link. Note that not every speaker provides their presentation so some months may not be available.
This section contains meetings we've held previously. Starting with 2024 and going forward, you may access past presentations/materials here at thisThe presentations belong solely to the speaker, not MCT. The speakers provide their presentations for your individual use only and cannot be duplicated or adapted for any commercial use including but not limited to those in the career services field.
2024
September 14, 2022
Topic: Strategies for Building Your Professional Contact Network
Speaker: Steven B. Wagman
Location: This month's meeting will be done virtual only, on Zoom. No in-person.
Description:
Building your professional contact network and direct networking are essential skills to practice and master regardless of your industry or level of professional experience. It begins in school and extends into the professional world.
Business networking can become one of the most important skills that you develop, since an extensive network of business and personal contacts can help you advance your career, improve your hiring practices, or help you navigate an unexpected job loss.
Session Objectives
In this program, you will learn:
- How to determine objectives in building your network
- Whom to consider and include in building your network
- How to expand your online presence with active engagement
- Tips on how to approach contacts of interest and make a connection
- How to connect to potential current and future professional opportunities
The session will begin with a welcome and updates from MCT at 10:30 am, followed by Wagman’s presentation at 10:40 am. A Q&A session with Wagman will take place at 11:40 am, leading into a wrap-up and networking protocol overview at 11:55 am. The final 30 minutes, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm, will be dedicated to remote networking, allowing participants to join breakout rooms, share their job search objectives, and assist each other.
Note on the 12-12:30 networking session: Come prepared with a very brief elevator speech as to what you do, what types of jobs you are pursuing, and your target companies. (To be fair to all, this should not exceed 3 minutes per person.) Alternatively, you can join a breakout room to talk with an MCT volunteer for a mini-orientation, or one with our speaker.
Registration for all events closes at 12 noon the day prior to the event.
Speaker Bio: Steve has been a leader of recruiting teams for new college hires, as well as on interview boards for senior-level positions (director and above). He has served as a mentor in the Health Administration (BS level) and MHA programs at Penn State University for more than two decades. Some of his former proteges are now at the executive level in healthcare organizations around the U.S., as well as in other healthcare-related companies. During his career, Steve led national organizations in healthcare information technology, revenue cycle, strategic consulting, global services, medical imaging, design, and construction services, building performance and sustainability, energy performance services, smart healthcare buildings, and program management. Steve also served as Siemens Healthcare DE&I leader for 17,000 employees in North America for three years and has been a mentor in the Siemens Leadership Development and Top Talent programs.
July 13, 2024
Topic: Amp Up Your Career Transition with Emotional Intelligence
Speaker: Michael Brenner
Description: Join Dr. Michael Brenner, founder and CEO of Right Chord Leadership, for this thought-provoking and motivational session on leveraging emotional intelligence (EQ) in your career transition. Drawing upon decades of consulting and coaching experience, Michael will demonstrate how to position yourself for success in a crowded marketplace by amplifying four key dimensions of EQ: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. When you understand the critical role EQ plays in your journey and implement the tools and techniques Dr. Brenner will cover, you’ll enjoy a distinct competitive advantage over your fellow candidates.
Session Objectives
In this program, you will learn:
• the four dimensions of emotional intelligence and the important role they play in career transitions
• how to become more aware of your emotions during your job search
• how to regulate negative emotions for better outcomes
• how to increase your capacity to empathize with recruiters and interviewers
• how to leverage relationship management skills to network more effectively
June 8, 2024
Topic: Building A Purpose Driven Career
Speaker: Melanie Wexler
Seminar description: When you define and align your values in the context of your career you gain the clarity, understanding and significance of working with a sense of purpose. Your purpose allows you to contribute to a more a more fulfilling and impactful career. Additionally, we can take that purpose and it can help shape everything we do from networking to mentorship. Melanie will guide you in creating a Purpose Action Plan, providing practical insights and strategies to integrate purpose into various aspects of your life.
Seminar objectives:
In this webinar, you will learn how to:
- Defining Your Values
- Aligning Work with Purpose
- Leading with Purpose
- Purposeful Networking and Mentorship
- Creating Your Purpose Action Plan
Speaker Bio:
Melanie Mitchell Wexler, a Career Coach, Job Search Expert & LinkedIn Strategist, transitioned from 20 years in recruiting to Career Coaching in 2017. Her drive lies in demystifying the job market, empowering job seekers to find meaningful work, and revealing the behind-the-scenes dynamics. Melanie's success as a recruiter, dedicated to securing placements, fuels her guidance to clients navigating the job search process. She covers a spectrum of services, from Resumes and Job Searches to Interviews and Personal Branding. Melanie thrives on facilitating self-discovery, aiding job seekers in understanding the job search process, and helping them achieve career aspirations. Her expertise caters to mid-level career professionals to C-level executives across diverse industries.
May 11, 2024
Topic: Knock Out Networking for Career Search!
Speaker: Michael Goldberg
Seminar Description:
Touch gloves and come out networking! Job search is a fight. No doubt about it. You’ll want to lace up your gloves and come out swinging. Networking, like boxing, is about the connection. And more and better connections (in or out of the ring!) means greater success. In this session, we’ll discuss what networking is, the different types, what to say (and not say!), how to stay focused, follow up, target marketing, LinkedIn, introductions and referrals, the Daily Fight Plan, and more!
Bottom line, having a KO strategy to networking will absolutely help you attract more prospects, more referrals, and more interviews to your pipeline!
Seminar Objectives
In this “main event”, you will learn how to:
- Confidently meet and greet new people in professional settings – LIVE and virtually.
- Further define Target Market to establish more and better connections.
- Deliver a “knock-out” elevator speech (not a script!).
- Generate more prospects, introductions, and referrals from current network.
- Establish important relationships generating more career opportunities.
- Create a daily process to stay focused and gain momentum.
Speaker Bio:
Michael Goldberg is a two-time TEDx speaker and the founder of Knock Out Networking, LLC, a training firm focused on helping sales producers generate more business through networking. Michael’s programs are responsible for generating hundreds of thousands of dollars of increased revenues, retention, and recruitment. Michael speaks at conferences and associations, runs sales meetings, and delivers dynamic “results driven” programs that can be implemented immediately. His programs have been licensed by organizations for use companywide. Clients include Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Chubb. Michael’s book Knock-Out Networking for Financial Advisors and Other Sales Producers is available now! For more information or to subscribe to Michael’s FREE weekly blog 3-Minute Rounds, please visit www.KnockOutNetworking.com
BONUS: We have a few slots open to get a FREE Linked In Profile Picture for those that attend the MCT program in-person in May. Lara Aman Mattey, a PSU alum, is donating up to 50 photos for in-person attendees. Photos will be taken on Tuesday, May 14 at her studio. Sign up for a free headshot after the April and May programs. This offer is available to in-person attendees currently unemployed - a great opportunity to update your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo. Although a slot is not guaranteed, there is a high likelihood you will receive one. Recipients will get an invite by email.
April 13, 2024
Topic: "Applicant Tracking System Success" **** PLUS BONUS LINKED IN PHOTO OPP! (See below)
Speaker: Cheryl Bonner
Location: In-Person at Penn State Great Valley in Malvern, PA and via Zoom
Seminar Description:
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by over 97% of Fortune 500 companies. ATS is software for recruiters and employers to track candidates throughout the hiring process. Companies use ATS capabilities to scan and filter resumes by searching for key skills and job titles to determine candidates that best meet their criteria for further consideration.
With the availability of these systems, even small companies are using them as part of their hiring process. It is estimated that there are over 60 systems and artificial intelligence (AI) will most likely contribute to the growth of products while increasing their functionality.
While these systems offer many benefits for the hiring process, they can often create a barrier for the job seeker. The good news is there are strategies for success.
Seminar Objectives:
During this presentation, participants will:
· learn how applicant tracking systems work,
· explore ways to identify keywords,
· gain tips on how to write resumes that will get results,
· discover the role networking has on this process, and
· know how these principles can be applied to other aspects of the job search.
Speaker Bio:
Cheryl Clark Bonner has over 35 years in the career services field. Currently, she serves as Penn State University's Director of Alumni Career Services, one of the many programs offered through the Penn State Alumni Association. Her team serves all alumni through in-person and online delivery methods on topics including job search training, career planning assistance, professional development support, and the provision of networking opportunities. By providing access to curated, relevant, and trusted resources and through leveraging the power and expertise of the Penn State community, her team positions alumni for professional success. As one of the founders of the Alumni Career Services Network (ACSN), Cheryl has been instrumental in leading other professionals in this growing field and has helped to shape the field of alumni career services. She has served as an adjunct professor at the undergraduate
BONUS: We are excited to announce you could be eligible for a free headshot at Ivory Tree Portraits in Wayne if you attend the April MCT program in-person. Lara Aman Mattey, a PSU alum, is donating up to 50 photos on Tuesday, May 14 at her studio to MCT attendees in transition*. Sign up for a free headshot after the April program. This offer is available to in-person attendees currently unemployed. This is a great opportunity to update your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo.
March 9, 2024
Topic: "LinkedIn as Your Marketing Partner"
Speaker: Marcia O'Connor
Location: In-Person at Penn State Great Valley in Malvern, PA and via Zoom
Seminar Description:
We are going to dive into the magic of LinkedIn, specifically focusing on Profile Optimization, Content Strategy, and Networking. Come and learn about how to craft a compelling narrative for your brand through a refined profile, having strategic content, and focusing on targeted networking.
Uncover the secrets to attracting your desired audience, fostering engagement, and unlocking valuable opportunities for business growth. Let's harness the power of LinkedIn to optimize your presence and elevate your brand or business to new heights.
Seminar Objectives:
By attending this session, you will learn:
- Profile Optimization:
- Create a compelling and professional LinkedIn profile for your brand or business
- Optimize your profile by using a clear and engaging headline, a well-written summary, and eye-catching visuals.
- Highlight your brand's unique value proposition and key offerings to attract your target audience.
- Content Strategy:
- Develop a content strategy tailored to LinkedIn's professional audience.
- Share informative articles, industry insights, and thought leadership content.
- Engage with your network by responding to comments and joining relevant discussions.
- Networking and Lead Generation:
- Build and expand your LinkedIn network with industry professionals, potential clients, and partners.
- Use LinkedIn's advanced search features to identify and connect with decision-makers in your target market.
- Leverage your network for lead generation, partnership opportunities, and business growth.
Speaker Bio:
Marcia Zaruba O’Connor is the CEO and Founder of The O’Connor Group (TOC), a leading Talent Acquisition and Human Resources outsourcing firm based in King of Prussia. With over 16 years of excellence, TOC excels in sectors like Life Science, Professional Services, IT, and Manufacturing. Marcia's journey, rooted in senior roles at Arthur Andersen and Andersen Consulting, led her to the helm at TOC. In 2022-23, TOC received accolades like the Inc. 5000, Philadelphia Business Journals’ Best Places to Work, and others. A passionate advocate for female entrepreneurs, Marcia initiated www.shadowher.org. Her leadership extends to various professional communities, philanthropy roles, and academic achievements, showcasing her dedication to growth and community impact.
February 10, 2024
Topic: "Tools for Staying Organized in Job Search"
Speaker: JB Brigati
Seminar Description:
A job search can be overwhelming. It’s easy to lose track of the people you’ve contacted, the jobs to which you’ve submitted applications, and all the follow-ups that go along with it. Join us to learn lots of easy tricks to keep your job search organized and productive while maintaining your sanity.
Seminar Objectives
By attending this session, you will learn:
· the ability to stay on top of all applications, follow-up activities, and status
· how to effectively track all recruiter referrals and communications
· to understand the value of tracking target companies and setting alerts, and why you need to do both
· the benefit of using templates to create the perfect resume and cover letter specific to each opportunity
without reinventing the wheel each time
· tips to keep your sanity through the whole transition process
Speaker Bio:
JB is a proud member of My Career Transitions, and joined the group in August 2010 when she was unexpectedly downsized. All the tools and tricks shared in this presentation were developed during a four-month transition period, in which her job search yielded 1,087 emails, 89 online job applications, 29 recruiter referrals, and countless phone calls. That’s a lot to manage, and these tools kept her focused and productive. JB is currently the Vice President of Marketing Operations & Product Management at Philadelphia Police & Fire Federal Credit Union. Although happily re-employed, JB still finds tremendous value and comfort in the MCT community.
January 13, 2024
Topic: "Building Your Career Boat: Employment Insurance for the Savvy Professional"
Speaker: Theresa Krallinger
* Presentation not made available by speaker by speaker for future access
Seminar Description:
In this interactive and fast-paced program, Emmy Award winning comedian and international speaker, Theresa Hummel-Krallinger will discuss a holistic look at lifelong career management from graduation to retirement. You'll learn how to keep yourself relevant, employable, connected, and aligned with purpose. Those who follow this methodology have employment insurance! You'll leave feeling energized and empowered!
Seminar Objectives –
In this webinar, you will learn how to:
- Find Your Rudder
- tools and best practices to determine your career direction (knowing it might shift along the way)
- Build the Body of Your Boat
- ways to build skills and experience (paid and unpaid) and increase knowledge
- Raise Your Sails
- the importance of degrees, certifications, and other third party validation, as well as building and maintaining a strong personal brand
- Harness Your Motor - building and maintaining your professional network
- ways to build and maintain your professional network, both in-person and virtually; making good use of social media, and professional organizations
2023
November 11, 2023
Topic: The Emotional Effects of Job Loss and Job Search
Speaker: Amy Dinning
The one area that most people don’t talk about and even acknowledge is the emotions we go through when we lose our jobs and the emotions we go through as we conduct a job search. We will hit those emotions head on in this interactive presentation. We will tackle the steps to work through those emotions so you are ready for your job search. We will end with an exercise to build our self-confidence, determine ways to take care of ourselves, and decide what to focus on. If you believe you don’t need to come and experience this topic, you probably do. Let’s move past the negative emotions of job loss and job search to the productive emotions that will propel you toward your next opportunity.
In this webinar, you will learn how to:
- Recognize and acknowledge job loss and job search emotions
- Understand the steps to move past these emotions and the stages of change
- Determine what we have learned from these experiences
- Focus on ways to build your self confidence
- Identify ways to take care of yourself
- Determine your path forward
Amy Dinning’s Bio:
Amy Dinning is a Talent Development Leader who is passionate about creating and facilitating impactful, engaging learning and development solutions to enable an organization to reach its goals. She comes to us today well versed in job loss and job search since she has experienced layoffs four times in her career. Amy has worked for companies such as Main Line Health, Astra-Zeneca, Saint-Gobain, and Arris. Amy has her master’s degree from Penn State Great Valley in Instructional Systems and Design.
