#proviewpoints

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.

Professional Viewpoints continued Tuesday night with a panel discussion on careers in public policy and history. Speakers Trey Bahm (Political Director, State Senator Bob Deuell, MD), Christin Davis (Talent Acquisition Manager and HR Business Partner, Interstate Batteries), Natalie Koch (Marketing Communications Specialist, GE Capital), Carina Morgan (Volunteer Program Coordinator, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration), and Lauren Sabino (Director of Youth Programs, NCPA) gave UD students a glimpse into what careers in these fields really look like. The event provided an informal venue for students to gather information about careers and get real world answers to their questions from top professionals.

Panelists share information about careers in public policy & history at one of Tuesday night's Professional Viewpoints events. 

Throughout the discussion, each of the speakers emphasized the value of a liberal arts education. “I will hire anyone with a liberal arts degree because I think the tactical things can be taught,” said UD alum Natalie Koch. Other panelists were quick to chime in that the ability to think critically, write, and read well developed in a liberal arts education is invaluable.

  While everyone agreed that internships are a great way to gain experience while in school, several panelists had suggestions for how students can impress potential employers even without one:

Leverage relevant experience gained in the classroom

Take advantage of study abroad and other travel opportunities

Volunteer often and make it count

Another recurring theme? Young professionals need to be willing to do whatever it takes to work their way into a career that they are passionate about. Don’t get stuck in a job you hate, especially since it won't get any easier to change jobs. Carina Morgan shared some favorite advice from her mother: create your own job. Others suggested that students use any internships and volunteer work available to get their foot in the door. “Volunteerism needs to be like your blood,” urged Trey Bahm.

  Small businesses were touted as the perfect employment option for young job seekers looking to gain experience, implement creative ideas, and build a network of meaningful relationships. Christin Davis stressed the opportunity that these businesses represent, particularly when they are seeking to attract millenials and need individuals to show them how. UD students, with their ability to think critically, are well equipped to do so.

  HM: Let's start with one of the most important questions for a UD alum – what's your favorite UD tradition?

SJS: Roaming Rome, of course! What could be more amazing?

  You were a Chemistry major, but you've had an exciting career in the creative arts. How has your choice of major influenced your career?

First of all, just attending UD gave me a certain set of skills I don't think I would have gotten anywhere else - how to travel, to read, to think critically and, most importantly, how to write. The chemistry degree in particular honed an ability to pay close attention to detail and be absolutely meticulous in note taking, follow through and execution. Precision is what I learned with my degree. This has served me well. Starting a couple of nonprofits wasn't easy, but with a careful attention to detail, anything is possible.

Editor’s note: visit www.lareuniontx.org and www.artconspiracy.org to see the nonprofits Sarah Jane started.

  It can be hard for students and young professionals to conceptualize what different careers really entail, so give our readers a glimpse into your work life. It's 10:00 a.m. on a Monday morning - what are you doing?

I sit at a computer most of the day: coordinating, communicating and executing strategies. I keep my desk meticulous and make sure I have a running list of what's next going at all times. Outlook calendar is my best friend. Right now, I'm working on a fall fundraising campaign, our Holiday Concert Series, Index Music Festival and we're even in the early phase of planning Summer Cut, our music festival. 

                                                   Photo Courtesy of Sarah Jane Semrad

What class at UD has had the greatest impact on your life post-graduation?

About mid-way through my UD years, I had a moment when I thought I wanted to study philosophy but felt I was too far down the science track to switch majors. Ultimately, [that experience] has sent me on a path to study philosophy and mysticism on my own as a life long area of interest. 

If you could give your college-aged self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Enjoy this time. Really soak it in. Study hard but also get in the habit of going for a long walk every day. 

  What do you find most challenging about having a career in the creative arts?

It is awfully challenging, from funding to just getting people to show up to stuff. It's uphill at lot of the time.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that for all of Dallas' lack of mountains, big starry skies and bodies of water, I'm here to make my city a better place to live in. I've got kids and family here and while I'm residing in Dallas, I'm committed to making it a fun, creative place. 

  Ok, you work at KXT so I have to ask: what is your favorite band?

Not a good question to ask. It seems like it changes every single day. SO many amazing musicians come through the studio and every time I think "Ok, now THAT was amazing"... until the next time a band comes through. Some of my go-to bands on a road trip might be Other Lives, Delta Spirit, Portugal. The Man, Little Green Cars, Passion Pit, Miike Snow. Too many. Not a good question for a radio girl. :)

In conclusion, I know you are responsible for a number of amazing events at KXT. Any coming up that you want our readers to know about?

Index Music Festival is Oct 18-19 with Andrew Bird, Girl Talk, The Kopecky Family Band and soooo many more amazing acts.  

From September 16-24th, UDOPCD will be hosting Professional Viewpoints, a multi-day event that will allow the UD community to explore a number of professional fields. We are honored to announce that Tuesday September 24th the Heritage Foundation will be joining us for a lecture and Q & A session. This special event will take place in the Gorman Faculty Lounge from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Today, we’d like to devote our blog post to sharing some of the history of the foundation and acquainting you with their work.

  INSIDE A THINK TANK

As a conservative think tank located in Washington D.C., the Heritage Foundation works to develop and advance conservative public policies. At the time this blog was written, the foundation’s issues webpage listed federal spending, immigration, Obamacare, and welfare reform as some of the top issues in domestic and economic policy. Founded in 1973, the foundation has developed an impressive donor base, allowing them to operate with an expense budget of more than $80 million. There are currently 275 people employed by the Heritage Foundation, helping to advance their mission of “[formulating and promoting] conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.”

  SOUND LIKE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF?

The Heritage Foundation boasts a strong internship program with opportunities for young conservative leaders in both public policy and business. The breadth of their program provides young people from many academic disciplines with the chance to gain valuable professional experience. With positions in Washington D.C. available beginning in the fall, spring, or summer, there are options to appeal to students no matter their schedule.

Online, the Heritage Foundation’s Young Leaders Program Facebook Page acts as a type of virtual think tank with more than 6,500 fans who can interact with one another regardless of their physical location. If going to Washington D.C. isn’t in your immediate future, consider becoming a part of their online community.

  Check out this video for more insight into the Heritage Foundation internship program & be sure to come hear from them in person September 24th!

  RSVP to the event and like our page on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest information concerning the Heritage Foundation Organization Spotlight at Professional Viewpoints!