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TUESDAY, MARCH 27
Transition Seminars
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Various Rooms, State Farm Hall of Business

Understanding how to make a smooth transition from student to professional is essential and College of Business alumni will offer advice to ease the process. A team of 27 graduates in different professions and career phases will share perspectives through interactive mini-seminars, each of which will be offered twice.

Talk individually with these successful alumni at the networking reception immediately following the seminars in the lower-level atrium.

Attendance is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required to attend. Sign-up at Event Registration Form.

Session 1: 6:30 - 7:10 p.m.
Session 2: 7:20 - 8:00 p.m.
Networking Reception: 8:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Transition Seminar Topics and Presenters

Outside the Big 4 - Learning About Other Great Opportunities in Public Accounting
SFHB 132

Everyone knows about the “Big Four” but don’t let your career search start and end there. Join us and learn about an array of other options for professional success in accounting.
Audrey Gualandri, ’87, vice president and controller, Midas
Kelli Murphy, ’06, cost accounting supervisor, PepsiCo
Gary Zmrhal, ’71, managing director, CIRE Consulting, LLC

Growing as a Leader- Advice and Lessons from Successful Executives 
SFHB 139

Overnight success? Not possible. Reaching the top in your chosen profession requires thoughtful career management, continuing professional development and strategies for successfully navigating challenges that come your way. Learn what that journey is like and get real-world tips from these successful executives.

Scott Carr, ’85, managing director, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Mike DeWalt, ’80, director of investor relations, Caterpillar
Karen Jensen, ’86, president and CEO, Farnsworth Group

Finding Fulfillment- Exploring Careers in the Non-Profit and Public Service Sectors
SFHB 148

Unsure if life in the corporate world is the best fit for you? Interested in using your business expertise to help others? Learn about the realities and opportunities in the not-for-profit sector from these successful professionals.
 
Shari Buckellew, M.B.A. ’01, director, Children’s Discovery Museum
John Kennedy, ’80, executive director, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
Karen Rettick, ’80, CFO, Chestnut Health Systems

How to Build Effective Relationships and Find Win-Win Solutions in any Industry
SFHB 353

Business is a relationship game and you can’t make it the top by yourself. Explore how to establish dynamic and successful long-term relationships with clients and colleagues that lead to positive outcomes for all.

Eric Buchanan, ’93, vice president, Learfield Sports
Steve Diol, ’89, associate vice president, Investments, Wells Fargo
Sara Molidor, ’07, senior consultant, Ambit Energy

First Steps to Success – The Do’s and Don’ts for Your Internship or Entry Level Job
SFHB 354

You’ve landed your first real-world career opportunity. Get real-world advice on what to do and what NOT to do so you make a highly successful career launch and avoid blunders that can hold you back.  

Mary Fortney, ’81, M.B.A. ‘90, controller, GROWMARK
Beate Jones, ’04, IT project manager, Cognizant Technology Solutions
Tony Martorano ’87, managing director, Steven Douglas Associates

Integrity in Action- What You Need to Know About Building a Responsible and Successful Career in the Financial Services Industry
SFHB 356

Need advice on breaking into the financial services industry and creating the most successful future possible? Wondering how to handle ethical challenges that may arise on the job? These industry experts will share advice to guide your early career steps.

Mark Burns, ’90, M.B.A. ‘94, senior portfolio manager, COUNTRY Financial
Scott Lehman, ’94, partner, Crow Horwath, LLP
Laura Meade ’07, senior risk analyst, Telephone and Data

Insider Advice - Charting a Dynamic Career Path in a Multi-National Corporation
SFHB 366

The opportunities available through a multi-national corporation can almost be overwhelming in their scope and diversity. From international placements to horizontal career moves within the corporation - how do you know which opportunities to pursue?  Gain key insights from alumni working at corporations that span the nation and the world.    

Doug Dubois, ’84, mergers and acquisitions, IBM
Tiffany Hemann, ’00, financial planning and analysis, Boeing
Matt Taphorn, ’88, business manager, Caterpillar

Beyond the Basics- Understanding the Skills, Attitudes and Communication Habits Essential for Success
SFHB 368

You have book-smarts, but there is more to early career success than being pleasant and getting the work done - especially if you want to earn that first promotion. Learn specific work habits, attitudes and communication skills that help you maximize your opportunities.
Vic Baldinger, ’81, president, Energy Concepts Solutions
Keli Wells, ’01, CEO, Davenport Consulting Services
Mike Zora, M.B.A. ’08, business development manager, Global Oilseeds, ADM

New Horizons- How Evolving Technology Impacts the Future of Business and Communications
SFHB 369

Technology changes daily and how it is used in business evolves just as rapidly. Jobs that didn’t exist five years ago need filling. Positions you may hold in 2016 haven’t even been created. How do you prepare to adapt to this ever-shifting landscape? Get insights into what’s ahead and how to roll with the changes from these industry experts. 

Corey Ferengul, ’93, executive vice president, Rovi Corporation
Paul Hoffman, ’84, technology specialist, Chubb Group
Tangie Swire, ’97, senior IT project leader, Blue Cross Blue Shield