October 14, 2023
Topic: Savvy Job Seekers Use Age to Their Advantage
Speaker: Ken Sher
Age discrimination is described as “treating an applicant or employee less favorably because of his or her age." The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older.
So, it’s illegal to not offer a job because of age but we all know that the reality is that it happens. But the reality, also, is that it’s still possible, and likely, that you will find an opportunity based on your great knowledge and experience that you’ve gained throughout your career, it just might take a little longer.
This talk will focus on helping you minimize the chance that age will be an issue while showing you how to maximize the benefits that come with experience. You’ll also learn how to identify when the hidden objection of age comes up and how to handle it including:
- Identifying when your age may be an issue
- How the “TRUST Success Model” can help you overcome any challenges
- How to position yourself as the right person for the job
- What to do to take age out of the equation
- What to include, and not include, in your marketing materials and interview answers
Ken Sher's Bio:
Ken Sher is an Executive Coach and Career Coach with 30 years of experience at Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He also served as Vice President, Coaching Services at the Velocity Advisory Group coaching clients in positions ranging from first-line Manager to CEO. He has had his own Executive Coaching and Career Coaching practice since 2015.
During his 25 years at Johnson & Johnson, Ken served in various leadership roles in sales, marketing, sales training, leadership development, and he led the Sales Recruiting department for the United States where he learned valuable keys to the job search process.
He has experienced the highs and lows many of us have during our careers. He was laid off at 52-years old, struggled to recover from that blow, and then landed three new jobs while still in his fifties.
He now shares his career learning through his TRUST Success Model® which, when applied to professional relationships, networking, and job searches, leads to transformational results.
Ken holds a BA in English Literature and Business Communication from the State University of New York at Oneonta. He enjoys giving back to the community. He is a Board Member for the Beacon Networking Group and he serves as a mentor for two first-generation college students through the Philadelphia Futures non-profit which provides great educational opportunities for underserved youth.
September 9, 2023
Topic: Presence - How Do You Show Up?
Speaker: Todd Cohen
11 milliseconds. That is how fast the brain makes an initial decision about you. On whether to engage you, buy you, and hire you.
Park everything you know and have heard about finding your next gig. It’s all moot if you don’t master this human skill that will make you memorable and differentiated. The ONE personal selling skill will set you apart and supersede all the career coaching, resume building, and other job search tools.
Professional speaker and longtime MCT supporter Todd Cohen will be in town for one day to deliver LIVE his hallmark keynote on the “Power of Presence.” Todd will illustrate:
- WHY being present is a must know skill in any job search and career management strategy.
- HOW to master being present – it costs you nothing to do it!
- WHY does taking a virtual shortcut significantly lessen your competitive edge?
- WHY being memorable matters (hint: it’s not done over ZOOM)
Todd Cohen's Bio:
Todd Cohen works with all professionals who want to create a sales culture so that more sales happen. Since 1984, Todd has coached and led sales teams to deliver more than $500 million in revenue for leading companies including Xerox, Gartner Group, Pensare, Thomson-Reuters, and LexisNexis.
As the Principal of SalesLeader LLC, Todd inspires, advises, and builds high performance sales teams that produce outstanding results. He also provides strategic oversight and serves as executive sales coach and advisor to clients ranging from small, rapidly growing start-ups to well-established, large corporations.
Todd has been active in the American Cancer Society as well as several other charitable organizations. Todd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Temple University.
A dynamic, engaging, and motivational keynote speaker, Todd’s message will help your organization. Using humor and real-life examples, Todd demonstrates how every conversation is a “selling moment,” and every person contributes to the growth and profitability of the organization. His message that “everyone’s in sales” is an evolutionary cultural message on sales and people and a turning point for personal and professional success.
July 8, 2023
Topic: 50 "Must Dos" to Be the Lead Candidate
Speaker: Bill Belknap
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Come hear how preparation is key to success in building networking relationships and standing out as a job candidate. This session is designed to help you learn how to be more prepared than competitors for an interview or an important one-on-one networking meeting. Among other useful tips, you will learn how the job description can be your friend using a very simple technique.
In this webinar, you will learn:
- How to out prepare your competition
- “Out-of-the-box” ways to research a company and the people with whom you will be interviewing
- Foolproof way to avoid being blindsided in a networking meeting
- How to deconstruct the job description so there won’t be a question you can’t answer
- The not-so-obvious uses of LinkedIn, Google, and the company website for doing serious research
Bill Belknap's Bio:
Bill has 30 years of senior management and human resources experience, with more than 10 years at the Vice President and Senior Vice President level.
In 1992, he co-founded a management consulting firm. The firm’s clients have included an array of industries from Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to cosmetics and financial services.
His areas of expertise include executive and career coaching, severance negotiation, employee selection and retention, executive recruiting, and management training. However, for the last 20 years he has focused exclusively on executive and management coaching. He has coached over 1,000 managers and executives on how to find the right job, at the right company, and at the right compensation.
Bill is also a certified GetFive Master Coach since 2002. GetFive is the only career coach training and certification program that equips coaches with the method and digital tools needed to support the modern transition.
On the personal side, Bill is an amateur magician and fitness enthusiast. He has completed 33 triathlons and eight marathons. He is a graduate of Denison University and lives in Ridgewood, NJ.
June 10, 2023
Topic: Take Control of Your Career - Do What You Desire, Dare, and Deserve
Speaker: Alvina Peat
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
This session is uniquely designed to focus on you and your pursuit of future career goals and aspirations. You will be introduced to a methodology coined the Four Pillars of Empowerment. People are often intrigued by the pillars and will admit they have never thought about their careers in such an empowering way. They begin to see their career path more clearly, with more confidence and control.
Four Pillars of Empowerment
I Do – Identify your professional strengths (and we all have them)
I Desire – Boldly declare your heart’s desire
I Dare – Remove the fears that block your success
I Deserve – Create your success mindset
In this webinar, you will learn how to:
- lean into your professional strengths
- boldly declare your professional/career desires
- break through mental barriers that hold you back from attaining the position you desire.
- create a success mindset
Alvina Peat's Bio:
After dedicating 15 years to corporate America, Alvina stepped out of her comfort zone, and started her own learning and development practice. She founded Williams-Peat and Associates in 2002. Her mission is to inspire individuals to experience success in their workplace. Alvina provides professional development programs and coaching for individuals and organizations in higher learning, pharmaceuticals, financial services, nonprofit agencies, and the automotive industry.
In 2018, Alvina founded Her Empowerment Resources (H.E.R.). Through H.E.R., Alvina designs programs and resources exclusively for women. The programs and resources include:
- The Emerging Leader: Take Control of Your Career, a leadership program for junior to mid-career professionals, who desire to grab hold of the next rung on their career ladder.
- Taking Care of Business for Women (TCBWomen™), an influential network of female solopreneurs who aspire to live a life of professional passion and purpose.
- H.E.R. - Her Empowerment Retreat, an annual gathering of women from all walks of life, designed to offer the tools, community, and support dedicated to live an empowered life.
Alvina knows all too well what it feels like to lack confidence, clarity, and control when it comes to one's work. After a period of dreaming about doing the work she desired, she took control of her career. In 2022, Alvina has once again stepped out of her comfort zone to write her first book, Take Control of Your Career: Do What You Desire, Dare and Deserve to Do.
In her spare time, Alvina lends her talent to organizations dedicated to the advancement of women. These include WOMEN'S WAY, Women's Business Enterprise Center-East, and The Pennsylvania Conference for Women.
Alvina inspires women nationally and internationally, to remove the barriers that get in the way of living their most empowered life.
May 13, 2023
Topic: Staying Motivated in Your Job Search
Speaker: Karen Livingston
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Come experience the passion that Karen Livingston brings to making a difference in others’ lives, especially for those who are navigating career transitions. In this webinar, we will explore strategies and techniques to keep you motivated during the challenges of your job search. You will learn practical tools for staying positive and keep moving toward the finish line.
In this webinar, you will learn how to:
- Take care of yourself during your job search
- Incorporate stress management techniques
- Design a productive week
- Create SMART goals
- Keep yourself organized
- Stay focused
Karen Livingston's Bio:
As a Senior Consultant with CCI Consulting, Karen Livingston partners closely with individuals to provide guidance and strategies to meet their personal and professional career transition goals. Her key areas of expertise include career transition coaching, training and group facilitation, networking, and leveraging social media for job search. She’s passionate about creating a positive learning experience using technology and a high-touch approach while cultivating long-term quality relationships.
Karen brings over 25 years of human resources and career coaching experience and is proud to say she “loves” what she does and is driven to always look for ways to make a difference in someone’s life, especially those dealing with job loss. Known for her dynamic professional style and caring approach to working with clients, Karen thrives on helping individuals assess and understand their passions and strengths in alignment with their goals.
April 15, 2023
Topic: The Essentials of Resumes
Speaker: LaPora Lindsey
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Are you not landing interviews despite applying for jobs? This resume workshop will help you to ensure your resume meets the mark. You'll learn the foundations of writing an effective resume and some strategic steps to improve it.
In this webinar, you will learn how to:
- Work on your resume before you sit down to write
- Develop a resume that is tailored and relevant to the job posting
- Craft bullet points that grab the reader’s attention
- Effectively use transferable skills
LaPora Lindsey's Bio:
As a seasoned resume and job search strategist, LaPora enables job seekers to recognize their worth and showcase their value on their resumes. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and Certified Workforce Development Professional. As a military spouse, LaPora has repeatedly experienced the challenges that come with unemployment and underemployment. Her workshops are a combination of personal experience in addition to her 14 years of professional experience in career services.
March 11, 2023
Topic: LinkedIn – New Perspectives for 2023
Speaker: Cheryl Bonner
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Most job seekers would agree that LinkedIn is a necessary tool. Worldwide, LinkedIn has over 875 million users. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 25% of adults are LinkedIn users. LinkedIn suggests that up to 90% of recruiters use the tool at some point in the hiring process. It is evident that this tool is here to stay.
For a tool that is so widely used, it is important to keep up to date on the best practices for using LinkedIn for career success. Even the most experienced LinkedIn users may find it challenging to maximize their approach to this tool and consistently stand out from the competition.
During this session, participants will be provided with ways to look at their profiles and usage from a new perspective. Based on research gathered from interviews with recruiters and former LinkedIn employees, this presentation will teach new strategies for LinkedIn success.
Topics covered will include:
• Profile evaluation
• Understanding LinkedIn from the recruiter’s perspective
• Easy-to-apply short cuts for LinkedIn success
• Ways to create relationships through use of a highly technical tool
Cheryl Bonner's Bio:
Cheryl Bonner is a Career Services Professional and author with over 30 years of experience as a career program director and counselor, working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. She is currently the director of Alumni Career Services at Penn State. In this role, she supports the career and life management needs of all Penn Staters. A graduate of Millersville University with a B.S. in Education and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling, she is also the co-author of the book, “Your Career Planner.” Her public speaking includes topics on career planning, personal branding, professional development strategies and serves as an annual speaker for My Career Transitions.
February 11, 2023
Topic: KLT AIR Your Networking North Stars
Speaker: Michael Hughes
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Networking has been proven to be the most effective tool and approach to navigating career transition, relationship building, and personal success. This seminar will focus on the key basic tools to make networking part of anyone’s professional toolbox, regardless of personality type, occupation, or stage in career.
In this webinar, you will learn how to:
- Build and establish networks
- Focus on how personality works for you
- Become mindful of how people value integrity
- Ask questions with a purpose
Michael Hughes' Bio:
Michael Hughes’ career spans banking, undergraduate coursework, continuing education programs, and professional development workshops as well as instructional design and delivery. He was appointed to a full-time faculty role at Temple University Fox School of Business and Management in 2018 after starting part-time in 2013. Michael teaches marketing strategy.
Michael has served as a Business Advisor at Community College of Philadelphia in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative where he provided business coaching, guidance, and mentoring support to select entrepreneurs in a peer-based learning environment.
Michael earned graduate and undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Business Administration from Temple University.
He is an active volunteer in several community organizations, including My Career Transitions.
January 14, 2023
Topic: How to Excel During Phone Screens, Zoom, and In-Person Job Interviews
Speaker: Marty Gilbert
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Great face-to-face job interviews, phone screens, and Zoom calls require sound preparation and an understanding of what's important to the person conducting the interview. It also necessitates your ability to convey confidence, subject matter expertise, and the art of storytelling. There are a lot of things that job seekers can do to make them a preferred candidate and this webinar will cover some of them. Here are a few questions that a lot of candidates continually ask about job interviews:
• What do I need to understand about the interviewer in order to come across as a strong candidate?
• How do I communicate my value so that it quickly captures interest?
• How can I stand out from other candidates being considered?
• What can I do to make myself more memorable and more likeable?
During this webinar NSENG Founder and CEO, Marty Gilbert, will share some very tactical tips that can make a big positive difference in the way that you and your background are perceived by the interviewer. Here are some of the topics that Marty will address during his presentation:
• Key objectives of every interview
• The biggest challenges of each type of interview and how you can overcome them
• Preparation that can make your performance more convincing
• Perspectives from the hiring manager-- how they think, feel, and decide
• How LinkedIn research can deliver great background on each interviewer
• An artificial intelligence (AI) tool that gives you a personality assessment of the interviewer before you ever meet
• Why Zoom interviews are a great way to make great first impressions
• The most important question for you to ask at the beginning of the interview
• Proactive actions to make yourself more memorable and more likeable
Marty Gilbert's Bio:
Marty Gilbert is the Founder and CEO of the NorthShore Executive Networking Group (NSENG at www.nsenginc.com), the largest job search networking and coaching organization in the US. The group is comprised of over 9,500 members, with more than 10 members landing new jobs each week. Over the past 12 years Marty’s networking meetings, webinars, workshops, and job search coaching services have helped over 2,500 professionals land new career opportunities. Additionally, his trademarked “What the Hell Approach to Job Search”® has gained significant notoriety as a unique methodology that enables individuals to accelerate their engagement with target companies and key influencers. Marty also is a frequent job search speaker at large university alumni groups including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Howard, NYU, Chicago, Michigan, and several others.
Marty’s spent 18 years with Motorola, where he held several marketing, sales, and general management roles and introduced many “industry first” wireless products. He served as Chief Operating Officer for STATS Inc, the nation’s leading sports data company that was also the driving force behind the book and movie, Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt. Marty’s career is highlighted by over 25 years of international experience that included an expatriate assignment in Tokyo with Dentsu Inc., the world’s largest advertising agency, where his writing regularly appeared in Time, Newsweek, Business Week, and Fortune magazines.
