Radford University offering conference to help JumpStart your career

Sydni Chernault ’17 credits much of her success in finding a job after graduation to her involvement in many organizations, internships and on-campus events.

Those “helped prepare me for my future career with Eddy Alexander,” said Chernault, who works as a production coordinator for the Roanoke-based marketing agency.

At Eddy Alexander, Chernault, who double majored in marketing and economics at Radford University, oversees development of event coordination, websites, promotional items and helps deliver digital advertising.

On Sept.22, Chernault will be back on campus to join other Radford University alumni and professionals for the JumpStart Career Development Conference.

Hosted by the university’s Center for Career and Talent Development, the JumpStart conference is scheduled for from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Kyle Hall.

The conference includes a keynote speaker, industry panel discussions, skill development workshops, a networking luncheon, a motivational speaker and a keynote speaker. Chernault will lead a panel discussion on how to kick start your job search.

“JumpStart is a great opportunity for all Highlanders to explore various career paths, gain skills most desired by employers and network with successful alumni – essentially jump starting their career journey,” said Teresa Dickens, assistant director an career coach in the Center for Career and Talent Development.

Other successful Radford alumni offering workshops and panels at JumpStart include Alan Ward ’17, a regional campus recruiter for GEICO. Ward will lead a discussion about how to find a job from a recruiter’s perspective.

Additional Radford University alumni participants include:

• Maj. Gregory Humble ’01, action officer, U.S. Army
• Taylor Ricotta-Spellman ’12, public relations manager, Visit Virginia Blue Ridge
• Jon Jackson ’15, corporate recruiter, ECS
• Michelle O’Connor ’91, president and CEO of CMR Institute
• Mike McCoy ’08, principal technical program manager, LT Consulting
• Stephanie Stafford ’13, graphic designer, Carilion Clinic

A full conference schedule can be found online at www.radford.edu/jumpstart. Students may register for the conference in Handshake.

“Students should attend JumpStart because it provides a safe environment for them to meet recent and seasoned alumni, and it gives them a comfortable place to ask the questions they may feel hesitant to ask as at a regular career fair,” Dickens said. “Panelists and participants will be here to mentor students and share their experiences and journeys more organically.”

The conference workshops are designed to engage students in discussion and exercises that give them clear understanding of concepts of time management, making meaningful connections, creating a brand and online presence and pursuing a debt-free degree.

Each panel discussion will have a moderator. Topics will include leadership skills, finding a job from a recruiter’s perspective, kick starting a job search, starting a business and managing money.

Todd Robertson, president of Stateson Homes, will provide the keynote address at the network lunch. Stateson Homes is sponsoring the conference.

To learn more, contact Dickens at tdickens2@radford.edu or 540-831-6087.