
DATE: September 23rd, 2022
TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
FREE EVENT Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors:
Make plans to join the 23rd 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.
Join us, and benefit from a powerful networking and learning experience.
Business Professional Dress required. Please refer to the Suitable app for specific requirements regarding Edge points for Making Me Marketable 2022. Attendees can earn 40 Edge Points for attending the full conference and submitting a reflection (no partial points will be given).
Agenda
Time |
Workshop |
Memorial Union Location |
8:00 - 8:30 a.m. | Student Check-In | 2nd Floor North Lounge |
8:30 - 9:10 a.m. | Conference Kick-Off and Keynote Speaker | N201 ABC |
7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Relaxation Station (Networking) Business Panelists and Students |
N214 DE |
9:20 - 10:00 a.m. | Session A: Dare to Fail | N204 |
9:20 - 10:00 a.m. | Session A: Belong | N214A |
9:20 - 10:00 a.m. | Session A: Discover | N214B |
9:20 - 10:00 a.m. | Session A: Build | N214C |
10:20 - 11:00 a.m. | Session B: Being Yourself | N204 |
10:20 - 11:00 a.m. | Session B: Make | N214A |
10:20 - 11:00 a.m. | Session B: Land | N214B |
10:20 - 11:00 a.m. | Session B: Stand Out | N214C |
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Session C: Career Fair 101 | N204 |
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Session C: Rock | N214A |
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Session C: Lead | N214B |
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Session C: Imagine | N214C |
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Conference Wrap Up Celebration Lunch and Keynote Speaker | N201ABC |
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Professional Headshots |
N201ABC |
Workshop Details
- Welcome from Interim Dean Chris Robert
- Welcome from Marketing Department Chair Srinath Gopalakrishna
- Keynote Address
8:30 - 9:10 a.m.
N201 ABC
How can you embrace failure as an opportunity to build your career path and find success?
Workshop Panelists: John Abshear, Brandi Herrman, Mel Polsky, Tom Wells and Natalie Yousif
9:20 - 10:00 a.m.
N204
What should you look for in an employer, and what questions should you ask yourself about belonging in the environment?
Workshop Panelists: Christopher Charles, Daive Dunkley, Stephen Graves, Shawn Hall, Elizabeth Kaganda, and Mesfin Woldegebriel
9:20 - 10:00 a.m.
N214A
Considering a position in sales and curious about career paths? Learn more about this fast-paced and growing field from industry experts, who will share their experience and provide real-world advice.
Workshop Panelists: Mike Baker, Will Brown, Tyler Ingram, Ty Merkle, Andrea Seeley, and Wade Wheeler
9:20 - 10:00 a.m.
N214B
Design your personal brand to help you launch your professional career! Utilize business skills learned in class to market and position yourself. Create your own personal SWOT and learn to identify collaborators.
Workshop Panelists: Mikel Fields, Mark Johnson, Eric Willis, and Mary Wilkerson
9:20 - 10:00 a.m.
N214C
What should you look for in an employer, and what questions should you ask yourself about belonging in the environment?
Workshop Speaker: Erika Aaron, Trulaske Director of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
10:20 - 11:00 a.m.
N204
You’ve been a student for most of your life. Are you ready to enter the workplace? Learn from recent alumni, who will share their insights and experiences. Be prepared to ask questions about what to expect, such as your first week on the job, adjusting to work hours, and getting started successfully. If you have worries about graduating, you are not alone! This panel will help you prepare with honest advice.
Workshop Panelists: Jaret Gordan, Tyler Ingram, Ty Merkle, Natalie Yousif, and Luke Youtsey
10:20 - 11:00 a.m.
N214A
Internships provide you with an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world professional experience Bring your questions to a team of industry experts who will share tips on finding internships, what companies are looking for, capturing the experience on your resume, and leveraging your internship for a full time job opportunity.
Workshop Panelists: Will Brown, Mikel Fields, Mark Johnson, and Krissy Trip
10:20 - 11:00 a.m.
N214B
Make a positive first impression and differentiate yourself from a large field of candidates. Learn ways to improve your resume, cover letters, and communication methods.
Workshop Panelists: John Abshear, Mike Baker, Gary Coles, Brandi Herrman, and Andrea Seeley
10:20 - 11:00 a.m.
N214C
The Career Fair is coming up. How should you prepare, and what should you do to secure your dream job?
Workshop Panelists: Jaret Gordan, Kim Hedges, Mark Johnson, and Luke Youtsey
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
N204
“To succeed in this world, you have to be known to people” ~Sonia Sotomayor. How do you build your network? In this session learn best practices for expanding your network including being intentional, enhancing your online reputation, how to reach out and prepare for career conversations. Plan to leave this session with an updated electronic signature and tips for expanding your network.
Workshop Panelists: Julia Parcell, Trulaske EDGE
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
N214A
How can a woman’s voice be heard equally in the business world? Discuss relevant questions on how women lead teams, take risks, build support networks, and pursue professional goals.
Workshop Panelists: Mel Polsky, Andrea Seeley, Krissy Trip, and Mary Wilkerson
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
N214B
What will bring you happiness after graduation, both professionally and personally?
Workshop Panelists: John Abshear, Gary Coles, Tom Wells, Wade Wheeler, and Eric Willis
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
N214C
Kick-Off Conference Speakers

