satisfying careers in communication and to provide our undergraduate students with opportunities to take advantage of the enormous flexibility of the communication degree," said Jorgensen. "It is a time to connect with alumni, develop professional networks and to help our students understand what kinds of career options are available to them, as well as how to compete for those positions."

At this year's event, students have a variety of workshops in the morning, including "Social Media 101," "Surviving the 1st Day of work" and "Fighting for a Seat at the Table" among many others.

Morning events will conclude with the keynote address by Mike Gerrish, vice president of marketing for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, who received his bachelor's degree in 1997 and his master's degree in 1999 from WIU, both in communication. Gerrish will deliver "Build Your Brand" to students attending the conference.

Afternoon conference sessions will range from "Talking Tough," "How to Choose a Career" and "The Forward 5."

Two of the most popular afternoon sessions include a Resume Workshops and a WIU Top Model Fashion Show of what to (and what not to) wear on a job interview.

The event concludes with a networking and dessert social. The day has become the WIU Department of Communication's largest event and is a success because of donations from program alumni.

For more information about the event, contact Macchi at SM-Macchi@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing