9:00-9:05 a.m.

Welcome and Introductions

9:05-10:15 a.m.

Opening Keynote: Conversational Leadership
Chad Littlefield
This interactive networking session will teach you to create conversations that matter - the foundation of building your professional network. Chad Littlefield, author, speaker and co-founder of We and Me, Inc., helps clients like JetBlue, Starbucks, and TedX to increase collaboration and develop relationships of trust.

10:15-10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Keynote: Professional Etiquette
Diane Gottsman

Learn the ins and outs of professional etiquette - including during the pandemic - from Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert, author, media resource, corporate trainer, and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. Get tips for dining, networking, and more.

12:00-12:30 p.m.

Lunch Break

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Keynote: Your Professional Image
Tiffany Waddell Tate, Career Maven Consulting

Explore how to dress for success now and in the future. Cultivate a professional image at interview, on an internship, and in the world of work after college. Learn strategic best practices to building a professional wardrobe (on a budget), assessing the cultural norms of an organization and team, and making choices that facilitate positive workplace engagement and long-term growth — regardless of your position or title. 

1:30-1:45 p.m.

Break

1:45-2:30 p.m.

Developing Your Brand
Debika Sihi and Andy Ross, SU professors of business

Who better to teach you how to market yourself than marketing professors? Join us to hear about “Creating You & Co.”

2:30-2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45-3:45 p.m.

Storytelling!
Chad Littlefield
Craft your own unique story. This practice will prepare you for delivering your networking message.

3:45-4:00 p.m.

Break

4:00-5:00 p.m.

PirateConnect and Career Community Conversations
Meet in groups with professionals in career fields of interest to you. Learn how to build a strong support team for your professional development and harness the Power of the Tower via PirateConnect and the Alumni Network Mentor Program.

9:00-9:10 a.m.

Welcome and Reflections

9:10-10:10 a.m.

Hit the Target: Resumes and Cover Letters
Begin creating your self-marketing materials for all opportunities (internships, shadowing, research, jobs, graduate/professional school, scholarships, etc.). Workshop your resume to create a tailored document.

10:10-11:10 a.m.

My Electronic Me: PirateConnect and LinkedIn
A quick look at developing and protecting your career product through social networking. Get started creating your career commercials.

11:10-11:20 a.m.

Break

11:20 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.

Talk the Talk - Interviewing Skills
Jo Chauvin, UT Austin McCombs School of Business

Get ready for your starring role! An interview is kind of an improv theatrical performance. Learn how to think on your feet, display confidence, and perform your “best self.”

12:20-1:00 p.m.

Lunch Break

1:00-2:00 p.m.

Employer Panel: Perspectives on Job Searching
Claudia Barlow P’23, Accenture
Jayden Beatty ’16, AGE of Central Texas
Marcus Everett, Enterprise Holdings
Craig Gilden, TX Department of State Health Services
Allison Ragland ’08, HR/recruiting consultant

2:00-2:10 p.m. 

Break

2:10-3:10 p.m.

Test the Fit - Internships
Dana Luna 

Now you have the tools to build connections, tell your story and make a positive first impression. It’s time to get out there and test-drive some career possibilities. Learn about all things internships, including earning academic credit and funding.

3:10-3:45 p.m.

“Adulting” - Personal Finance
Dana Luna

Learn some basics on personal finances for planning your internship experience and beyond, such as calculating your “survivability salary” and creating a budget.

3:45-4:00 p.m.

Break

4:00-5:00 p.m.

Closing Keynote
Daron K. Roberts, JD
Persistence, patience, and passion - that’s what it takes to pursue your professional dreams. Keynote Daron K. Roberts, JD, former NFL Coach, Harvard Law graduate, best-selling author, and non-profit founder, will inspire you in this dynamic closing session.

5:00-5:10 p.m.

Closing Comments and Recognition