The ODU Career Summit is a drive-in conference that allows recruiters and ODU faculty and staff to interact, learn, connect, and engage. Now, more than ever, it is critical for higher education and the workforce to align as we prepare students for life after graduation through meaningful experiences both on campus and beyond. This conference addresses critical topics impacting college recruitment and career development and fosters engagement with the premier institution of the Hampton Roads area. This year's theme is The Value of Partnerships. The conference will feature various sessions to help our employers leverage ODU as a vital source for their talent pipeline and help our faculty/staff effectively support students' career aspirations.
On May 10, 2023 we welcomed approximately 70 representatives from more than 40 companies and more than 50 faculty and staff to the inaugural ODU Career Summit. The theme for this mini-conference was PrODUcing Tomorrow’s Talent. Our phenomenal keynote speaker was Jason Kies, CPA. We had many presentations, breakout sessions and panels throughout the day.
ODU Career Summit: The Value of Partnerships
- Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
- Time: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Webb University Center
The ODU Career Summit is a one day mini-conference that allows recruiters and ODU faculty and staff to interact, learn, connect, and engage with one another. The conference will feature various sessions to help our employers leverage ODU as a vital source for their talent pipeline and help our faculty/staff effectively support their students’ career aspirations.
Registration for the Career Summit is closed.
Please contact employers@jmswierski.com with questions. Thank you!
ODU Career Summit: The Value of Partnerships Agenda
9:00am-9:30am Networking, Coffee, & Check-In
Hampton/Newport News Room
9:45am-10:00am Welcome & Introduction
Hampton/Newport News Room
Dr. Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Vice President for the Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement and Services
10:00am-10:30am Keynote Speaker
Hampton/Newport News Room
Sarah Jane Kirkland, Associate Vice President for Corporate Partnerships
10:30am-11:30am Academic Insights: Highlighting the Dimensions of ODU Students Across Disciplines
Hampton/Newport News Room
Moderator: Dr. Evelyn Ashley, Senior Associate Vice President for Student Engagement
Panelists:
- Dr. Bonnie Van Lunen, Dean, College of Health Sciences
- Dr. Jeffrey LaCombe, Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Graduate Education, Batten College of Engineering and Technology
- John Costanzo, Chief Admin Officer/Site Manager, School of Cybersecurity
- Kimberly Horne, Recruitment & Enrollment Specialist, Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
This panel is an opportunity to hear from academic leaders as they discuss ODU students across diverse disciplines. Discover how students are immersed in hands-on experiences and research opportunities in and outside of the classroom. Learn about the current academic initiatives shaping the educational landscape at ODU. Gain an understanding of the exceptional education ODU provides and how employers can align their recruitment strategies through engagement in academic areas.
11:45am-1:00pm Lunch & Networking
Broderick Dining Commons
1:10pm-2:00pm Concurrent Sessions 1
Explore Experiential Learning in Career Development Services
Student Senate Chambers
Target Audience: Employers & Faculty/Staff
Lisa Moser, Associate Director for Experiential Learning, Career Development Services
Experiential learning involves immersing students in hands-on real-world experiences to enhance their skills, knowledge, and self-awareness within their chosen career path. Implementation approaches can include co-curricular, extra-curricular, and work-based opportunities for students. Attend this session to explore the work-based learning opportunities led by Career Development Services and identify future partnerships that range in varying levels of commitment.
River Rooms
Target Audience: Faculty/Staff
Dr. Kevin Muchiri, Assistant Director for Graduate Student and Alumni Programs, Career Development Services
What if we could change the culture on campus so that career readiness and employability is everyone’s responsibility? Hear about the new Career Champions program that Career Development Services is launching! The program is designed to equip champions with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to guide and empower students in their career exploration and preparation through a comprehensive suite of workshops, resources, and networking events. Participants will enhance their ability to effectively support students in achieving their career goals and aspirations.
Unlocking Potential: Engaging & Recruiting Alumni, Student Athletes, and Military Affiliated Students
Hampton/Newport News Room
Target Audience: Employers
Moderator: Dr. Mary Smith, Associate Director for Employers Programs & Development, Career Development Services
Panelists:
- Kimberly Johnson, Director of Alumni Relations
- Sarah Cervantes, Veteran Success Coach, Military Connection Center
- Dr. Ronald Moses, Executive Senior Associate Director & Chief Diversity Officer, Internal Operations & Student Athlete Welfare
Do you have targeted recruitment efforts within specific special populations? Hear from university experts from Alumni Relations, Athletics, and the Military Connection Center as they speak to their focused population. Understand the characteristics of these populations and the unique qualities and strengths they bring to the table. Recognize the value these populations add to your organization. Learn ways to tailor your recruitment strategies to better engage with these populations.
2:10pm-3:00pm Concurrent Sessions 2
Transferable Skills: How to guide students and optimize your recruitment efforts
Hampton/Newport News Room
Target Audience: Employers & Faculty/Staff
Jamari Cooper, Graduate Assistant, Career Development Services
Marcus Nelson, Graduate Assistant, Career Development Services
A'Jee DeLaigle, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Enterprise Mobility
Deeply embedded in the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies, transferable skills are the key for students to unlock any career path. Attend this session to explore how you can help guide a student’s learning experience through transferable skills and how understanding transferable skills can optimize your recruitment efforts. Gain an understanding of transferable skills through an employer’s perspective.
River Rooms
Target Audience: Faculty/Staff
Samantha Koenig, Assistant Director for Student Programs & Career Commons Supervisor, Career Development Services
Jhanae Williams, Employer Engagement Specialist, Career Development Services
In today's fast-paced world, students face the challenge of balancing academics, extracurricular, work, and a social life. University career services play a pivotal role in guiding students toward fulfilling career paths. However, traditional office hours often limit accessibility to these crucial resources. We will delve into the benefits of leveraging our technology and resources such as Handshake, Quinncia, and GoinGlobal to empower students on their career journey 24/7.
Student Senate Chambers
Target Audience: Employers
Lisa Moser, Associate Director for Experiential Learning, Career Development Services
Katina Barnes, Assistant Director, Monarch Internship & Co-Op Office
Discover the full journey of a student's career path at ODU, from pre-arrival planning to navigating the curriculum and gaining valuable experiences, all leading to a successful transition into the workforce. Learn when and how to best engage with Career Development Services and the Monarch Internship and Co-Op Office for maximum benefit.
3:00pm-3:30pm Closing Remarks
Hampton/Newport News Room
Dr. Bridget Weikel, Associate Vice President for Learning