Careers in Lean event connects students and Lean professionals

The Careers in Lean and Continuous Improvement networking event gave students and professionals an opportunity to connect on Monday, Oct. 11.

The Oakland University Pawley Lean Institute, Lean Learning Cooperative (LLC) and OU Career Services sponsored the campus event, held in the Oakland Center Gold Rooms.

The event featured presentations by professionals in Lean, process excellence, and quality and continuous improvement as well as a free dinner.

Students also had a chance to meet and ask questions of the professionals individually.

"I thought the Careers in Lean event was very informative,” said Lauren Stewart, a senior journalism major at OU. “Each professional had different tips not only on how to be successful in your job hunting but to stand out from the crowd using Lean knowledge. It gave a new perspective compared to regular career presentations."

Presenters from a variety of industries attended the event, including: health care; management consulting; health, wellness and fitness; utilities; energy; and automotive as well as guests from the Michigan Lean Consortium.

"The knowledge and commitment to our region demonstrated by the featured speakers was inspirational," said Matt Szczesiul, a senior in the Bachelor of Integrated Studies program with a focus on Lean entrepreneurship and LLC president. "The professionals from the MLC represent diverse industries, but share a common message: Lean works! They also agree that there is a shortage of Lean educated and experienced graduates. Our student organization, the Lean Learning Cooperative, is committed to preparing students to take advantage of this opportunity."

The LLC is a student group that strives to provide a forum to educate students and alumni in the principles and culture of the multidisciplinary Lean philosophy, and help provide members the tools and connections to prepare them for a successful journey in their future careers.

For more information about the Pawley Lean Institute, visit www.oakland.edu/lean. For more information about the Lean Learning Cooperative, visit http://stuorgs.oakland.edu/LLC or contact Matt Szczesiul at mszczesi@oakland.edu.