Business students get career tips, make contacts during Professional Development Day

Professional Development Day at the Raj Soin College of Business featured a panel discussion and networking opportunities. for students

Wright State University business students lapped up tips on how to start careers during Professional Development Day at the Raj Soin College of Business.

The March 9 event, organized by the college’s Center for Career Development, featured networking opportunities with representatives from Reynolds & Reynolds, Speedway, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and other local employers.

Students were welcomed to the event by Thomas Traynor, Ph.D., dean of the Raj Soin College of Business, and William Pohlman, chair of the college’s Corporate Advisory Board. Pohlman offered seasoned advice for students preparing to enter the professional business world.

Activities included a panel discussion in the Rike Hall Trading Room titled “How to Successfully Transition from Campus to Career,” with Katie Kerry of Clothes That Work, William Hanlon of Northwestern Mutual and Kellyn White, a government contract specialist. The panelists advised students to create strong personal relationships with professors and advisers, join campus clubs and try to network as much as possible.

The students were also advised to be authentic during job interviews, create a positive first impression with their appearance, use strong communication skills, present relevant experience and demonstrate a positive attitude and personality. In addition, they were told to do homework on the company or organization ahead of time, ask knowledgeable questions during the interview and give salary requirements in the form of a range.

The program also included lunch and professional LinkedIn photographs.

Organizations and companies that participated in the program included Clothes That Work, Raj Soin College of Business Dean’s Student Advisory Board, Emerson, Enterprise, Fully Loved & Free, the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Northwestern Mutual, Reynolds & Reynolds, Scene 75, Speedway, Wright-Patt Credit Union and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.