Koba Career Success Conference 2024 - Lecture Notes

Jun 30, 2024

Koba Career Success Conference 2024 - Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Speaker starts with an acknowledgment of a hectic week and potential bumps in presentation.
  • High number of online students, many joining remotely.
  • Registration stats: 65-66% online, higher in Koba: around 80%.
  • Importance of capturing event for future access.

University and Conference Importance

  • Lifelong Central Texas resident; passionate about the university.
  • Conference highlights success stories of alumni.
  • Various definitions of career success: degree attainment, employment, dream job, self-employment, etc.
  • Aim to cater to diverse student needs.

Business World Changes

  • Importance of practical knowledge from practitioners visiting the classroom.
  • Key changes in business: remote work and AI.
  • AI’s potential impact on workforce, both positive and negative.
  • Practical use of AI: drafting questions for panelists.

Event Logistics and Speakers

  • High level of engagement from alumni; 13 speakers confirmed.
  • Tight schedule, aiming for smooth transitions.
  • Logistics: location of restrooms, food, and drinks.

Charlie SS Presentation

  • Director of Industry Education Partnerships at Workforce Solutions of Central Texas.
  • Focuses on practical success insights applicable to attendees’ future careers.

Central Texas Workforce Stats

  • Region: Milam to Sans Saba County, Seven Counties in total.
  • Job growth: Increased by 3,930 jobs in past 5 years, expecting 10,000 more in next 5 years.
  • Concern over declining workforce population (age 16-65) and Baby Boomer retirements.
  • Rise of Millennials in homeownership and workforce significance.

In-Demand Jobs in Central Texas with Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Heavy on healthcare and education due to aging population and schools’ need for teachers.
  • Professional technical services growing: software development, cybersecurity, web management.
  • Advice for students: Business degrees provide flexibility.

Key Advice for Career Success

  1. Be Careful: Avoid situations that may follow and negatively impact your resume (e.g. social media presence, drug test issues).
  2. Be Cheerful: High energy and positivity are valued; be like a dog, bringing joy and good energy.
  3. Be Committed: Stay dedicated through tough times; example of John Stephen Akhwari completing a marathon despite injury.
  4. Be Conscientious: Help yourself first to attract help from others; example of Chris Rock pushing his own car.

Alumni Panel

  • Speakers: Sarah Inetalone, Katie Woods, Kayla Martin.
  • Backgrounds: Alumni with VP titles sharing career stories.

Key Lessons and Insights of Alumni

  1. Katie Woods: Importance of hard professors (e.g. Dr. Ritter); attention to detail and preparedness lead to success in the workplace.
  2. Kayla Martin: Doing things that make you uncomfortable; personal growth through new challenges and roles (e.g. technology business analyst).
  3. Sarah Inetalone: Building self-confidence and branding; importance of continuous professional development.

Networking Tips

  • Engage with alumni associations, chambers of commerce, professional organizations (SHRM, etc.), volunteering, and use of LinkedIn.
  • Young professionals group; join local professional groups and take advantage of university networking resources.

Career Journey Reflections

  • Advisors stress commitment, detail-orientation, and networking for career growth.

HR Practitioner Panel

  • Speakers: Shayla Sturgeon, Stephanie Gonzalez, Casey Coburn, Kimberly Hartman.

Common Resume Mistakes and Advice

  • Common Mistakes: Missing contact information, inappropriate email addresses, typos, and inconsistent formatting.
  • Best Practices: Simple, clear, concise formats; avoid photos; highlight education, skills, and community involvement.
  • Customized Submissions: Match resume sections to job requirements; consider both PDF and online submissions.

Interview Preparation Insights

  • Types of Questions: Behavioral-based; demonstrate problem-solving and positive outcomes using the STAR method.
  • Best Practices: Practice interviews, understand the role applied for, and have clear, relevant examples ready.
  • Professional Presentation: Dress appropriately for the interview, even if virtual. Ensure technical setup is sound.

Entrepreneur Panel

  • Speakers: Rpigani, Heather Newsham, Mariam Barasa, Dr. Angela Patrick.
  • Focus on self-employment, balancing multiple jobs, and the reality of entrepreneurship.

Key Challenges and Solutions for Entrepreneurs

  • Startup Issues: Learning new industries, managing age perceptions, and effective networking.
  • Resource Utilization: Free resources like business resource centers help manage logistics.
  • Business Growth Lessons: Effective branding, legal stewardship, financial planning, and operational boundaries.
  • Family and Personal Boundaries: Impact on personal life; transparency with family members crucial.

Additional Tips from Entrepreneurs

  • Advice: Trust intuition, seek mentorship, utilize free resources, and continuously improve.
  • Jes’ Key Insights: Perseverance, balanced risk-taking, effective use of partnerships.

Closing Keynote by Jennifer Stafford

  • Professional Journey: From high school work programs to COO of our bank. Practicing practical tips for career advancement.
  • Work Environment: Emphasized resilience, patience with people, and understanding cultural nuances in the workplace.
  • Family and Personal Balance: Transparency and open communication with family about career choices and impacts.