Making Me Marketable

8:30 - 9:10 a.m.

N201 ABC

Being Human in an AI World: Generative AI is a hammer, but everything isn’t a nail

We can use Artificial Intelligence tools to create documents such as resumes and cover letters, or business reports, but should we? When should we? Using this powerful new tool both effectively and ethically is our topic.

Panelists: Scott Christianson, Andy Smith, Sydney Thomas, Krissy Tripp, Luke Youtsey

9:20 - 10:00 a.m.

N204

The Psychology of Applying for a Marketing Position

Just like we study Consumer Behavior in Marketing, hiring professionals’ study human behavior. You need to understand what they are looking for so you can check those boxes.

Panelists: Gary Coles, Sarah Tredo, Mary Wilkerson

9:20 - 10:00 a.m.

N214A

Storytelling: Making Info Make Sense

Effective communicators can tell the story in the boardroom and the breakroom. In a data-driven world, leaders must make data make sense to the audience. How to read a room and deliver your message appropriately.

Panelists: Tiffany Alexander, Jillian Johnston, Brad Stewart, Eric Willis  

9:20 - 10:00 a.m.

N214B

Serve to Give While Growing Your Network 

Board membership and other volunteer leadership opportunities. When saying “yes” makes sense. How service can help you in your career. What is expected of you and what you should expect too.

Panelists: David Clithero, Lisa Driskel-Hawxby, Alaina Meekins-Kent, Lanie Render, Andrea Seeley

9:20 - 10:00 a.m.

N214C

DEI in Advertising and Customer Segmentation by Daryl Smith, Associate Teaching Professor of Management

The Aquafina vending machine stands next to the water fountain. Why do customers spend $3 for Aquafina when free water is only a few feet away? Professor Smith unpacks Marketing/Advertising and Demographic Customer Segmentation to explain why this occurs. 

Presented by Daryl Smith

10:20 - 11:00 a.m.

N204

Discovery: HR tools pull more than you know! 

Services are available that scrape an applicant’s online footprint to be evaluated in hiring decisions. Learn how to develop your online persona to be marketable in the future. 

Panelists: Kim Hedges, Luke Youtsey, Mary Wilkerson 

10:20 - 11:00 a.m.

N214A

Lead with Emotional Intelligence: The Soft Skills 

Lead with empathy through self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

Panelists: James Blades, Barbie Barenholtz Present, Andrea Seeley, Andy Smith

10:20 - 11:00 a.m.

N214B

Stand Out and Be Recognized

Being intentional to stand out so you are rewarded with the promotion you deserve.

Panelists: John Abshear, Doug Devitre, Mikel Fields, William Yeo

10:20 - 11:00 a.m.

N214C

Dare to Sell Yourself: Build yourself as a product and “sell” your talents in the market

Applying sales techniques in the application and interview process to secure your job! 

Panelists: James Blades, John Brase, Doug Devitre, Barbie Barenholtz Present, Eric Willis

11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m

N204

Secure Your Desired Outcome: Researching the firm you want to work with. Is it necessary to do research on the firms you are interviewing with? Absolutely! How to use the data to better prepare you for the job hunt, and the first job.

Panelists: John Abshear, Andrea Seeley, Sarah Tredo, William Yeo

11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

N214A

Make Your Own Way: Entrepreneurship within a Career 

In all careers, you will be asked to use innovation and entrepreneurship. Learn about Entrepreneurship as a career path, and how corporate entrepreneurship may benefit you within an organization. 

Panelists: Scott Christianson, David Clithero, Lisa Driskel-Hawxby, Mikel Fields, Krissy Tripp

11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

N214B

Working Smarter: Finding a Mentor  

“A remarkable 75% of executives say mentoring has been critical to their career development.” (HBR) Learn from professionals how you can locate and ask a mentor to help you in your career. 

Panelists: Tiffany Alexander, Jillian Johnston, Alaina Meekins-Kent, Brad Stewart

11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

N214C

Relaxation Station has a new Conversation Corner in 2025: 

Industry professionals, along with representatives from MU’s Business Career Services have generously agreed to be available throughout the conference for you to visit with them about special topics related to your future employment, and provide resume and other document review. Technology will be available including TalkMeUp’s AI software. Students can practice introducing themselves and have TalkMeUp evaluate their introduction. Students can also access their digital docs to go over with the experts!

7:30 a.m. – Noon