2022
November 12, 2022
Topic: Taking Small Actions That Lead to Big Results
Speaker: Marian Janes
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
To view Marian's presentation, click here.
Another year has almost passed, and we find ourselves thinking once again, "What have I actually accomplished?" Although we all have a vision of what we hope to achieve, and a plan, as the year unfolds, we remain in relentless pursuit of our goals. What happens when the result we envision falls short of reality? Today’s volatile, uncertain, and complex world requires new ways of thinking and planning.
There is much power behind consistent small actions that lead to new habits that, in turn, cultivate big results. While thinking and dreaming big gives us something to strive for it causes overwhelm and stress as we relentlessly pursue our best intentions.
Creating positive incremental change is easier than you think. The key is to fostering positive incremental growth is all in the approach.
In this webinar attendees will learn to:
- Create sustainable momentum
- Break through procrastination
- Turn daunting tasks into manageable chunks that lead to significant progress.
Together we will explore the neuroscience of habit formation and the power behind micro-tasking.
Topics discussed include the following.
- The catalyst of intention in setting realistic goals
- Creating small tasks that fuel big goals
- Pivoting around failure to ignite momentum
- Taking action that fuels passion and purpose
- Unlocking the door to sustainable behavior change
- Tracking habits that lead to transformation
Marian Janes’ Bio:
Marian Janes is a lifelong learner and educator dedicated to the personal and professional growth of others. She possesses an innate ability to motivate and inspire others to sustainable and results-driven action and connection with the life they envision.
In her 25 years as a corporate learning leader Marian's focus was on maximizing human resources in support of company growth. Since that time Marian founded Ignite Growth, a boutique coaching and consulting firm, where she helps cultivate leaders, unite teams, and transform culture.
Her business is founded on the premise that if you continually learn, you will grow in ways you never imagined and Inspire others by the bold actions you take in your life.
She applies these same principles as an environmental advocate, challenging others to make incremental changes that lead to collective transformation towards the betterment of our world.
October 8, 2022
Topic: The Power of Pull Marketing in Your Job Search
Speaker: Ford Myers
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
When searching for a new job, would you rather “chase after employers,” or have employers “chase after you?” The choice is YOURS, and you CAN conduct your job search in such a way that employers will take the first step by reaching out to you.
Traditional job search methods include sending out resumes, applying for jobs online, attending job fairs, contacting employers and recruiters, and of course – networking. All of these tasks, collectively, fall under the heading “Push Marketing.” This is because you’re “pushing” your message, hoping that someone will take notice. Even if you do make contact, however, you’ll still have to “convince” the employer of your worthiness. This is the downside of “Push Marketing.”
But when employers perceive you as an expert and discover your credibility “on their own,” they’ll tend to feel “pulled” toward you and even pursue you. This is the primary benefit of “Pull Marketing.”
YOU can be known as an expert, regardless of your professional background or level. The process begins with a fundamental shift in attitude, assumptions, and behavior. To succeed with “Pull Marketing,” you’ll need to:
- Stop acting like an applicant, and start acting like an expert
- Stop behaving like a candidate, and start behaving like a consultant
- Stop being a job seeker, and start being a problem solver
- Stop making it all about you/your needs, and start making it all about them/their needs
Don’t miss our unique seminar, where you’ll learn how to make this critical shift. You’ll discover the specific tactics, strategies, and tools to master “Pull Marketing” in your job search and long-term career management.
Your shift to “Pull Marketing” may require some extra time and effort “up front,” but the results will be worth it. This innovative approach offers you greater control over the entire hiring process. Best of all, you may never have to search for another job in your life!
Ford R. Myers' Bio:
Ford R. Myers is an award-winning career coach and President of Career Potential, LLC. He is author of the best-seller, Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring. Ford’s firm helps clients take charge of their careers, create the work they love, and earn what they deserve! He has held senior consulting positions at three of the nation’s largest career service firms. Ford’s articles have appeared in thousands of publications and web sites, and he has been interviewed on every major television and radio network. Ford has also conducted presentations at hundreds of companies, associations, and universities. Learn more at https://careerpotential.com
September 10, 2022
Topic: How to Get Back in the Game
Speaker: Ken Sher
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
There are many reasons people have been out of work and/or looking for a job recently – some new, some old. They include:
- Time for a change
- Raise a family
- The pandemic
- Took a gap year
- Not ready to retire
But how do you get back into it and what direction should you go with your career? Maybe you want to go back to what you were doing before. Or maybe you want to do something completely different.
But where do you start?
This talk will help you determine what you want to do next and how to prepare for and execute a successful job search
In this webinar, you will learn:
- How to use the TRUST Success Model® to conduct a winning job search
- What to do to determine what direction to take your career
- How to position yourself to win your next great role
- The best way to network and what a productive networking conversation sounds like
- How to market yourself to attract recruiters
Ken Sher's Bio:
Ken Sher is an Executive Coach and Career Coach with 30-years’ experience leading and coaching individuals and managerial teams at companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
In addition to winning multiple achievement awards in various sales & marketing roles and leading the Johnson & Johnson Sales Recruiting Department to record placements, he led four different Sales Training and Leadership Development teams including a global organization. Ken's teams designed, developed, and delivered training to multiple levels of leadership within J & J.
Ken is President of Sher Coaching, and he helps people at all stages of their career whether that’s finding a new role or excelling in an existing role. He is dedicated to improving individual and team performance by focusing on his TRUST Success Model which, when applied to Leadership and Career Management, can be transformational.
July 9, 2022
Topic: Five Habits of Highly Effective Job Seekers
Speaker: Terry Seamon
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
When author Stephen Covey wrote his best-selling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, he provided a roadmap for increasing one's effectiveness in any area of life, from home to the workplace. As a fan of Covey’s book, and as a career transition consultant, one of the questions I have been helping my clients with is: What do highly effective job hunters do? Inspired by Covey, this presentation will look at the five habits (plus one more) of highly effective job seekers.
Related LinkedIn article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-habits-plus-one-highly-effective-job-hunters-terrence-h-seamon/
In this webinar, attendees will learn how to:
- Focus their search
- Position and present themselves as a solution
- Utilize their resources—especially relationships and time—most effectively
Terry Seamon's Bio:
As an Executive Career Transition Consultant with The Ayers Group since 2009, Terry Seamon helps professionals and executives as they make their way through the career transition process toward their career goals.
Terry’s approach is to focus on each person, tailoring the process to fit their needs and objectives. As he guides them through the challenges of job search and career change, Terry supports them with customized tools and strategies. His goal is to help them to quickly galvanize into action and thereby accelerate their searches.
In addition to working with individuals, Terry also gives presentations on job search topics to professional networking groups.
An active writer, Terry writes articles on many aspects of the career transition process such as networking, interviewing, and personal branding, publishing them frequently on his blog (Here We Are. Now What? http://learningvoyager.blogspot.com/) as well as on LinkedIn where he is an active user of the networking platform.
Before becoming a career coach, Terry was a human resources training and development professional for many years in the corporate world, specializing in leadership and management development, team building, corporate communication and culture, diversity and inclusion, as well as organization change and development.
Terry holds a BA in Human Communication from Rutgers University, and a Masters degree in Education from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education.
June 11, 2022
Topic: What Does Reinvention Mean to You?
Speaker: Tony Calabrese
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
During career transition, those in job search may be faced with the decision of whether this is an appropriate time to change their career industry or job function. While sometimes by choice, it could be of necessity. This seminar will provide a strategy of how to go about the process.
In this webinar, attendees will learn how to:
- Navigate the five steps of a job search process
- Identify the importance of knowing your transferable skills and how they may be used in other career options
- Determine different types of career models and ways of working
Tony Calabrese's Bio:
Tony Calabrese is the founder of Absolute Transitions, LLC and a Certified Get Five Career Coach. Tony enjoys working with clients who are in job search or looking to change careers. The Get Five methodology offers his clients a strategic and research-based approach to their job search. Tony received his coaching certification from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC) and as such is able to offer his clients the unique combination of working with them both through their career search and life coaching issues as part of his practice.
Tony also does Career Coach and Acclimation Consulting work with REA – Partners in Transition. In that role he provides career coaching and acclimation assistance to accompanying spouses of employees whose companies move them to the New Jersey/New York area.
In 2020, Tony also began providing coaching services to clients of Marriott International, who were let go from their jobs due to the Corona Virus. Those services are provided as a Senior Career Coach and Consultant for the White Hawk Group. In 2021, he became a strategic partner with Kawa Community Partners and a trained vendor in administering their assessment tool to help learn the values that drive who you are in the work that you do.
Prior to his coaching career, Tony was with Prudential Financial for 30 years. While there he started as a Programmer, and worked his way up the ranks to Systems Analyst, then Manager of Financial Systems, and ultimately a Director of Financial Systems. He led teams developing and supporting Financial Systems applications in Prudential’s Group Insurance Business Unit.
Tony resides in Maplewood, NJ with his wife, Carolina.
May 14, 2022
Topic: Project Managing Your Job Search
Speaker: Paul Cecala
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
A pragmatic, action-oriented project planning process to identify the specific employers you want to work for and how to seek out the positions you are best suited for. Map out a strategic job search project plan by scoping out your search, identifying the milestones, developing clear benchmarks and measurable metrics, setting a flexible but realistic timeline, and a dashboard to share. It provides lots of tools you can use today to shortcut your work search and achieve employment in the most efficient way.
In this webinar, attendees will learn how to:
- Create a project plan/Gantt Chart for their job search
- Develop metrics and benchmarks to gauge their campaign’s success
- Utilize a proven methodology for job search success
- Develop a specific strategy for effective networking that leads to interview
Paul Cecala's Bio:
Paul Cecala is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator, work search author, and founder of Cecala Career Consultants. Since 1999 he has assisted over 3000 job seekers ranging from C-Suite executives to college students.
Paul specializes in creating job search project plans and is recognized for his empathetic listening skills, networking skills, interview techniques, and resume writing. He has expertise assisting people with backgrounds in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), aviation, business leadership, project management, technology, pharma/biotech, and healthcare.
Paul has helmed the adult professional education programs for two colleges and a Workforce Development Board. Prior to career coaching, he spent 15 years in corporate aviation ending as Vice President of Aircraft Charter Sales.
Paul earned his BS in Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology and sits on the Industry Advisory Board for its College of Psychology and Liberal Arts. He lives in Morris County, NJ, with his husband and teenage son.
April 9, 2022
Topic: Defining Your Personal Brand
Speaker: Charlene Holsendorff
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
During this session, attendees will learn about personal brand – What it is and what it isn’t, the significance of personal brand in the job search, and incorporating personal brand into the resume that answers the question, “So what?”
How attendees will benefit from attending:
- The jobseeker will be better equipped to differentiate him/herself from the crowd – which is crucial in today’s competitive job search environment
- Learn branding principles will help to reinforce resume content with purposeful statements, tangible outcomes, and skills utilized to stand out from the crowd.
Charlene Holsendorff's Bio:
The career of Charlene Holsendorff evolved from corporate training at Merck and Company to career management at the “top three” outplacement companies in the industry. In recent years, as a Certified Personal Brand Specialist, her singular focus is coaching job seekers on why and how building an effective personal brand is indispensable. A highlight of Charlene’s career includes managing a career center for 1,000+ displaced mid- to executive-level professionals for the #1 client of the company.
March 12, 2022
Topic: Refining Old Job Search Tools for New Environments
Speaker: Cheryl Bonner
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail. Perhaps it is time to take a new look at the problem and the necessary tools. What are the tools you are using from your job search tool bag? How have the required tools changed in the last two years? How is work different than it was 24 months ago?
During this session, we will take a fresh look at work. Together we will explore new paradigms and employer needs. We will look at the real story behind low employment and the great resignation. We will look at familiar statements such as it is who you know, it is where you look, take time to write a new UVP, resumes are important, social media is important, one size fits all, and results will vary.
Through this virtual but interactive session, participants will look at their job search tools against new paradigms of work and job seeking. Together, we will set tangible goals to improve, refine, and implement the best tools for the current employment landscape.
As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to:
• Identify areas needing attention in their networks
• Improve their networking skills
• Incorporate information gained from their online research and networks in their Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
• Put job market data into perspective
• Define the ways a new work paradigm impacts their industry
• Identify ways to refine tools such as resumes and LinkedIn
Cheryl Bonner's Bio:
Cheryl Bonner is a Career Services Professional and author with over 30 years of experience as a career program director and counselor, working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. She is currently the director of Alumni Career Services at Penn State. In this role, she supports the career and life management needs of all Penn Staters. A graduate of Millersville University with a B.S. in Education and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling, she is also the co-author of the book, “Your Career Planner.” Her public speaking includes topics on career planning, personal branding, professional development strategies and serves as an annual speaker for My Career Transitions.
February 12, 2022
Topic: 30 Ways to Get Unstuck in Your Job Search
Speaker: Marty Gilbert
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Many job seekers are able to fill up a 40 or 50-hour week that's comprised of search activity that really doesn't deliver as much progress as they'd like. They aren't uncovering new target companies. They aren't getting great introductions to key influencers. They aren't receiving many interviews. And they're spending a lot of their time answering online ads along with 200 other candidates and getting lost in the shuffle. They are stuck.
There is a solution and during this webinar, NSENG Founder/CEO and Job Search Coach, Marty Gilbert, will present very tactical actions you should take now as he shares his approach on 30 Ways to Get Unstuck in Your Job Search.
If you identify with any of the following characteristics, then this webinar could prove to be quite helpful for you:
- Not getting at least 1 interview each week
- Not having at least 10 networking conversations each week
- Not getting at least 35 LinkedIn profile views each week
- Not adding at least 50 new LinkedIn connections each week
- Spending more than 15% of your time answering online ads each week
- Don't have a specific job search marketing plan
- Aren't tapping into the "hidden job market"
- Starting to lose confidence and second-guessing yourself
This webinar will discuss how you can identify when you're stuck... why people get stuck... and, most importantly, what actions you can take immediately to start making more meaningful progress by leveraging your network, LinkedIn, your messaging, a proactive marketing approach and changing your mental outlook.
Marty Gilbert's Bio:
Marty Gilbert is the Founder and CEO of the NorthShore Executive Networking Group (NSENG at www.nsenginc.com). Chicago’s largest and fastest growing job search networking and coaching organization. The group is comprised of over 9,000 members, with more than 10 members landing new jobs each week throughout COVID-19. Over the past 10 years Marty’s networking meetings, webinars, workshops and job search coaching services have helped over 2,200 professionals to land new career opportunities. His diverse marketing and career insights background helps job seekers to more effectively position, package and market their value to prospective employers. Additionally, Marty’s trademarked "What the Hell Approach to Job Search" has gained significant notoriety as a proactive methodology that enables individuals to accelerate their engagement with target companies and key influencers. He is also a frequent job search speaker at large university alumni groups including Harvard, Yale, Howard, Chicago, Michigan, Indiana, Miami (OH), Kansas, and several others.
