8:00-8:50Registration (University Union Grand Ballroom entrance)
Welcome (8:40am) (University Union Grand Ballroom) by Stacey Macchi, Cindy Ridle (Dept. of Communication)
Pete Jorgensen (Chair, Department of Communication) & Dean Billy Clow (Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication)
8:30-9:00 / Early Bird Session (LinkedIn)Michelle Howe
Learn how to use LinkedIn as a professional networking tool for your job/internship search. This website allows students to create a free profile, "connect" with professionals with similar career paths, join professional groups, and search for jobs and/or internships. Please bring your laptop to start the process of creating and updating your own LinkedIn profile.
9:00-9:50 / IA. “Network Marketing: The Do’s and Don’ts”
Kelly Nelson
With multi-level marketing companies on the rise, the ability to master the skill of communicating to build relationships on social media is essential. This session will look at some effective activities that will increase interest, help alert you to pitfalls and provide tips for success. / IB. "From the Academy to the Industry: A Transition from College to Career!”
Darren Heard, Julie Brines, James & Andrea Shetler
How do you make a successful transition from college life to the next phase of your life? Come hear from WIU alumni as they discuss their transition after graduation day and where their degrees took them.
10:00-10:50 / IIA.“A Conversation with the Entry-Level Me: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Then”
Matt Walker
In this talk, you’ll get to hear what one former communication grad student would tell his 24 year old self if he could travel back to his days as an entry-level employee. / IIB. “Quality vs. Quantity: How Do You Sift Through The Available Jobs?”
Kaitlyn Hardt
This presentation provides tips on how to sort through the numerous job opportunities out there and locate the quality positions.
11:00-11:50 / IIIA. “My Degree Says I Know How to Communicate: How Do I Translate That Into the Real World!”
Stacy Peterson
Make your communication degree work for YOU! From non-profit organizations to city government, communication is becoming even more important. How do you take your degree and parlay it to different organizations? How do you take your social media savvy and increase citizen engagement? From event planning to crisis management, your expertise in communication can benefit ANY organization. / IIIB. “A Day In the Life….”
Andrea & James Shetler along with a panel of WIU students
Ever wondered what it was like working at a marketing company? Here’s your chance! Learn from two professionals at the Marquette Group as well as WIU students who shadowed them for a Day in the Life experience.
11:50-12:55 / Welcome by Dr. Sharon Evans (Associate Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication)
Keynote Speaker: Alyssa Hummel
"You Communicate, But Are You Really Connecting?"
The premise of this talk is based off John Maxwell's book: Everyone Communicates, Few Connect. The idea is that those who can learn to build relationships or enhance their skills to further connect with others will make a lasting impact.
1:00-1:50 / IVA. "WHAT…. is expected of me in the working world?"
Jennie Escamilla
After you graduate from college and land that amazing dream job, are you prepared for the expectations? Do you know how to be accountable for your career and the benefits that come along with it? / IVB. “Making Your Communication Degree Work for You”
Colee Collins, Heather Halbrook, Ric Moran-Cortes
A communication major is suitable for many career choices. This is a benefit if you know how to sell your degree. During this presentation you will learn how previous communication graduates promoted their degree, how it benefited them, and how they found their current career.
2:00-2:50 / VA. “Resume Workshop”
Colee Collins, Heather Halbrook, Stacy Peterson, Matt Walker, Kaitlyn Hardt, Julie Brines
Meet with professionals in the field for this session to receive feedback on your resume. You must bring your resume with you. / VB. “America's Next Top Model, WIU Professional Dress Style”
Michelle Howe
Learn the "do's" and "don'ts" of professional interview and workplace attire; judge for yourself who is the best dressed student at WIU!
3:00-3:30 / Networking Social
Attend this interactive session and receive a quick lesson on networking and then practiceyour networking skills with Department of Communication alumni, Career Preparation Day presenters,Communication Department faculty, and your fellow students.
Return this portion to Department of Communication, Memorial 302by October 14, 2015or register online at:
Name______Email______
Please check all the time slots that you plan to attend andcircle your session choice for each time slot as well.
_____8:00-8:50Registration & Welcome
_____8:30-9:00Early Bird Session: LinkedIn Workshop
_____9:00-9:50IANetwork MarketingIBAcademy To Industry
_____10:00-10:50IIA10 ThingsIIBA Day In The Life
_____11:00-11:50 IIIATranslate Into Real WorldIIIB
_____11:50-1:00Luncheon/Keynote Speaker. Check your meal choice below (all meals include roll, iced water and iced tea).
______Beef Stroganoff (served over egg noodles with a side of veggies)
______Chicken Marsala (served with potato and side of veggies)
______Pasta Primavera (garden fresh vegetables in a classic cream sauce)
_____1:00-1:50IVAWhat is Expected of MeIVBMaking Your Degree Work
_____2:00-2:50VAResume WorkshopVB WIU’s Next Top Model
_____3:00-3:50Networking Social