Making Me Marketable

2026 partners

Date: September 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Memorial Union, North Building 2nd level

Make plans to join the 27th Annual Making Me Marketable student networking event. This collaborative conference brings together students, alumni and industry experts. You will have the opportunity to create your personal brand, strengthen your resume, talk candidly with experienced professionals, and gain real world networking experience.

Free Event Thanks to Our Generous Partners

2026 Keynote Speaker

Aaron Hale

Combat veteran, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and motivational speaker.

After serving 14 years in both the Navy as a chef to the Commander of the US 6th Fleet and then transitioning on to becoming an Army team leader in one of the military’s most dangerous jobs, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Army Staff Sergeant Aaron Hale was blinded by an IED. Not letting his injuries hold him back, Aaron became an EOD instructor, motivational speaker, mountain climber, white water kayaker, and marathon runner. Four years later tragedy struck again when Aaron contracted bacterial meningitis which robbed him of his hearing leaving him not just 100% blind but completely deaf as well. Again, Aaron picked himself up, dusted off, and continued to chase the best of what life has to offer. Today, he’s back speaking and sharing his story of resilience, running ultra-marathons, he runs a thriving chocolate company with his wife, McKayla and has multiple Real Estate Ventures. He’s helping to motivate people wherever he tells his story of Tragedy to Triumph. “I’m proud of my service to my country and know it’s part of the reason I am the man I am today. I share my tools of perseverance, mind over matter, grit and determination to motivate and inspire!”

Jenna Distler, Director of Campus Selection

Kirsten Grzyb, Associate Director of Campus Selection

Nicole Thomas, Campus Recruiting Team Lead

Maddie DeWitt, Campus Recruiter

Sydney Olsen, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

Carsen Pappert, GS1 Specialist & Commercial Support

Lanie Render, Product Manager

Madison Sparks, University Recruiter – Sales

Lisa Carlson, Recruiting Manager

John Abshear, Early-Retired Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Professional

Alexander Rael, City Manager

Zach Start, City Manager

Eric Willis, Vice President of Sales, Nestle Purina PetCare

Rachel Brand | Campus Talent Acquisition Manager, Cintas

Wade Wheeler, Owner, Wade Wheeler State Farm Insurance Agency

Melanie Clark, Chief People Officer, Abstrakt

Jessica Frye, Executive Vice President of Training, Abstrakt

Jillian Johnston, Regional Recruiter, Fastenal Company

William Yeo, Regional Vice President, Fastenal Company

Abby Slattery, Copywriter, Spring Venture Group

Karly Caylor, Director, Marketing Content, Spring Venture Group

Emma Betz - Talent Acquisition Specialist, Insight Global

Adelaide Becking - Account Manager, Insight Global

GET Past the Bots Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may screen applications before a recruiter ever sees them. Learn how employers use these systems and how to create résumés and applications designed to reach the interview pile.
BUILD Your Professional Brand What do employers think before they ever meet you? Learn how your résumé, digital presence, networking, and communication work together to create your professional reputation.
LINK Your Future LinkedIn is much more than an online résumé. Learn how recruiters actually use LinkedIn, how to optimize your profile, create meaningful posts, build your network strategically, engage with employers, and use the platform to uncover hidden career opportunities.
GOOGLE Yourself What will employers discover when they search for you? Learn how to evaluate your digital footprint, manage your online reputation, and make sure what employers find supports the professional image you want to present.
SELL Your Experience You have more experience than you think. Learn how to translate internships, part-time jobs, student organizations, class projects, leadership, and volunteer experiences into skills and accomplishments employers value.
RESEARCH Like a Recruiter The strongest candidates know more than what's on the company's homepage. Learn how to research an organization, its people, competitors, culture, and industry so you can interview more confidently and ask better questions.
USE AI Wisely AI can help with résumés, cover letters, interview preparation, networking, and company research—but employers still want to meet you. Learn how to use AI to strengthen your job search without losing your authentic voice.
STAND OUT in the Interview Getting the interview is only the beginning. Learn what hiring managers notice, how to prepare for behavioral questions, communicate your value, and make yourself memorable for the right reasons.
CREATE Your Career Story “Tell me about yourself” sounds simple—until you're asked. Learn how to connect your education, experiences, strengths, and career goals into a memorable story you can use in interviews and networking conversations.
FOLLOW UP Like a Professional Your job search doesn't end when the interview does. Learn how to write effective thank-you messages, follow up with recruiters, maintain professional relationships, and stay on an employer's radar without overdoing it.
NEGOTIATE Your Future Salary is only part of the offer. Learn when and how to negotiate compensation, hybrid work, relocation assistance, signing bonuses, professional development funding, PTO, and other benefits—and how to do it professionally as a new graduate.
MOVE with Confidence Taking a job often means relocating to a new city. Learn how to evaluate cost of living, find housing, build a social network, establish routines, and transition successfully into both a new community and a new workplace.
HOW Do I? A special Q&A session with Aaron Hale, moderated by Marcus Long There isn't always a roadmap for what's next. How do you overcome barriers, take a risk, pursue an ambitious goal, or turn an idea into a business? In this small group Q&A, bring your questions and hear lessons from someone who has navigated extraordinary challenges, summited Mount Kilimanjaro, and built a business of his own. Space is limited to the first 15 students, so arrive early for this unique opportunity to connect directly with our keynote speaker.

Registration cancellations:

If you need to cancel your registration, please do so on MU Engage by 8:00am on September 15. A fee covering the cost of registration will be assessed if you fail to attend the event and do not cancel your registration by this date.

Business Professional Dress required. Please refer to the MMM event in MU Engage for the 50 Edge Point Requirements.

Register now

Join us, and benefit from a powerful networking and learning experience. Business Professional Dress required. Please refer to the MMM event in MU Engage for the 50 Edge Point Requirements.

Register via MU Engage