January 15, 2022
Topic: How Recruiters Use LinkedIn: LinkedIn Lessons of a Job Seeker Ally
Speaker: Ed Han
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
In this webinar, attendees will learn how to:
Maximize the impact of their LinkedIn profiles to gain insight into why recruiters do certain things
Networking Opportunity: Optional networking breakout sessions will be available for any interested participants for 30 minutes following this session.
Ed Han's Bio
Ed Han is a recruiter and job seeker ally with a passion for networking and helping professionals return to the workforce. As a veteran of several industries, including publishing, financial services and software, Ed has a keen understanding of, and appreciation for, the skills and traits valued in a wide range of environments, regulated and otherwise.
Although he came to recruiting nine years ago, Ed finds fulfillment professionally as a recruiter, and that the diversity of his prior work experience is a great boon in connecting with people from all industries and experience.
Active in his community, Ed helps facilitate the job search group NJ JobSeekers in Princeton NJ and has previously served as the Executive Chair of the PSG of Mercer County and the online community manager for the HR networking group Whine & Dine. Ed has been a corporate recruiter at Cenlar FSB since December 2019. Lastly, he has been a LinkedIn user since 2008 and a LinkedIn trainer for a dozen years.
The holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from Albright College (Reading, PA) awarded in 1993, Ed is an avid social media fiend and job seeker ally.
2021
November 13, 2021
Topic: Breaking Balance - Increasing Productivity While Improving Work-Life Harmony
Speaker: Joyel Crawford
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Burnout and pushing yourself to the edge can really take your life and career in a totally different direction. This session shows learners best practices on how to be an effective and authentic leader within the organization and in life.
In this webinar, you will learn about:
- Owning Your Superpowers - Setting Boundaries
- The Bounce Back - Strengthening Resilience
- Don’t Go It Alone - Best Practices for Work-Life Harmony
Joyel Craword's Bio:
Recently awarded one of the Best Coaching Services in Philadelphia by Find My Profession in 2021, Joyel Crawford of Crawford Leadership Strategies grows leaders for a living. She is a Certified Professional Career Coach, Certified Virtual Presenter, and Leadership Development Consultant.
Prior to her consulting career, Joyel supported professionals within all functional groups for 18 years at Verizon Wireless. Throughout her career, she mainly worked in HR. She was a Manager of Management and Employee Development in charge of Leadership Development programs for 30K employees.
Joyel also hosts a podcast called Career View Mirror® and she’s the co-author of the Amazon Best Seller Speaking My Truth with Cheryl Wood and author of an upcoming book Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.
Joyel graduated cum laude from Elon University with a B.A. as an Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellow. She obtained her MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a concentration in Management and also holds PHR, DISC, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and Birkman Assessment certifications. She’s a member of Forbes Coaches Council, National Black MBA Association, PARW/CC, and SHRM. Her career advice is featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Essence, Newsweek, Huffington Post, The Muse, Girlboss, The Ladders, Yahoo! Finance, Thrive Global, The Chicago Tribune, Capitol Standard, Philadelphia Magazine, XoNecole, Fairygodboss, Next Avenue, and many more.
October 9, 2021
Topic: Ace the Interview: Preparing for a Job Interview
Speaker: Lalena Kennedy
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Handouts from the session can be downloaded: Ace the Interview Handout and Following Up After the Interview Handout
Qualifications can land you an interview, but executing a successful meeting requires more than just possessing the right skills for the job. Acing a job interview requires a combination of confidence, strategy, and preparation.
In this presentation, we’ll cover what you need to know to ensure a successful interview – including how to prep, what to expect the day of, and following up afterwards. We’ll review interview questions that are likely to be asked and the best ways to answer each.
You’ll learn how to craft anecdotes for each accomplishment, and how to make sure these stories have the opportunity to be shared in the interview. We’ll also spend time discussing effective questions to ask the interviewer.
Join us to gain confidence, a competitive advantage over other candidates, and maximize your chance of a job offer!
In this webinar, you will learn:
- Understand what the interviewer really wants to know when asking an interview question
- Identify the most frequent interview mistakes and how to avoid them
- Anticipate the most common interview questions and answer them clearly and succinctly
Lalena Kennedy's Bio:
Lalena Kennedy is a Career Coach and Personal Branding Specialist who helps professionals present their best selves through resumes, LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation, and job search strategy. She can help you to market yourself by highlighting what skills make you valuable and unique – and then easily convey to others what you have to offer.
September 11, 2021
Topic: Assessing Organizational Culture for "Fit"
Speaker: Dr. Laura Dowling
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
This session explains the complexity of the phenomena of organizational culture and climate and the sources and types of leadership power. Participants will learn how personality alignment with culture and leadership style is a key factor in determining satisfaction on the job. Participants will learn strategies and tactics for better determining cultural and hiring manager fit pre-hire.
In this webinar, you will learn:
- How to identify the eight prevailing organizational cultures
- How personality and culture are intertwined
- How to determine personal alignment with an organization’s culture and hiring manager using tools provided in the session
Dr. Laura Dowling's Bio:
Dr. Laura Dowling is an author, keynote speaker, and scholar specializing in leadership, change resilience, and how to use brain science for improved outcomes in business and higher education. She has 25 years of corporate experience in highly regulated industries, building and leading teams to exceed financial and operational expectations. She holds an MBA in Technology Management and multiple technical and soft skills certifications.
Dr. Dowling has 15 years of experience designing and teaching courses in business administration, healthcare administration, strategic management, and leadership. An experienced consultant, coach, and business advisor, she combines theoretical and practical knowledge to enhance hard and soft skill development, equipping individuals and organizations to effectively navigate complex business dynamics in the rapidly changing world of work
July 10, 2021
Topic: I Landed a Job During the Pandemic, Here's How
Speaker: Amy Dinning
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
This interactive presentation tells the story of how Amy landed a job in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is challenging during normal times to engage in a job search. Dealing with a pandemic makes things all the more challenging. We will focus on 10 key strategies that enabled her to be successful in landing a job that she really wanted. You can be successful as well using these key strategies.
In this webinar, you will learn how to:
- Determine what has changed because of the pandemic
- Understand the 10 strategies to uncovering your next opportunity
- Take action on the 10 strategies to be successful in your job search
Amy Dinning's Bio:
Amy Dinning is a Talent Development Leader with extensive experience working with all organizational levels setting strategy, creating, promoting, and delivering learning, leadership, and talent development solutions designed to support the organization’s business plan and goals. She possesses impactful leadership, influencing, facilitation, and innovation skills essential to motivating others. Amy is passionate about creating an interactive and engaging environment that supports learning and growth. Amy is currently Manager of Education and Development at Main Line Health in Radnor, PA, providing learning and development for over 11,000 employees, managers, and leaders.
She is the co-lead of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Leadership and Organizational Development SIG. Amy has spoken at the 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 ATD International Conferences as well as conducted several webinars for ATD National. She serves as a Board Member and Orientation Leader for My Career Transitions. She is the creator and chief facilitator of a workshop she created, “Jump Start Your Job Search,” which is offered twice a year for those in job transition, the underemployed, new grads, and those seeking to change jobs/careers. She also speaks to various professional associations and networking groups on a variety of topics.
June 12, 2021
Topic: Finding Fulfillment and Setting Goals
Speaker: Adrean Turner
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
In 2017, the Gallup Share Care Well Being Index showed 38.5% of people surveyed expressed unhappiness in their lives. That's more than one in three people. It's highly likely that even more have felt dissatisfied since the pandemic.
Increase opportunities for fulfillment in your life and career.
In this session, you will:
- Discover how fulfillment enhances your happiness quotient
- Learn mindset strategies for performance enhancement
- Gain planning tools to experience more fulfillment and satisfaction in your everyday life
Adrean Turner's Bio:
Adrean Turner is the award-winning owner of Turner Coaching Training and Consulting, LLC (TCTC), a nationally certified Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE). She has coached and trained more than 10,000 professionals across various industries since launching TCTC in 2016. Adrean is the author of "F.I.T. for Success: Fearless. Inspired. Transformed for Success” which charted on Amazon as a best seller.
Adrean enjoys her role as an Adjunct Professor of Business at Alvernia and Widener Universities where she teaches Economics, Entrepreneurship and Leadership courses.
Adrean is the producer and host of FIT for WOMEN TV which airs on Berks Community Media. Adrean earned a DEI Certificate of Mastery in Cultivating Cultures of Inclusion and High Performance. She has contributed to articles for Forbes, Girl Boss, and The Los Angeles Times.
Adrean's commitment to her community has been recognized with numerous awards. In June, she will receive the Bernadine Legacy Award from Alvernia University.
Adrean believes anything is possible and that you can create the life you desire. She shares her experiences to inspire others to overcome obstacles and make their dreams reality.
Adrean is a Certified Career Coach and holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Master of Management and Business Administration from the Pennsylvania State University.
May 8, 2021
Topic: Developing and Maintaining Relationships
Speaker: L. Greg Smith
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
During this session, we will focus on:
- Understanding the importance of connecting / reaching out
- Developing and articulating your positioning statement
- Making wise and ongoing consistent interactions
- Remaining real, honest, and truthful and being comfortable
- Being humble and considerate
- Seeking advice and guidance
- Staying focused
- Leveraging your personal brand
- Understanding and navigating your career path
- Prioritizing your outreach
In this webinar, you will learn:
- Strategic Relationship Management
- The Importance of Interactions
- Techniques to Interact with Contacts
- How to Achieve Effective Results
- Best Practices for Following Up
To view Greg's presentation, click here.
L. Greg Smith's Bio:
L. Greg Smith’s background combines extensive consulting, recruiting, training, human resources, and sales experience. As a senior sales and marketing executive, Greg has advised client organizations on talent solutions, career management, sales methodologies, business strategies, and outplacement services. He also markets a full range of sales and leadership development programs and services to clients and has delivered these programs to senior executives, middle managers, and group-level participants.
Previously, Greg consistently exceeded sales performance standards at Xerox Corporation, AT&T, Dun & Bradstreet, Lee Hecht Harrison, and Korn Ferry, while managing major national, and global accounts.
Greg is actively involved in many professional and community organizations including the American Society of Training & Development (ASTD), The Free & Accepted Masons, Shriners, church, and various youth groups. He has authored and co-authored several books and publications and delivers motivational speeches and programs on a wide variety of key social and professional topics to various businesses, educational institutions and organizations. Greg also coaches AAU and travel basketball and studies, and also trains and teaches a variety of systems in martial arts. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Seton Hall University and holds over 75 Business Training Certifications.
April 10, 2021
Topic: Embracing the Virtual for Networking, Job Search and Work
Speaker: Cheryl Bonner
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Sometime in the last 12 months, most people accepted virtual tools as a substitute for other types of interaction and work. A means to an end. A temporary solution to a temporary problem. While there is good news on the horizon, these temporary solutions will likely be part of our lives on a more permanent basis. There was a lot that wasn’t great about these tools, but employers and employees have found that these tools actually offer some benefits. Job seekers found benefits in the equalizing impact of virtual engagement as they removed geographic and other barriers.
During our time together, we will take a deeper dive into the following questions:
- What problems did technology solve?
- What problems did it create?
- What more permanent changes to job seeking and working do we anticipate?
- And more importantly, what did you learn about yourself?
In this webinar, you will learn how to:
- Be able to state at least three ways technology will play a positive role in your job seeking
- Develop ways to understand how potential employers view remote work and how they handled the pandemic
- Identify barriers and develop plans to “embrace the virtual” as a solution
Cheryl Bonner's Bio:
Cheryl Bonner is a Career Services Professional and author with over 30 years of experience as a career program director and counselor, working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. She is currently the director of Alumni Career Services at Penn State. In this role, she supports the career and life management needs of all Penn Staters. A graduate of Millersville University with a B.S. in Education and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling, she is also the co-author of the book, “Your Career Planner.” Her public speaking includes topics on career planning, personal branding, professional development strategies and serves as an annual speaker for My Career Transitions.
March 13, 2021
Topic: Top 5 Takeaways From 15 Years of MCT - How Do YOU Score on Them?
Speaker: Bart Ruff
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
As you go through job transition, just like in most things in life, there will be things that you naturally excel at and others that need improvement. Job search requires things like your personal brand, the tools in your job transition tool kit, effective networking and so on. In this session we’ll review the top 5 takeaways that our speaker has learned in the 15 years since he started MCT. You’ll also hear observations on do’s and don’ts on these subjects.
As you go through this session, you will score yourself on each of the top 5 takeaways so that you can get a baseline assessment on the things you already do right, and then be able to reflect on measurable ways you can improve your job search effectiveness score.
You don’t have to be an expert. This session is for realists - people that want to assess where they are now so that they can focus on the things they need to improve to become more effective in their search.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
To view Bart's presentation, click here.
This Scoring Form was used for the session. Please be sure to print it out for your reference.
Additional Documents:
Bart Ruff's Bio
Bart Ruff founded MCT in 2005, after seeing his dad go through a painful late-career job transition. As a marketer, his plan was to “build” a support group for professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area. Starting with four people in the basement of a library, MCT has now helped over 5,000 people in the last 15 years. Unlike most speakers, his own career is not related to career management, and therefore he is probably more like you.
Bart’s desire to “build things” is at the core of his personal brand. In his career, he’s broken sales records, launched HBO On Demand, achieved the highest ROI on marketing spend, and created new food court brands. He is a Marketing professional with broad experience - from Brand Development and Brand Management, to Marketing, Field Marketing, and Business Development - in multiple industries.
He earned a BS in Marketing and an MBA from Penn State. After a three-year internship in college as the Marketing Manager for Miller (beer), Bart spent 3 years as a Sales Exec and Sales Manager at Emery Worldwide (overnight freight), 16 years as a Regional Director of Marketing at Home Box Office - HBO (TV), and 15 years at Sodexo as a Brand Manager (restaurants) and Marketing Director (schools’ food service and facilities management.) He is originally from Audubon and now resides in Harleysville, PA with his wife and 2 boys.
February 13, 2021
Topic: To Survive and Thrive After a Job Loss
Speaker: Ken Sher
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that things can change unexpectedly and very quickly. One day you're feeling pretty good about the direction your career is going. After all, you get good performance reviews, a modest annual merit increase, and maybe even a good year-end bonus or solid commission.