Chris Robert
Interim Dean and Associate Professor - Trulaske College of Business

Srinath Gopalakrishna
Marketing Department Chair - Trulaske College of Business

Allyson Witherspoon
Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Nissan U.S.

Aaron Stoller
Director, Biscuit Filmworks
Workshop Panelists

Erika Aaron
Director of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (IDE), Robert J. Trulaske College of Busines

John Abshear
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Industry Professional, Marketing Advisory Board Member

Mike Baker
SVP of Channel Solutions, The CORE Group

Will Brown
Associate Director, College Recruiting, AT&T

Christopher Charles
Visiting Professor at the Mizzou College of Arts and Science, Professor of Political and Social Psychology in the Department of Government

Gary Coles
Retired Marketing Professor, Trulaske College of Business
Daive Dunkley
Associate Professor of History and Black Studies, and Chair, Department of Black Studies, and Director of Peace Studies, Mizzou College of Arts and Science
Mikel Fields
Founder & Brand Strategy Consultant, Castello Branco Fields

Stephen Graves
Assistant Professor of Political Science and Black Studies, Mizzou College of Arts and Science

Shawn Hall
Department Administrator, Mizzou College of Arts and Science

Kim Hedges
Senior Career Specialist, Trulaske College of Business
Brandi Herrman
Marketing, PR and Communication Professional

Tyler Ingram
Sales & Marketing Development Manager, SCREEN Americas

Mark Johnson
Senior Vice President of Sales, Vericast

Elizabeth Kaganda
Graduate instructor for the Department of Black Studies, Mizzou College of Arts and Science

Tyler Merkle
Territory Business Manager, NeoGenomics Laboratories

Julia Parcell
Edge Programming Coordinator, Trulaske College of Business

Mel Polsky
Vice President of Marketing Strategy, Veterans United

Andrea Seeley
Human Resources Manager, Columbia Safety & Supply

Aaron Stoller
Director, Biscuit Filmworks

Krissy Tripp
Director of Decision Science, Evolytics

Tom Wells
Retired President, Machine Products Division, Leggett & Platt

Wade Wheeler
Insurance and Investment Advisor Representative, State Farm Insurance Companies

Mary Wilkerson
Senior Vice President, Central Bank of Boone County

Eric Willis
Chief Marketing Officer, Nestle Purina PetCare

Allyson Witherspoon
Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Nissan U.S.

Mesfin Woldegebriel
Visiting Assistant Professor at the Black Studies Department and Peace Studies program, Mizzou College of Arts and Science

Natalie Yousif
Lead College Recruiting Manager, AT&T

Luke Youtsey
Analytics Consultant - Evolytics