#carrertips

Wondering if a degree is mandatory to land a job in digital marketing? 🚀 This article breaks the myth and shows how skills, certifications, and real-world projects can outweigh a traditional degree. Learn what agencies really look for and how you can stand out—even without a college background.

Following last Tuesday’s panel on careers in public policy and history, the OPCD hosted a discussion and reception with organization leaders. Three of the panelists – Dr. Rodney Williams (Director of Executive Learning, University of Dallas), Morgan Jones (Finance Manager, GE Capital), and Mike Hasson (Communications Director, United Development Funding) – are UD alumni. The fourth, George Tamer, is Director of Institutional Sales at TD Ameritrade. This evening provided students with the opportunity to ask top professionals questions about everything from the application process to career development strategies.

  The message of this event echoed a theme heard throughout Professional viewpoints: determine where you want to be, develop a strategy to get there, and leverage every resource you can to achieve your goal.  Dr. Williams advised students to remember that sometimes the “way in the door” to their ideal position is a financial step back. Having a strong strategy is key.

  “If you aren’t uncomfortable, you aren’t in a position for growth.” – Morgan Jones

  The panelists praised volunteering as an excellent way for young applicants to differentiate themselves. OPCD Director Julie Janik pointed out that some UD students feel guilty about putting volunteer experience on their resumes. All of the panelists were quick to say that students need to give up the guilt and showcase their experience. Dr. Williams pointed out that many companies today are focused on corporate social responsibility. Volunteer experience can be a great way to show potential employers that your personal interests are aligned with those of their company.   “If you don’t show us [your volunteer work], it doesn’t give us a full picture of who you are,” said Morgan Jones, who runs GE Capital’s recruiting program at UD. Mike Hasson agreed, observing that volunteerism is a great indicator of the soft skills that are crucial to many careers. George Tamer’s take on volunteer experience on resumes? “People hire people they know and people they like. If you put your volunteer experience on there … there’s a pretty good chance the hiring manager has also done some volunteer work. So you have something you can talk about.”

  Alumni & Donor Relations Director Leah Looten brought an assortment of UD giveaways. The groundhog, however, she refused to part with.

Practical advice flowed abundantly, particularly after Leah Looten, Director of Alumni and Donor Relations at UD, asked the panelists to share the biggest mistake they see people make when applying for entry-level positions. Morgan Jones cited buzzwords at the top of resumes as one of his least favorite things to encounter. An even bigger no? Putting “detail-oriented” up there and then making errors in your resume. Dr. Williams warned attendees to avoid criticizing a company’s website during an interview – the interviewer may have had a hand in designing it. : “I never want to hear the sentence my resume speaks for itself,” said Mike Hasson. His suggestion? Treat your resume as a set of talking points and use it to launch your discussion. Panelists also urged attendees to carefully consider the common question “What are your weaknesses?” The purpose of this question, according to Mike Hasson, is to gauge self-awareness, so deflecting isn’t helping your case. George Tamer’s top interview advice was for applicants to practice telling their story. Stories, he said, are the best way to make yourself memorable after an interview is over.