Then, through events out of your control, you get the message that due to events out of our control, you are being furloughed or laid off completely. After years of loyal service, you find yourself unceremoniously let go by your company and a bright future has now become very uncertain.
What do you do now? Losing your job can be a devastating life event! It's not easy, but you can survive and thrive!
The reality is that separations from companies happen, but you can navigate through this stressful time. You can survive and thrive and get to where you truly want to be.
This talk will present to you the roadmap you should take to land your next opportunity...From regrouping after the loss, to developing your personal brand, resume and LinkedIn profile to preparing for interviews. The key to a successful job search is focusing on the elements that will help you get to where you want to be, and this talk will help you get there.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Ken Sher's Bio
Ken Sher is a Career Coach and Executive Coach with 30-years’ experience leading and coaching individuals and managerial teams at companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
In addition to winning multiple achievement awards in various sales & marketing roles, he led 4 different Sales Training & Leadership Development teams including a global organization. Ken's teams designed, developed, and delivered leadership training to multiple levels within J & J.
Why listen to Ken about Career Transition? Well, he led the Johnson & Johnson Sales Recruiting Department to record placements. And he was laid off from Johnson & Johnson after almost 25-years. After a short down time, he recovered from the blow, figured out how to be successful in today’s job market and landed 3 jobs in his mid-50’s including a leadership role with Bristol Myers Squibb.
Ken is President of Sher Coaching and he is dedicated to improving individual and team performance by focusing on his TRUST Success Model which, when applied to Leadership and Career Management, can be transformational.
To view Ken's presentation, click here.
January 9, 2021
Topic: Finding Your Fit in a Downturn
Speaker: Sue Kaiden
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
With the economy struggling to get back on its feet, most job seekers believe that they should take any job that comes along. However, there is a case to be made that getting a job that fits like a glove is possible even during a downturn. Join us to hear from Sue Kaiden, editor of Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide for Finding a Job You’ll Love, on finding a job that suits you in any type of job market.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Sue Kaiden's Bio
Sue Kaiden is currently a senior project manager for the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the largest professional association dedicated to learning and development professionals with over 35,000 members worldwide. Before joining ATD, Sue held executive and consulting roles in the healthcare, IT, and nonprofit sectors and founded a career coaching firm, CareerEdge. She also served as the Vice President of Joseph’s People, a job search support group for unemployed and underemployed people in the Philadelphia area. Sue is the author of Keeping Your Career on Track (TD at Work) and the editor of Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing a Job You'll Love, a book written with 16 top-notch career coaches. Sue holds an MBA from Cornell University and a BS from Miami University (Ohio).
Click here to view Sue's presentation. Click here to view Sue's additional resources handout.
December, 2020
No meeting in December.
November 14, 2020
Topic: The Profound Power of Presence: How to Sell Yourself Before You Say a Word
Speaker: Todd Cohen
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
In this highly interactive and entertaining presentation, professional speaker and author Todd Cohen will walk us through how to be present and understand the most important skill to sell yourself. This skill rises above every other job search technique ever taught! Learn this and you WILL succeed.
By attending this session, you will:
Todd Cohen's Bio
Todd Cohen works with all professionals who want to create a sales culture so that more sales happen. Since 1984, Todd has coached and led sales teams to deliver more than $500 million in revenue for leading companies including Xerox, Gartner Group, Pensare, Thomson-Reuters, and LexisNexis.
As the Principal of SalesLeader LLC, Todd inspires, advises, and builds high performance sales teams that produce outstanding results. He also provides strategic oversight and serves as executive sales coach and advisor to clients ranging from small, rapidly growing start-ups to well-established, large corporations.
Todd has been active in the American Cancer Society as well as several other charitable organizations. Todd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Temple University.
October 10, 2020
Topic: 10 Vital Strategies to Maximize Your Career Success
Speaker: Ford R. Myers
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
What if you could discover the "secrets" that determine who will reach full potential in their career, and who will not? That's exactly what this powerful presentation reveals. Real success is achieved not just in knowing these "insider strategies," but in applying them in a consistent, systematic manner.
Career expert and author Ford R. Myers will show you how to leverage these 10 powerful strategies, to help you move your career forward - no matter what level you've already achieved in your profession.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Ford R. Myers' Bio
Ford R. Myers is an award-winning Career Coach and Certified Retirement Coach. He is author of the best-seller, "Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring." Ford's firm, Career Potential, LLC, helps clients take charge of their careers, create the work they love, and earn what they deserve! He has held senior consulting positions at three of the nation's largest career service firms. Ford's articles and interviews have appeared in thousands of magazines, newspapers, web sites, television and radio networks. He has also conducted presentations at hundreds of companies, associations and universities. Learn more at https://careerpotential.com. To view Ford's presentation, click here.
September 12, 2020
Topic: Crush Your Next Interview
Speaker: Rich Bruno
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
In this session you will develop the four components of interview mastery and best prepare for your next job opportunity including:
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Rich Bruno’s Bio
Rich Bruno is a 30-year supply chain professional, who has led numerous teams and divisions throughout his career. He has always focused on people leadership and talent development, building his teams and developing team members to seek and achieve new opportunities.
As a career-driven individual and hiring manager, Rich has extensive experience in the area of interviewing, both as an interviewee and interviewer. As a hiring manager, he developed a "Hiring Manager Code of Conduct" for the purpose of creating a toolkit for hiring managers to recruit, screen, interview, and select the best candidate for their open positions. He developed a robust process as a candidate to best prepare for numerous job opportunities throughout his career and also developed an online curriculum to reinforce the importance of the candidate experience in the interviewing process.
In May 2019, Rich retired from Johnson & Johnson and in August 2019 received John Maxwell Team Certification as a Coach, Speaker and Trainer. This is his path forward to improve the lives of others. The tools and training received through JMT Certification enable Rich to offer workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding individual personal and professional growth through study and practical application of proven leadership methods. Click here to view Rich's presentation.
August 2020
No meetings in August.
July 11, 2020
Topic: Amp Up Your Career Transition with EQ!
Speaker: Michael Brenner, Ed. D.
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Your resume looks great. You’re networking like crazy. You’ve practiced your interviewing skills. You’re all set to land that new job, right?
Not so fast.
You may also need to improve a critical tool in your career transition toolkit—emotional intelligence (EQ). Unlike conventional cognitive intelligence (IQ), emotional intelligence has nothing to do with “book smarts.” Rather, it concerns our ability to recognize and manage our own emotions and those of others. For example, how aware are you of self-limiting beliefs? How well do you handle stress and disappointment? Do you possess the necessary social skills that can make a positive impression on a decision maker? These are important questions any time but especially so during a career transition. As you pursue your goals during one of the most challenging times in recent memory, honing your emotional intelligence can give you the advantage you need to succeed.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Dr. Michael Brenner's Bio
As founder and CEO of Right Chord Leadership, Michael helps leaders and teams at all levels strengthen the essential skills needed to achieve peak performance. He accomplishes this by drawing on lessons learned as an international leadership consultant, executive coach, and keynote speaker for more than 20 years and as a professional musician for over 35 years. Michael’s unconventional workshops, coaching sessions, and consulting services help clients increase engagement, reduce turnover, and work together more collaboratively to achieve great things.
Michael has designed and taught courses in systems thinking, negotiation strategies, interpersonal relations, and organizational behavior at American University, Immaculata University, La Salle University and Temple University. He was 2014 president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and Chairman of the chapter’s 2015 Regional Learning and Development Conference. Michael has been a featured speaker at many industry events and conferences around the world, including Canada, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Michael holds a doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a master's degree in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University. In addition to consulting and teaching, Michael currently performs in two Philadelphia-area bands. He lives in Broomall, PA. Click here to download Michael's presentation.
June 13, 2020
Topic: Virtual Networking with Excellence
Speaker: Ashley Owens
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Networking is such a personal activity; it is not a one size fits all practice. Most people get bogged down in the details and miss out on the foundation of how to build and retain an effective network. At the end of the day, no one cares WHAT you do, but do you know them, like them or trust them? Establishing and growing meaningful relationships is undeniably critical to long-term success and during the current worldwide pandemic when networking has shifted from onsite to fully online, Ashley reveals how to connect "face-to-face" in our new normal.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Ashley Owens' Bio
Ashley Owens is the first and only Networking Concierge that puts you in the right situation or gets you out of the wrong one. As a networking concierge, Ashley works as a strategic partner, attending events with professionals as an extension and champion of them at local events and conferences. Starting her career as a personal and executive assistant to two celebrities in NYC, her experience in networking grew as she obtained positions in customer service, business analytics, and account management. Since 2017, she has grown her business into something she could have NEVER dreamed of. Ashley is a host of two digital TV talk shows on RVNTV and This is it TV, speaking and interviewing on the topic of tactical networking. She has taken over 700 introduction phone calls with business professionals looking to grow their network, and has given close to 1,000 introductions. She has spoken to over 50 networking groups, organizations, companies, and conferences, including the coveted Pennsylvania Conference for Women. She has been interviewed on the Mel Robbins Show on CBS, produces and hosts a podcast talking to entrepreneurs and their screw-ups, raises over thousands of dollars for local nonprofits that she partners with at her Cocktails and Conversation networking event, has over 185 referral partners, owns equity in two other startup companies, and has been flown around the country as a keynote speaker.
May 16, 2020
Topic: How to Develop Successful Job Search Strategies
Speaker: Lynne M. Williams
Location: Virtual Event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Having a plan with multiple job search methods will help you find positions faster if you are currently in career transition. Preparation is key. Lynne Williams will share some key strategies, tactics, and career resources to help you reach your goal, focusing on a few essential strategies in depth - keywords, ATS, LinkedIn database, Word Clouds, and portfolio presentation. If you are currently employed, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive, so engage in career management so you are always prepared.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Lynne M. Williams' Bio
Lynne M. Williams, Ed.D. Candidate is the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Area Great Careers Group, an all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career education and networking connections for: 1) jobseekers in career transition, including veterans and 2) employed and self-employed for career management. In addition, Lynne is also the owner of Around the Clock Executive Helper, a writer of resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Lynne presents unique research-based workshops on LinkedIn, resumes, the Applicant Tracking System, the Art of Networking In Person & Online, and other career-related, social media, and technology topics. She is currently working on writing her doctoral dissertation and is a contributing author to Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?. In addition, she writes a weekly career column in Vista.Today Montco.Today and Delco.Today and other publications with LinkedIn tips and more. Connect with her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewilliams with a personalized message and visit the Philadelphia Area Great Careers Group website at https://greatcareersphl.org. Click here to download Lynne's presentation.
April 11, 2020
Topic: Tips & Techniques to Manage Stress During Your Job Search
Speaker: Cheryl Clark Bonner
Location: Zoom virtual event
Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Job seeking is bad for your health. Stress resulting from uncertainty, rejection, always being “on”, constant self-promotion, and juggling multiple tasks can take a toll on even the most put together person. This presentation will give you some new tools to use to maintain your health during a stressful season. You will be prompted to dust off some old techniques and practice new ones. For good measure, some job search tips will be added to the presentation to reframe your approach.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Cheryl Bonner's Bio
Cheryl Clark Bonner, M.Ed., is a career program director and a counselor. She has over 30 years of experience working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. She is currently the Director of Alumni Career Services at Penn State University where she provides services to meet the career/life management needs of alumni and facilitates networking opportunities for alumni and students.
She is a founding member of the Alumni Career Service Network (ACSN), the professional development organization for this relatively new field. As a part of this organization, she has the opportunity to be a part of a team of experts who support the professional development of providers of career services to college alumni including the development of conferences, webinars and other training opportunities. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and training events on the topics of career, life management, mission and calling. She has developed career and work related courses that have been taught in both the traditional classroom setting and through distance learning.
March 14, 2020
This event has been canceled.
Topic: Enhancing Your Job Search Through Side Hustles
Speaker: Cheryl Bonner
What do Apple, Under Armour, Spanx and Instagram have in common? They all were started by someone who was exploring another interest on the side. Maybe your volunteer work, side business or hobby won’t make you the next millionaire success story, but it just might! Spending time in structured pursuits can provide opportunities for skill development, expanded networks, and even career happiness whether you are currently working, in career transition, or just considering your next move.
By attending this event, you will learn:
Cheryl Bonner's Bio
Cheryl Clark Bonner, M.Ed., is a career program director and a counselor. She has over 30 years of experience working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. She is currently the Director of Alumni Career Services at Penn State University where she provides services to meet the career/life management needs of alumni and facilitates networking opportunities for alumni and students.
She is a founding member of the Alumni Career Service Network (ACSN), the professional development organization for this relatively new field. As a part of this organization, she has the opportunity to be a part of a team of experts who support the professional development of providers of career services to college alumni including the development of conferences, webinars and other training opportunities. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and training events on the topics of career, life management, mission and calling. She has developed career and work related courses that have been taught in both the traditional classroom setting and through distance learning.
February 8, 2020
Topic: Marketing Beyond the Resume
Speaker: Amy Dinning
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
What tools do you need in order to have an effective and successful job search today? The resume is a powerful tool yet there are other tools that are critical for successful networking, marketing and job search. We will discuss various tools, how to create them, when to use them, and how to use them so that you have a complete job search toolkit. The tools we will focus on are: networking card; networking profile/one pager; agenda for networking meetings; target company list; LinkedIn profile; thank you note. We will touch on information on each of the tools. Join us for an interactive learning experience to add to your job search toolkit!
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Amy Dinning's Bio
Amy Dinning is a Senior Talent Development Leader with extensive experience working with all organizational levels setting the strategy, creating, promoting, and delivering talent and learning solutions designed to support the organization’s business plan. Amy is passionate about creating an interactive and enjoyable business environment that supports learning and growth. Currently Amy is the Senior Talent Manager at CommScope responsible for the global learning and development and talent management of 30,000 employees. Previously, Amy served as Manager of Leadership and Talent Development for Saint-Gobain North America. She was responsible for all leadership, talent and people development for 19,000 employees. Prior to this role, Amy was a Clinical Education and Learning Partner for AstraZeneca. She created and is the Chief Facilitator of Jump Start Your Job Search Workshops offered twice/year for the last 9 years. She serves as co-lead of the ATD Leadership & Organizational Development Special Interest Group; and Board Member, and Orientation Leader for My Career Transitions networking group. Amy has a Master of Education degree in Instructional Systems and Design from Penn State University. Her undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Grove City College.
Click here to view Amy's presentation.
January 11, 2020
Topic: Being and Presenting the Best You!
Speaker: Michael Robinson
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
The workforce is highly competitive, sophisticated, technology driven and customer focused with data analytics. It's imperative that today's job seeker is industry savvy, qualified, credentialed and achievement driven.
