Conference helps students prepare for the workplace

Oakland students can learn about a variety of job-related topics, including networking, potential career paths, financial basics, social media, internships, interviewing, conflict management, personal brand and preparation for graduate school. The event will feature four hour-long workshops led by OU business leaders and professionals from around the region.

“This year we have incorporated four tracks that focus on a target audience,” said Michelle Serafino, conference co-adviser and career consultant in the Career Services Office. 

“Although we have recommended target audiences for each session, students can choose to attend whatever sessions they prefer. So for example, a sophomore does not have to just attend the sessions recommended for sophomores. We have expanded to 16 sessions, with a freshmen/sophomore track, sophomore/junior track and then a junior/senior track. The fourth track is also for juniors and seniors, but focuses only on graduate school topics.”

The event features a keynote address on Generations in the Workforce presented by Jocelyn Hodack and Janie Petrini from Express Employment Professional in Grand Rapids. Their presentation will cover how five different generations are currently working together in the workforce and the different work styles associated with each. 

A pre-conference networking session called “Coffee with Chrysler” allows students to practice their networking skills with business professions from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, in the Oakland Room of the Oakland Center.

The first 150 students to register and attend the conference will receive a free portfolio, t-shirt and other giveaways from lead sponsor Chrysler Corporation. Register today at oakland.edu/studenttoprofessional. 

For more information, contact Career Services at (248) 370-3250, or visit the website at oakland.edu/careerservices and to learn about career resources offered at OU visit oakland.edu/finishline.