University News

WIU College of Business and Technology to offer Career Week Sept. 19-23

September 9, 2011

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MACOMB, IL - - In today's fierce job market, competition is rising—especially in the business and technology sectors. To give students a better foothold in their post-graduation job searches, the Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology (CBT) has organized a Career Week for Monday-Friday, Sept. 19-23, offering everything from mock interviews to advice from industry experts to tips on how to handle dinner etiquette while on an interview.

"The week is full of activities that will focus students specifically on their job search," said Jessica Harriger, assistant professor of economics and the event's faculty coordinator. "We've seen the numbers that illustrate an unusually high level of competition among college graduates nationwide. It's imperative that our students be better than ‘well prepared' for their next steps after graduation."

The week begins with leadership activities facilitated by the military science department from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 behind Stipes Hall. Students are encouraged to sign up in advance in the CBT Dean's Office for this activity. At 7 p.m., WIU's professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, will sponsor a campus-wide presentation by national speaker Adam Carroll titled "Your Dream Job is Waiting." A renowned expert on professional networking, Carroll will reveal the essential mindset that helps students springboard to career success after college. Described as "both incredibly astute and delightfully entertaining," Carroll will speak in the University Union Grand Ballroom.

Tuesday's agenda includes additional leadership activities and a special presentation designed for freshman pre-business majors titled "From WIU's Classrooms to the Ups and Downs of the Business World" by Brenna Rounds, a CBT marketing alumna (2003) and SHI account executive. In the evening, CBT students are invited to participate in a business etiquette dinner facilitated by Sheryl Boston, dietetics, fashion merchandising and hospitality associate professor. Tickets are $12 each and advance reservations are required via the CBT Dean's Office.

As a special addition to the week, the CBT student organizations will compete in a case competition and will present their solutions on Wednesday, followed by two special presentations by faculty experts focused on resume, career fair and interview preparation. Students will also be given the opportunity to participate in mock interviews with industry experts on Wednesday and Thursday.

Thursday includes another etiquette meal and an ice cream social with CBT Dean Tom Erekson, as well as a panel from 10:30-12 p.m. in Knoblauch 308, featuring experts from companies such as FS Growmark, Key Ag Services, Martin, Kroencke, Sullivan Inc., Farm Credit Services, Hillyer Inc. and Royal Printing Company.

"This is a great opportunity to learn about obtaining and retaining employment with some top experts in the areas of finance, energy, equipment and technology," Harriger said. "This panel will provide great information to students in graphic communication, manufacturing engineering technology, and construction management, as well as agriculture."

Finally, on Friday, in conjunction with the Career Week activities, the accounting and finance department will hold its "Meet the Firms" Career Fair for students in accounting, finance and information systems.

"We're very pleased to provide this essential outreach to our students," noted Erekson. "Their impact on the world goes far beyond the borders of Western Illinois, and we want to ensure they are ready to meet the challenges of today's job economy."

A complete itinerary is available at wiu.edu/cbt/career. For more information, contact Harriger at (309) 298-1153.

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