This interactive/upbeat seminar will equip participants in career transition with practical tools to enhance their personal brand and confidence to become more effective and strategic in their employer engagement and targeted job search efforts!
By attending this session, you will learn:
Michael Robinson's Bio
Michael Robinson, M.S. is an in-demand corporate trainer/motivational speaker. Throughout his career, Mike has received numerous awards and accolades for the expert career and professional development work he has rendered to thousands of young leaders and adult professionals! He also serves as the proud Senior Pastor of Greater Enon Missionary Baptist Church, in the North Philadelphia community (near Temple University's main campus).
Mike has held executive management roles in Corporate America, state Government, Non-Profit and Higher Education employment sectors, with: Deloitte, Pegasus Communications, Temple University, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency {PHEAA), INROADS, Inc., and others.
Mike earned his Master of Science degree in Counseling from Cairn University, Langhorne, PA, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He enjoys martial arts, vintage watches, traveling, dining, and he is a huge movie buff!
Click here to view Michael's presentation.
December, 2019
No meeting.
November 9, 2019
Topic: Increasing Your Motivation In Your Job Search
Speaker: Carlee Myers
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Like most professionals in transition, you entered into adulthood bright-eyed and bushy-tailed excited about the difference you were going to make, the lifestyle you were going to have or, at the very least, the money you were going to bring in. Have you found yourself with fulfilling a worklife, personal life and a wallet full of cash? If you haven't, chances are you are finding yourself low on motivation and momentum in your search. As professionals in transition, it can be tough to stay motivated with bills, bosses and a myriad of other responsibilities in your life. You may feel like they've tried everything only to find yourself stuck yet again. In this presentation, Carlee will teach exactly what you need to learn to stay motivated in your job search.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Carlee Myers' Bio
Carlee Myers is an expert at helping professionals who feel overworked, overwhelmed or on the verge of burnout relieve stress so they can find more joy at work, home and beyond. As the founder of The Stress Less Company, Carlee has helped hundreds of people across the country take action to reduce stress through coaching. She believes there is no-one-size-fits-all when it comes stress management. Carlee also recently opened her brand new relaxation space, The Stress Less Space, in Philadelphia this past May. Her work has most recently been featured through media outlets such as Good Day Philadelphia, FOX 29, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly Mag and Whoolly Magazine. If you need a new approach to managing your stress, download Carlee’s free guided meditation by visiting www.stresslessco.com/freegifts.
October 12, 2019
Topic: Triage: Improving 3 Key Areas for Next Level Performance
Speaker: Lisa Peskin
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Triage is a methodology, developed by Business Development University (BDU), to help individuals and teams uncover what three areas, if improved upon, will have the biggest impact on performance. Once these three areas are identified, a developmental program can be put together to start closing the gaps. BDU's CEO Lisa Peskin will discuss the triage methodology and also share valuable tools to help systematically identify and address either your triage areas or those of your direct reports. She'll also talk about effective methodologies to improve key developmental areas in order to achieve desired results.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Lisa Peskin's Bio
Lisa Peskin is the founder and CEO of Business Development University (BDU), a results-driven sales and sales management training, coaching and consulting firm focused on helping individuals and companies grow their revenue by significantly increasing their sales. Lisa has more than 30 years of experience in sales performance and management.
Throughout her career, Lisa has developed an award-winning reputation as a motivational and results-oriented sales professional and speaker. After a successful career as Vice President of Sales for Automatic Data Processing (ADP), Lisa launched her own sales training, consulting and coaching business in 2003. Since then, Lisa has helped thousands of selling and non-selling professionals dramatically improve their business development efforts and results through training, just-in-time support and programs designed to maximize opportunities and drive ROI.
September 14, 2019
Topic: How Technology & the Next Generation Impact the Experienced Job Seeker
Speaker: Alissa Carpenter
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
The new wave of leaders is upon us. Previously, we would assume the individuals with the longest tenure would be the ones in leadership roles but that is no longer the case. Organizational leaders can be found in all generations and are often millennials. Understanding how to communicate across generations is essential to landing a new job (especially if the hiring manager is younger than you). This interactive training will bring to light challenges and opportunities to navigate these conversations, understand how technology is changing the work landscape and how to successfully communicate with coworkers across generations when you land the job.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Alissa Carpenter's Bio
Alissa Carpenter is a multi-generational workplace expert and owner of Everything’s Not Ok and That’s OK, where she provides training, consulting, and speaking services to organizations all over the world. She has an MEd in Social and Comparative Analysis in Education from the University of Pittsburgh, is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, and is accredited in the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Her work helps to bridge communication gaps across generations, job functions, and geographies, and she has worked with organizations ranging from non-profits to multi-billion-dollar enterprises. She has delivered a TEDx talk on authentic workplace communication, and has been featured in media outlets including Forbes, ABC, FOX, and CNN Money. Alissa lives in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
August 2019
No meeting
July 13, 2019
Topic: Getting Culture Fit: Leverage Your Values to Get the Job You’ll Love
Speaker: Steve Van Valin
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Get a competitive edge – discover the culture fit they’re looking for from you. Savvy organizations view their culture as a strategic advantage. A huge shift has occurred in the way they search, interview, and hire candidates for “culture fit”. They now go far beyond evaluating skills and experience in their decision-making. You must also be able to demonstrate that your values are aligned to their organization’s values. These values define what’s most important in HOW people work together, and fundamentally define their culture. Making it through the culture fit gauntlet is essential to land the job.
Win them over. How to express your true values. You will gain a significant advantage if you can articulate your values, and back them up with specific examples on the difference they made to your decision-making and performance. We will plan how to identify and articulate your values in your own authentic style and how to prepare examples that demonstrate your values in action.
Ensure your values will be valued. How to determine if their culture is a fit for you to thrive.
The culture fit factor works both ways. Your inevitable future success with a new employer depends on how engaged you will be in the job. You owe it to yourself to choose an organization that will bring out the very best in you.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Steve Van Valin's Bio
Steve Van Valin, CEO and founder of Culturology is an innovation expert and employee engagement strategist. He works with leaders who believe a high-performance culture is the key to unlocking a competitive advantage.
As the leader of QVC’s culture and brand development strategy, Steve specialized in shaping an engaged high-performance culture that propelled QVC’s to become an E-commerce global powerhouse. Steve led the strategy to align the development of teams and employees at all levels to QVC’s Values, known collectively as The QVC Difference.
Steve has more than 25 years of experience developing winning culture and innovation strategy. Some of his clients include NASA, The Philadelphia Phillies, SAP, Boeing, Lincoln Financial Group, Goodwill Industries, and The National Forest Service. He is a talented keynote speaker who sparks insights and inspires action.
Click here to view Steve's presentation.
June 8, 2019
Topic: The Power of "Pull Marketing" In Your Job Search
Speaker: Ford R. Myers
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Are you chasing employers or are they chasing you? When searching for a new job, would you rather “chase after employers,” or have employers “chasing after you?” The choice is YOURS, and you CAN conduct your job search in such a way that employers will take the first step by reaching-out to you!
Traditional job search involves “Push Marketing” methods. These include sending-out resumes, applying for jobs online, attending job fairs, contacting employers and recruiters, and of course - networking. Even if you do make contact, however, you’ll still have to “convince” the employer of your worthiness. This is the downside of “Push Marketing.”
But when employers perceive you as an expert and discover your credibility “on their own,” they’ll tend to feel pulled toward you and even pursue you. This is the primary benefit of “Pull Marketing.”
YOU can be known as an expert, regardless of your professional background or employment level.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Ford Myers' Bio
Ford R. Myers is an award-winning Career Coach and Certified Retirement Coach. He is author of the best-seller, “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring.” Ford’s firm, Career Potential, LLC, helps clients take charge of their careers, create the work they love, and earn what they deserve! He has held senior consulting positions at three of the nation’s largest career service firms. Ford’s articles and interviews have appeared in thousands of magazines, newspapers, web sites, television and radio networks. He has also conducted presentations at hundreds of companies, associations and universities. Learn more at https://careerpotential.com.
Click here to view Ford's flyer. Click here to view Ford's presentation.
May 11, 2019
Topic: Swimming the English Channel - It Isn’t About the Swimming
Speaker: Anthony McCarley
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
The seminar discusses many of the very trying issues confronting a swimmer during a marathon event like the English Channel. Anthony then draws many parallels to everyday life from these lessons as well as business lessons and issues.
The English Channel is the marquee event for marathon swimmers, like Mt. Everest is to mountain climbers. The lessons learned during the training and completion of these events teach us all something significant about ourselves.
By attending this session, you'll learn:
Anthony McCarley's Bio
A boyhood dream to swim the English Channel has become a metaphor in life, as well as in business for Anthony McCarley. Twenty years of working as a senior executive at multiple global corporations led Anthony to dream big and, in turn, to take a huge risk by leaving the corporate world behind to focus on successful startups.
While working on his first startup, Anthony trained for and completed the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming (The English Channel crossing, circumnavigating Manhattan, and crossing the Catalina Channel in California). He did all three in less than one year. Preparing for, and accomplishing this dream, Anthony crystallized 35 years of business experience into transferable knowledge. He realized there are many common elements inherent to the process of preparing for and competing as a marathon swimmer and the process of preparing for and competing as a successful business executive.
Anthony has shared his inspirational story to groups ranging from high school students to Global 500 C-level professionals and demonstrates how his experience translates into real-life issues that his audiences face.
April 13, 2019
Topic: Reinvent and Redefine Yourself in Your New Journey
Speaker: Christian Hicks
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
You didn’t see it coming. You had a seemingly perfect job, only to lose it unexpectedly in the blink of an eye. In the midst of coping with family responsibilities, paying bills, and searching for random jobs, you are forced to confront the fact that you really don’t know what type of job you want. You don’t even know what makes you happy in your career anymore, and it feels like you are destined to search endlessly for a job that just pays the bills. While some may see a layoff as “the end”, it truly is a new beginning, one which will allow you to hone your current skill set and reinvent yourself.
If this scenario sounds familiar, or if you dread the prospect of losing a job, join us for an interactive session.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Christian Hicks' Bio
With a career that has spanned youth ministry, law, venture capital, higher education, and even women’s shoes, Christian Hicks is privileged to share with you his journey and lessons learned. As one who has experienced career transition, even while raising twin toddlers, Christian will discuss how to stay relevant and motivated while chasing your dream job or next career endeavor. Click here to view Christian's presentation.
March 9, 2019
Topic: Ten Tips for Being Proactive and Productive During Your Career Transition
Speaker: Cheryl Clark Bonner
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Perhaps you can relate to these statements:
If you are out of work or anxious to leave your current paid position, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Some people panic and stay very busy, yet it amounts to energy usage without forward progress. During this presentation, we will identity tips and strategies for maintaining focus and achieving your goals while diminishing reactive and unproductive behaviors.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Cheryl Clark Bonner's Bio
Cheryl Clark Bonner, M.Ed., is a career program director and a counselor. She has over 30 years of experience working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. She is currently the Director of Alumni Career Services at Penn State University where she provides services to meet the career/life management needs of alumni and facilitates networking opportunities for alumni and students.
She is a founding member of the Alumni Career Service Network (ACSN), the professional development organization for this relatively new field. As a part of this organization, she has the opportunity to be a part of a team of experts who support the professional development of providers of career services to college alumni including the development of conferences, webinars and other training opportunities. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and training events on the topics of career, life management, mission and calling. She has developed career and work related courses that have been taught in both the traditional classroom setting and through distance learning.
Click here to view Cheryl's presentation.
February 9, 2019
Topic: Brand Power - Influence and Engage for Career Opportunities
Speaker: Adrean Turner
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
It’s not just about who you know but who knows you. Your personal brand is your professional DNA. Because your resume and business card do not tell your whole story, successful branding is critical for your reputation to gain influence and attract new opportunities.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Adrean Turner's Bio
Adrean Turner is the “Career Fulfillment Expert”. As owner of Turner Coaching, Training and Consulting, LLC, Adrean uses 23 years of experience in Management, Marketing, Operations, Sales, Teaching and Training to provide workforce solutions and career management services for professionals, entrepreneurs and organizations. Adrean is the author of a newly published book, “F.I.T. for Success: Fearless, Inspired, Transformed for Success”, which based on her syndicated podcast, provides strategies for personal and professional development.
Adrean received coaching certifications from the Life Purpose Institute, LLC. She holds a B.S. in Economics, a Master's degree in Management and an MBA, from the Pennsylvania State University.
To learn more about Adrean visit www.coachadrean.com or connect with her on social media as Coach Adrean.
Click here to view Adrean's presentation.
January 12, 2019
Topic: The Profound Power of Presence: How to Sell Yourself Before You Say a Word
Speaker: Todd Cohen
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Are you ready to make 2019 your best year ever? If so, do not miss this opening keynote by Todd Cohen.
In this highly interactive and entertaining presentation, professional speaker and author Todd Cohen will walk us through how to be present and understand the most important skill to sell yourself. This skill rises above every other job search technique ever taught! Learn this and you WILL succeed.
By attending this session, you will:
Todd Cohen's Bio
Todd Cohen works with all professionals who want to create a sales culture so that more sales happen. Since 1984, Todd has coached and led sales teams to deliver more than $500 million in revenue for leading companies including Xerox, Gartner Group, Pensare, Thomson-Reuters, and LexisNexis.
As the Principal of SalesLeader LLC, Todd inspires, advises, and builds high performance sales teams that produce outstanding results. He also provides strategic oversight and serves as executive sales coach and advisor to clients ranging from small, rapidly growing start-ups to well-established, large corporations.
Todd has been active in the American Cancer Society as well as several other charitable organizations. Todd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Temple University.
December 2018
No meeting in December.
November 10, 2018
Topic: How to Get Your Resume Noticed
Speaker: Laura Kasper
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
This program presentation gives insider tips & tricks on how to get your resume noticed. Share what hiring managers & recruiters are looking for in a resume. How your resume presentation could make or break you from getting an interview or even a job offer.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Laura Kasper's Bio:
Laura Kasper is the President, CEO and Founder of Monarch Staffing, a certified woman-owned, boutique staffing agency servicing the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region. Laura has 20+ years in the staffing business, offices located in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery Counties and Phila. She helped numerous employers find top talent and has been instrumental in placing thousands of job seekers with area employers. Laura has been recognized as a Brava Award Winner by Philadelphia’s Smart CEO recognizing successful women entrepreneurs. She enjoys helping others find solutions! And lives by finding the silver lining and her Golden Rule; “Do unto others as they want to be done unto.”
Click here to view Laura's presentation.
October 13, 2018
Topic: Relationships Matter!
