Employer Panel Inspires Resident Advisors

[lead]Friday morning’s rain did not deter our outstanding panel of local employers from their appointed rounds – networking with 239 NC State Resident Advisors as they prepare for spring semester.[/lead]

Recruitment representatives from Aerotek, Northwestern Mutual, The Select Group, SAS, and Waffle House shared their experience and expertise. They focused on the transferable skills students can gain as NC State Resident Advisors (RA), and how important those skills are in the job market.

One of the RAs asked about navigating career fairs and the recruiters emphasized taking advantage of the opportunities to network. They also agreed that following up is key. Lindsay May suggested jotting comments on the back of each employer’s business card, to help recall specific conversations and refer to them in the follow up. Amber Lawrence encouraged the RAs to set up a LinkedIn account if they do not have one. The panel members also suggested students take advantage of smaller events on campus; their companies are all very active at NC State. Students can find out about all career-related events on ePACK and on the Career Development Center’s website: careers.ncsu.edu.

As for resumes, the recruiters offered tips such as providing quantitative information, focusing on accomplishments, and making content consistent and easy to read. When asked about the job search process, they told RAs not to be afraid to ask about next steps in an interview – doing so shows interest in the position and can set a candidate apart. Lindsay Whitfield from SAS reminded students it’s important to list all technical skills. She said that SAS focuses on four main areas – leadership, volunteerism, GPA, and experience – and looks for people who “fit into our culture.”

[pullquote color=”wolfpackred” align=”alignright”]Our sincere thanks to each of these employers for coming to campus despite dreary weather to support students and the Wolfpack![/pullquote]

As Director of Employer Relations here in the NC State Career Development Center, I am extremely grateful for the support of these local employers. This panel presentation was a new, joint initiative with University Housing to provide the resident advisors with an opportunity for professional development. I know many of the RAs will be connecting with the panelists via email and LinkedIn; other interested NC State students may reach out as well and are encouraged to do so. Our sincere thanks to each of these employers for coming to campus despite dreary weather to support students and the Wolfpack!

Employer panelists included Lindsay Roach and Brittany Harrel from Aerotek, Megan Mansfield and Lindsey May from Northwestern Mutual, Casey Siega-Riz and Amber Lawrence from The Select Group, Lindsay Whitfield and Kayla Woitkowski from SAS, Benjamin Pratt and Elizabeth Jeffress from Waffle House.