
DATE: September 22nd, 2023
TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
FREE EVENT Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors:
Make plans to join the 24th 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.
EVENT IS AT CAPACITY
Business Professional Dress required. Please refer to the MU Engage app for specific requirements regarding Edge points for Making Me Marketable 2023. 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: Maximize | 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: Working Smarter | 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 |
Workshop Details
- Welcome from Lauren Brengarth
- Welcome from Marketing Department Chair Shaoming Zou
- Keynote Address from Eric Willis
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: Tiffany Alexander, John Abshear, Barbie Barenholtz, Blake Hoover, Tom Wells, and William Yeo
9:20 - 10:00 a.m.
N204
In this session we will explore how to use your CliftonStrengths to sell yourself in an interview by giving you a language for expressing talent, increasing your confidence, and empowering you to interact with others authentically. We will also explore how understanding our strengths helps us manage our weaknesses in ways that are practical and relevant to employers and teams. Come with your top 5 CliftonStrengths (as learned in BA 1500), and learn to describe your talent DNA in new and meaningful ways.
Workshop Panelists: Tim Hill
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: James Blades, Brenden O'Toole, Andrea Seeley, 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: Lauren Adams, Mark Johnson, Carrie Nigro, Eric Willis, and Mary Wilkerson
9:20 - 10:00 a.m.
N214C
Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and the workplace is evolving. Learn how to integrate technology into your career search, such as writing your LinkedIn profile, customizing cover letters, using PhotoAI.com or Headshotpro.com for professional photos and more.
Workshop Panelists: Mikel Fields, Brandi Herrman, Krissy Tripp, and Luke Youtsey
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: Tiffany Alexander, James Blades, Alaina Meekins-Kent and Brad Stewart
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: John Abshear, Lauren Adams, Barbie Barenholtz, Alexandra Briordy, Mark Johnson and Jenna Myhre
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: Donavan Fouchy, Brenden O'Toole, Andrea Seeley and William Yeo
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: Mikel Fields, Kim Hedges, Carrie Nigro 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.
Workshop Panelists: Brandi Herrman
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: Jenna Myhre, Andrea Seeley, Krissy Tripp 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: Donavan Fouchy, Blake Hoover, Alaina Meekins-Kent, Tom Wells, Wade Wheeler, and Eric Willis
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
N214C
Conference Speakers
Lauren Brengarth
Assistant Dean of Student Programs and Assistant Teaching Professor
Shaoming Zou
Marketing Department Chair - Trulaske College of Business
Eric Willis
Chief Marketing Officer, Nestle Purina PetCare
Alaina Meekins-Kent
Small Business Specialist, Mid-Continent Public Library
Workshop Panelists
John Abshear
Senior Director, Revenue Growth Management & Trade Marketing, Utz Quality Foods
Marketing Advisory Board Member
Lauren Adams
Chief Operating Officer, Division-D
Tiffany Alexander
Director of Culture and Organizational Development for BJC Healthcare
Marketing Advisory Board Member
Barbie Barenholtz Present
Vice President, Enterprise Sales at HealthEquity

James Blades
Fastenal Company
Mikel Fields
Founder & Brand Strategy Consultant, Castello Branco Fields
Donavan Fouchey
General Manager, Fastenal Company
Kim Hedges
Senior Career Specialist, Trulaske College of Business
Brandi Herrman
Marketing, PR and Communication Professional
Blake Hoover
Product Manager, Huhtamaki
Mark Johnson
Senior Vice President of Sales, Vericast
Marketing Advisory Board Member
Alaina Meekins-Kent
Small Business Specialist, Mid-Continent Public Library
Jenna Myhre
Regional Sales Specialist, Fastenal Company
Carrie Nigro
Corporate Human Resource Manager, Huhtamaki
Brenden O’Toole
Vice-President, Sensi Platform at Copeland
Marketing Advisory Board Member
Andrea Seeley
Human Resources Director, Columbia Safety & Supply
Brad Stewart
Director, Influencer Marketing | Division-D
Krissy Tripp
Senior Director of Decision Science, Evolytics
Tom Wells
Retired President, Machine Products Division, Leggett & Platt
Marketing Advisory Board Member

Wade Wheeler
Insurance and Investment Advisor Representative, State Farm Insurance Companies
Marketing Advisory Board Member

Mary Wilkerson
Senior Vice President, Central Bank of Boone County
Marketing Advisory Board Member
Eric Willis
Chief Marketing Officer, Nestle Purina PetCare
William Yeo
Regional Vice President, Fastenal Company
Luke Youtsey
Data Science Manager, Evolytics