Speaker: Ed Wallace
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Everyone knows that relationships are the key to our success even more in today's highly digitized business environment. Ed Wallace will share the first systemic approach to transform contacts into high performing relationships focusing on the principles, concepts and process of creating relational capital.
Ed will concentrate on the following areas; max the taxi driver's competitor proof approach, the importance of focusing on the power of being intentional about relationships Displaying the Principle of Worthy Intent, Locating the Relational GPS" of each contact and The Relational Ladder process.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Ed Wallace's Bio
Ed Wallace consults with and speaks for corporatations and associations across the globe with a client list that is a Who's Who of Fortune 500 companies. He is the author of Fares to Friends: How to Develop Outstanding Business Relationships, Creating Relational Capital, Business Relationships That Last; Five Steps to Transform Contacts into High Performing Relationships and his most recent the #1 best-selling The Relationship Engine: Connecting with People Who Power Your Business.
In addition, Ed is currently on the Executive Education faculty of Drexel's LeBow College of Business and Villanova University's Human Resources Master's program. Click here to view Ed's presentation.
September 15, 2018
Topic: Chasing My Career Dreams……Ok, Now What?
Speaker: Leasella "Lea" Bongiovanni
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Perspective: “If you could do anything, what would you do?” With this one question, Lea will take the audience through a journey of her own personal career transition, discover how to define their skills and strengths to help them build their own 30-second “Tell me about yourself” Elevator Pitch, the benefits of consulting and how to define your value and determine your compensation, and invites them to think about their career transition as if it was a project – “Managing Stakeholder Expectations”, “Building a Solid Project Plan”, “Working Your Plan”, and the “Ability to Successfully Communicate with Others.” In going through this process, the audience will learn quickly the four steps to successfully managing a career transition; Listening, Executing, Stepping Back; and Moving Forward.
By attending this session, you’ll learn:
Lea Bongiovanni's Bio
Leasella "Lea" Bongiovanni, CAPM® made her career dreams a reality and is on a mission to help others successfully navigate their own career transition. "I'm not afraid to fail. I'm afraid of saying “I can’t” so much that I never attempt to try something new." In her publications – “Chasing My Career Dreams In Heels: Do you love what you do?” and “Switching Careers At Age 40” she shares her career transition story. Lea received a bachelor’s degree in social policy and planning from the University of Connecticut and is a Certified Associate in Project Management from Project Management Institute.
Click here to view Lea's presentation. The last slide in this file contains an active link to the PWC tool.
August 2018
No meeting.
July 14, 2018
Topic: A Holistic Guide to Life in Job Search
Speaker Panel: Ralph Lardieri, Amy Dinning, Mike Hughes, Christian Hicks
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Take a refreshing new outlook at your job search – and yourself – as My Career Transitions brings you insights from career and wellness professionals who offer practical suggestions for staying motivated, healthy, and productive during your career transition.
Our panel of experts, who have also been in transition, will tackle the challenges of remaining positive and on track while you pursue your next opportunity. They’ll share useful tips to give you a fresh perspective and help you customize a plan specifically for you.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from professionals who understand the challenges and successes of career transition. You’ll leave with a customized action plan to help keep you healthy, positive, and organized during your job search.
By attending this session, you’ll learn:
Ralph Lardieri - Health and Wellness Segment
Ralph Lardieri is a corporate wellness and health promotion professional with over 25 years experience in wellness engagement. Most recently Ralph was with Wawa as their first ever wellness manager and creator of the Wawa Wellness Fit to Fit 5 (Eat Right, Move More, Quit Tobacco, Inspire Others and Have Fun). He launched and managed all aspects of their branded wellness program starting in 2010. The award winning Fit to Fly wellness program targeted 29,000 employees and eligible family members across six states and 750 locations. In addition to this, his experience included training over 400 Wawa employees including senior level executives, directors, and store managers in stress management utilizing internationally recognized Johnson & Johnson’s Corporate Athlete program.
Amy Dinning – Organization Segment
Amy is a Speaker, Facilitator, and Coach, who works with all organizational levels, sets the strategy, creation, promotion, and delivery of talent and training solutions designed to support the organization’s business plan. Amy is passionate about creating an interactive and enjoyable environment that supports learning and growth. Currently, Amy serves as Global Learning & Development Manager at ARRIS, where she leads the Global Learning & Development function through needs assessment, strategic planning, design and development, facilitation, and collaboration.
She is the founder and Chief Facilitator of Jump Start Your Job Search Workshops offered twice a year for the last 9 years. She also serves as co-lead of the ATD Leadership & Organizational Development Special Interest Group. Amy is well known for her work as a Board Member Keynote Speaker and Orientation Facilitator for My Career Transitions networking group.
Mike Hughes – Networking and Meetings Segment
Michael Hughes is an educator. Equally at home in classroom or corporate settings, his background spans college level coursework, continuing education programs, professional development workshops as well as instructional design and delivery. Michael was appointed to a full time faculty role at Temple University Fox School of Business and Management in 2018 having served on the adjunct faculty since 2013 and teaches marketing strategy. Michael also instructs at Pennsylvania State University Great Valley where he facilitates and instructs leadership and strategic management to students enrolled in the Continuing Professional Studies curriculum.
He sits on the advisory councils for the American Public University System as well as Peirce College, where he collaborates with the faculty and administration. In that capacity, Michael plays a key role in interpreting market trends, translating them into adult learning requirements and designing course curriculum. Michael is also a volunteer Board Member, Director of Programming and is a New Orientation facilitator with My Career Transitions.
Christian Hicks – Professional Development Segment
With a career that has spanned youth ministry, legal, venture capital, higher education, and even women’s shoes, Christian Hicks is privileged to speak to you today about professional development. As one who has experienced career transition, even while raising twin toddlers, Christian will discuss how to stay relevant (and busy) while chasing your dream job or next career endeavor.
Here's the link to the presentation.
June 9, 2018
Topic: Accomplishment Stories: Sell Yourself & Get the Job
Speaker: Ford R. Myers
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Remember a time when you heard a friend or colleague tell a memorable story? You can probably still recall some of the details about that story long after it was shared. Good storytelling creates a vivid picture and a positive response in the listener’s mind. Utilizing stories to enhance your job search is a skill that is often overlooked. Yet, without powerful accomplishment stories to tell prospective employers, you have almost nothing to “sell.” When you can effectively tie your accomplishment stories directly to the employer’s needs and problems, you will dramatically increase your chances of getting a job offer!
Many of us feel that the stories about our work life are not interesting. Others struggle to come-up with any accomplishment stories in the first place. This seminar will show you exactly how to identify and develop your own compelling accomplishment stories – stories that will become your most powerful “selling tools.”
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Please be sure to print off the following two documents and bring them to the event!
1) Handout
Ford R. Myers' Bio
Ford R. Myers is President of Career Potential, LLC. Ford’s firm helps clients take charge of their careers, create the work they love, and earn what they deserve! He has held senior consulting positions at the nation’s largest career service firms. Ford’s articles and interviews have appeared in hundreds of national magazines and newspapers, and he has done presentations at numerous companies, associations and universities. Ford has also been a frequent guest on television and radio programs nationwide. He is author of “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring” and “The Ultimate Career Guide.” Learn more at: www.careerpotential.com.
May 12, 2018
Topic: Leveraging LinkedIn to Optimize Job Search Impact
Speaker: Brynne Tillman
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Want to make the most of your profile, connections and networking techniques on LinkedIn? Think of it as a valuable sales platform. Remember, when you’re in job search, you’re really using a form of sales. You’re pitching your combined talent, expertise and knowledge as a product you’re selling to a potential employer.
Join us this May as we explore how to apply sales techniques on LinkedIn to maximize job search effectiveness. Find out how to leverage your connections into warm introductions to help identify internal direct referral who can hand deliver your resume and get your credentials in front of the hiring manager or HR recruiter. Discover how to position yourself as an industry thought leader, showcase your value and use case studies to highlight your expertise.
By attending this event, you will learn how to:
Brynne Tillman's Bio
Brynne Tillman is a LinkedIn expert disguised as a sales trainer. She helps professionals reach their career goals by leveraging their existing networks. Brynne is also the Chief Learning Officer at Vengreso and best-selling author of the LinkedIn Sales Playbook.
April 14, 2018
Topic: Negotiating Skills to Raise Your Voice and Value!
Speaker: Joyel Crawford
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Confidence is Key. Knowing what to say and how to say it are key elements in having an effective negotiation conversation but if you don’t believe in what you’re saying, your delivery may fall flat.
Walking in cold into a negotiating conversation is not setting you up for success. Do you know how to effectively prepare for this type of conversation so you’re not caught in an off guard moment? Proper preparation for these types of discussions will increase your confidence and your chances for holding a successful negotiation talk.
What’s your EQ? Self awareness and self assessment are two key emotional intelligence skill sets that are essential when preparing a negotiation conversation. Understanding how to check in before and during a discussion can make or break your chances of success.
By attending this event, you will learn:
Joyel Crawford's Bio
Joyel Crawford is a determined and passionate Certified Professional Career Coach and Training Consultant with over 15 years of experience Human Resources and career management. She is thrilled to bring her years of expertise to every training opportunity and is excited about helping others achieve their career and business goals.
As a Certified Professional Career Coach and Leadership Development Training Consultant, whether someone is a new grad, an executive, a career changer, or a job seeker hoping to land the next big thing, Joyel helps others expertly navigate every step of the job search through proven resources, tools, and coaching.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Joyel began her professional career shortly after graduating Cum Laude at Elon University with a Psychology degree as an Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellow. Joyel obtained her MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a concentration in Management. Joyel is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC). She also holds PHR, SHRM-CP, DISC, Birkman and Life Coaching certifications. She is a member of Forbes Coaches Council, SHRM, Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Her career advice has been featured in Forbes, Essence, Huffington Post, The Muse, Girlboss and Next Avenue.
Website: https://www.clsnext.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyelcrawford
Twitter: https://twitter.com/clsnextcoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrawfordLeadershipStrategiesLLC
March 10, 2018
Topic: Life Changing Relationship Building
Speaker: Cheryl Clark Bonner
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Sponsor/Location: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
A relationship can change your life. We have all heard that adage that “It is who you know” but there is more to it than having over 1000 LinkedIn contacts or piles of business cards. Networking has become a catch-all phrase to mean everything from attending an event with the purpose of making contacts to searching digital directories and social media for new prospects. This session will look at get to the root of networking by taking a fresh look at what it really means and how to do it more effectively (and even enjoy it more) as a part of the job search and career development process.
By attending this event, you will learn how to:
Cheryl Clark Bonner's Bio
Cheryl Clark Bonner, M.Ed., is a career program director and a counselor. She has over 30 years of experience working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. She is currently the Director of Alumni Career Services at Penn State University where she provides services to meet the career/life management needs of alumni and facilitates networking opportunities for alumni and students.
She is a founding member of the Alumni Career Service Network (ACSN), the professional development organization for this relatively new field. As a part of this organization, she has the opportunity to be a part of a team of experts who support the professional development of providers of career services to college alumni including the development of conferences, webinars and other training opportunities. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and training events on the topics of career, life management, mission and calling. She has developed career and work related courses that have been taught in both the traditional classroom setting and through distance learning.
February 10, 2018
Topic: The Power of Positivity in Your Job Search
Speaker: Wendy Merron
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
When life throws you a curve ball – like one involving job transition – it can be hard to stay optimistic. Make the power of positivity work for you! Get tips and participate in exercises designed to help you create and sustain an upbeat outlook throughout your search.
During this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to maintain a positive mindset to help you get the job that’s perfect for you. Be prepared to participate and experience how you can change the way you think so you feel better and keep yourself open to new opportunities. Please bring paper and pen for one of the exercises.
By attending this event, you will learn:
Wendy Merron’s Bio
Wendy Merron is a board certified hypnotherapist and the author of the Amazon bestseller, Powerful Thinking on Purpose. She helps adults and teens in her office at The Center of Success in Wayne, PA, to improve sports performance and overcome fears, test anxiety, and public speaking. She is also a certified hypnosis trainer who teaches the art and science of hypnosis to individuals, therapists, and coaches. Wendy is the creator of HypnotherapyTrainer.com, the first hybrid Hypnosis Training Program that enables students from all over the world to become certified hypnotists through her online interactive video program and live, office-based training.
January 13, 2018
Topic: Getting Culture Fit: How to Leverage Your Values to Get the Job You’ll Love
Speaker: Steve Van Valin
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society, Malvern, PA
Be aware of the hiring for “culture fit” mega-trend. Savvy organizations view their culture as a strategic advantage. A huge shift has occurred in the way they search, interview, and hire candidates for “culture fit”. They now go far beyond evaluating skills and experience in their decision-making. You must also be able to demonstrate that your values are aligned to their organization’s values. These values define what’s most important in HOW people work together, and fundamentally define their culture. Making it through the culture fit gauntlet is essential to land the job.
Show them your values. You will gain a significant advantage if you can articulate your values, and back them up with specific examples on the difference they made to your decision-making and performance.
Ensure your values will be valued. The culture fit factor works both ways. Your inevitable future success with a new employer depends on how engaged you will be in the job. You owe it to yourself to choose an organization that will bring out the very best in you.
By attending this event, you will learn:
Steve Van Valin's Bio
Steve Van Valin, CEO and founder of Culturology is an innovation expert and employee engagement strategist. He works with leaders who believe a high-performance culture is the key to unlocking a competitive advantage.
As the leader of QVC’s culture and brand development strategy for more than 13 years, Steve specialized in shaping a highly engaged workforce and innovation processes that propelled the company’s double-digit growth (exceeding $10 billion in annual sales). Steve led the effort to align the development of teams and employees at all levels to QVC’s Values, known collectively as The QVC Difference.
Steve has over 25 years of experience developing winning culture and innovation strategy. Some of his clients include NASA, The Philadelphia Phillies, SAP, Boeing, Lincoln Financial Group, Goodwill Industries, and The National Forest Service. He is a talented keynote speaker who sparks insights and inspires action.
Click here to view Steve's powerpoint presentation.
December 2017
No meetings in December.
November 11, 2017
Topic: Putting Your Best Foot Forward in Your Job Search
Speaker: Pennie Simmons, MLD, PHR, SHRM-CP
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Showcasing your best self in your job search is critical to finding and landing your next career opportunity. But exactly what steps can you take to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward? Understanding and communicating with different personality types is critical to a positive networking experience and achieving successful interview results. Find out as we delve into personal preferences and styles and get a step-by-step guide to interview preparation during our November career event.
By attending this event, you will learn:
Pennie Simmons Bio
Pennie Simmons is a Leadership & People professional with a great ability to connect with and motivate people to success, getting them excited about who they are, what they do, and where they work.
Pennie has great empathy to understand individual’s perspectives, personality, strengths and areas of development, and brings value by building strong relationships with everyone in the organization. She includes DISC personality traits in her work to help individuals understand how to successfully interact between their and others types.
Pennie is the Director of Leadership & Talent Development at Arora Engineers. Pennie received her Master’s degree in Leadership Development in May, 2015 from The Pennsylvania State University while working full time. She holds both Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Society of Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certifications.
October 14, 2017
Topic: Boost Your Job Search with Personal Branding
Speaker: Charlene Holsendorff
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
As consumers, we’re familiar with how companies differentiate their products and services by creating a brand or unique image for their offerings. But did you know that branding also plays an important role in job search? During this month’s informative session, you’ll discover how to define your skills and strengths to help you build your personal brand – and articulate the benefits you offer potential employers by creating a strong value proposition.
By attending this event, you will learn:
- Written correspondence – resume; cover/thank you letters; emails (including email address)
- Verbal message – telephone message; networking conversations
- Visible presentation – online presence; physical demeanor
- Attitude – negative vs. positive, and the implications on others either way
Charlene Holsendorff’s Bio
With a background in training and development, Charlene has consulted with the industry’s premier outplacement companies including Right Management and Lee Hecht Harrison since transitioning into the career management field 12 years ago. Currently she partners with CCI Consulting, a Career Partners International firm. Her experience includes managing a career center for 1000+ displaced professionals, coaching them on job search strategies.
Charlene’s areas of expertise include solution interviewing techniques, crafting resumes that open company doors and helping older job-seekers to overcome age-related obstacles. She is the author of a commercially-published eBook “How to Not Get a Job: 10 Pitfalls to Keep You Unemployed (Forever!).”
September 9, 2017
Topic: How To Stay Motivated In A Job Search
Speaker: Michael Cuff
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society, Malvern, PA
Participants will learn how to take a holistic approach to a job search. Tips and techniques on positive thinking are discussed and reviewed. Also tips and techniques on how to incorporate your Mind, Body, and Soul into a Job and Career Search are discussed.
By attending this event, you will learn:
Michael Cuff's Bio
As Director, Client Services, for CCI Consulting, Michael is responsible for delivering services in the Talent Acquisition and Career Transition practice areas. He provides a well-balanced, insightful, and consultative approach to every aspect of his work since joining CCI in 2008.
Prior to joining CCI, Michael had a successful Human Resources career with Betz Laboratories, Citizens Bank, and TargetRx. Michael is known for his expertise with social networking tools and tactics, enhancing his sourcing and networking capabilities and resulting in an extensive network. As an avid networker, he builds relationships naturally and fluidly. He genuinely engages people with a true spirit of helping and working toward successful outcomes.
Michael served 4 years in the United States Air Force and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Studies/Communication from Louisiana Tech University. He has the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation and is a certified instructor in the following programs: Zenger Miller-Frontline Leadership, Development Dimensions International-Target Selection Interviewing, and Walter V. Clark-Activity Vector Analysis (Behavioral Assessment). He is a certified Career Transition Coach and a Certified LifeOptions Retirement Coach for New Horizons, a program designed to assist newly-retired individuals with the psychological and mental aspects of preparing for retirement. In addition, Michael is an Ordained Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He is actively involved in Homeless and Prison Ministries, improving lives and giving back to the community.
August 2017
No Meeting
July 8, 2017
Topic: Insights from Human Resources and Recruiting Experts
Speakers: HR Panel - Sharon Crandall, Suzanne Gleason, Matt Levy, Stacey O'Leary
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Get a fresh perspective on your job search as My Career Transitions goes behind the scenes with local talent acquisition professionals who will share their insiders’ views on the recruitment process.
Our panel of Human Resources and Recruiting experts will discuss current recruiting and onboarding processes and how to effectively connect with recruiters in a competitive job market. In addition, these talent acquisition leaders will share their experiences and what they look for during the various stages of candidate engagement.
By attending this session, you will learn:
HR Panel
Sharon Crandall, Suzanne Gleason, Matthew Levy, and Stacey O'Leary
June 10, 2017
Topic: Creating Your Job Search Masterpiece
Speaker: Lisa Van Ess
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Sponsor/Location: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society
Conducting a successful job search is an art not a science. Creativity is key. How will you design your masterpiece to get the career opportunities you want?
Join us for our June career event to get fresh ideas that will inspire you and bring new color to your search. Talent acquisition consultant Lisa Van Ess will highlight inventive approaches for the various phases of job search – from assessing your goals and needs, to designing an effective plan, to preparing for a successful interview and more. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to get answers to your hiring and recruitment questions and learn from other participants’ experiences.
By attending this event, you will learn:
Lisa Van Ess' Bio
Lisa Van Ess is an HR and training leader responsible for setting strategies and motivating teams in the creation and delivery of a variety of Talent Acquisition, Talent Management and Talent Development programs. She started her HR career in pharmaceutical recruiting, managed the recruiting teams for regional divisions of Entex Information Services and GE Capital Information Technology Solutions, and led the outsourced recruiting and HR operation for a local recruiting/HR consulting firm. Lisa has held the positions of Workforce Development Program Director and VP of HR - Global Operations for SEI, and Business Leader, VP of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) at the CBI Group prior to joining NIIT Technologies. Click here to see Lisa's presentation.
May 13, 2017
Topic: Tricks to Using Body Language to Nail Your Next Interview
Speaker: Shelly O’Donovan
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Did you know that 60-93% of information is communicated nonverbally? More than half! Think about all the effort you spend on the words you’re delivering and yet totally unaware of messages your body is screaming. Shelly O’Donovan of Illuminate the Message, LLC, will show you how to be aware of those messages so that you can communicate your intended message and unlock your authenticity to get the job you want.
In a world so focused on the words we say, most people are missing out on how we say those words, the nonverbal behind the verbal. You can harness the power of nonverbal communication, revolutionize the way you present yourself, change your approach to client interactions, and utilize a unique skill set to become the best version of yourself.
Research has shown that the first impression happens within 20 seconds of someone meeting you, and many times in a job interview the first impression is over the phone. With some minor tweaks to your planned message and power posing before an interview, you can increase odds of a great first impression.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Shelly O’Donovan's Bio
With over 20 years of experience as a proven leader in the public policy arena, Shelly has helped industry-leading companies in the healthcare and pharmaceutical domains define and shape their corporate positions and strategic and tactical business plans. She has served as a key driver and facilitator of targeted policy initiatives, built and managed public policy strategic alliances, Interpreted and analyzed legislation, distilled complex issues into concise talking points for legislators, and served as primary liaison between commercial interests and government affairs.
Over the years she gathered experience and expertise in government relations, public policy, lobbying, grassroots advocacy, legislative and regulatory processes, and policy maker engagement. Along the way, she noticed that the brightest people often weren’t making the biggest impact, while others with less substantive messages were making huge strides. Shelly really wanted to understand why this was the case and how it could be changed. She almost stumbled upon the answer after she received body language training prior to a lobbying mission at the state capital. By mastering her presence, she was transformed from just another face in the crowd to one of the most popular and magnetic leaders in the delegation. She felt a lot more confident, could read people better, and became empowered to achieve the outcome she wanted.
Body language makes a huge difference! After seeing this firsthand, Shelly was hooked and she refocused her career to help others receive these benefits.
Shelly completed a rigorous process -- through the Science of People, a leading behavior research lab -- to be certified as a body language trainer, corporate speaker, and executive coach. Through her company, Illuminate the Message, LLC, Shelly draws from her real-world experience and world-class training to help teams learn to use body language to increase effectiveness in advocacy pitches, negotiations, communication, leadership positions and interpersonal relationships.
April 8, 2017
Topic: Amplify Your Career Transition With EQ!
Speaker: Michael Brenner
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
At first glance, jazz and career transitions don’t seem to have much in common. But a closer look reveals fascinating commonalities: both are fundamentally about relationships, exploration, and navigating change. In this unique presentation, international leadership consultant, speaker, and professional jazz musician Dr. Michael Brenner of Right Chord Leadership shares a new paradigm for those in transition—one based on the sounds, rhythms, and principles of this great American art form. Leveraging decades of performance experience, Michael (with saxophone in tow) will demonstrate how viewing one’s career journey like a jazz musician opens new ways of thinking, engaging, and problem-solving. But Michael won't be the only one playing--the audience will get a chance to jam too!
By attending this session, you will learn:
Michael Brenner's Bio
As president of Right Chord Leadership, Michael helps leaders and teams at all levels strengthen the essential skills needed to achieve peak performance. He achieves this by drawing on the lessons he’s learned as an international leadership consultant, executive coach, and educator for more than 16 years and as a professional musician for over 30 years. Michael’s unconventional workshops, coaching sessions, and consulting services have helped his clients increase engagement, reduce turnover, and work together more effectively.
Michael has designed and taught courses in systems thinking, negotiation strategies, interpersonal relations, and organizational behavior at Immaculata University, La Salle University and Temple University. He was 2014 president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and Chairman of the chapter’s 2015 Regional Learning and Development Conference. Michael has been a featured speaker at many industry events and conferences, and has delivered leadership programs in Sri Lanka and Australia.
Michael holds a doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a master's degree in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University. In addition to consulting and teaching, Michael currently performs in two Philadelphia-area bands. He lives in Broomall, Pa.
Click here to view Michael's presentation.
March 11, 2017
Topic: The Art of Interviewing
Speaker: Cheryl Bonner
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
The interview! For most job seekers, it the proverbial gold at the end of the rainbow. It is the reward for all of the networking, researching, cover letter writing, resume sending and applying.
Many job seekers have said, "If I could just get to the interview, I know I could get the job." Yet, not everyone who gets an interview gets a job offer. Why not? It stands to reason that a prepared candidate who gets to the interview should be able to get the offer.
This interactive, motivating, and informative session will look at the art of interviewing including; reasons job seekers don’t get offers, ways to show value, communication strategies, interviewing etiquette, and strategies to use before, during, and after the interview.
By attending this event, you will learn how to:
Cheryl Bonner's Bio
Cheryl Bonner holds a master’s degree in education from Millersville University. She has more than 30 years of experience as a career program director and counselor, working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. Cheryl currently works for Penn State where she serves as the Director of Alumni Career Services. In this role, she provides counseling and programming services that meet the career and life management needs of alumni. She also designs and facilitates networking opportunities for alumni and students. She has developed career- and work-related courses that have been taught in both the traditional classroom setting and through distance learning. Cheryl is the co-author of the career development textbook, “Your Career Planner.”
Cheryl was a founding member of the Alumni Career Services Network (ACSN), an association for career professionals serving alumni. She has served as a leader in this emerging field and currently in her second term as president of ACSN.
February 11, 2017
Topic: Career Reinvention is a Journey. Here’s Your Four-Part Roadmap
Speaker: Hollis Thomases
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Reinvention is a choice to deliberately pivot your career and alter your life...but, no one reinvents in a vacuum, no one reinvents alone. Reinvention is hard. Reinvention will test your sense of self, your limits, and your confidence in your abilities. And yet, in today's fast-changing world, reinvention is unavoidable because, as futurist James Lee puts it, "The future favors the flexible." Whether you’re stuck in a career rut, recently realized that you're not doing what you really want to be doing, but don't know how to start or where to move on to, or have you always had an itch to do something different and have finally worked up the courage to consider it, you’re a “Reinventionist” in-the-making. Just as a traveler must plan for a trip beforehand, so you should properly plan for your reinvention. This seminar will lay out the four-part roadmap of your reinvention journey so you can be more prepared for the (sometimes bumpy) trip ahead.
By attending this event, you will learn:
Hollis Thomases' Bio
A self-proclaimed “Reinventionist,” Hollis has iterated herself and her career multiple times. She turned her latest reinvention into an entire business venture called ReinventionWorks (http://www.reinventionworks.com). ReinventionWorks is a purpose-driven business designed to empower people and businesses to take control of their next future through educational content, tools, and connections. To-date Hollis has conducted nearly 100 interviews of “Reinventionists,” ordinary people who have accomplished life-altering career reinventions, many of which were video-taped and are available for free viewing on the Webcasts portion of the ReinventionWorks website.
Prior to founding ReinventionWorks, Hollis launched her first company in 1998, a digital marketing & advertising firm, growing it over 15 years into a multi-million-dollar business serving a prestigious client portfolio including Nokia, Johns Hopkins University, NatureMade, and Four Seasons. In recognition of her pioneering accomplishments, in 2007 Hollis was awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Person of the Year representing Maryland State. Hollis was also a regular columnist for Inc.com along with several industry publications, authored a book on Twitter that is still in circulation (“Twitter Marketing: An Hour a Day”), and was a frequent expert presenter at conferences and events.
January 14, 2017
Topic: Job Seekers Tool Kit
Speaker: Ford Myers
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern PA
A carpenter would never show-up at a construction site with only a hammer. A graphic artist would never interview for a design position without showing a complete portfolio. So why is it that most job seekers use only their resume as the cornerstone of their search?
Job seekers over-emphasize the resume because their other “tools” are weak or nonexistent. But the resume should actually be one of your least used job-seeking tools! Unfortunately, most people don’t know what these other tools are or how to use them.
By integrating these other elements into your job search – and not relying solely on the resume – you can add power, professionalism and flexibility to your efforts. Finding the right job and building a satisfying career is much easier when you have the right tools!
This is a practical seminar that is designed to provide tangible solutions, with “real world” case studies and examples. We will examine the specific tools you need and how to create them – not just to land the next job – but to master the search process and maximize your long-term career potential. Don’t miss this unique and helpful workshop!
By attending this event, you will learn how to:
Ford Myer's Bio
Ford R. Myers is President of Career Potential, LLC. His firm helps clients take charge of their careers, create the work they love, and earn what they deserve! Ford has held senior consulting positions at three of the nation’s largest career service firms. His articles and interviews have appeared in hundreds of magazines, newspapers and web sites, and he has conducted presentations at many companies, associations and universities. In addition, Ford has been a frequent guest on television and radio programs nationwide. He is the author of two books: “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring” and “The Ultimate Career Guide.
December 2016
No Meeting
November 12, 2016
Topic: Selling Yourself: It's NOT an Option
Speaker: Todd Cohen
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
In this highly interactive and entertaining presentation, professional speaker and author Todd Cohen will walk us through how to sell the most precious thing we all have – ourselves! In today’s tight and competitive job market being technically good is not good enough you get you the job you want. You MUST be able to think about your job campaign as a sales campaign and using your skills to sell yourself. Whether you are employed underemployed or in transition this is a must attend session and a “wake up call” to everyone to think differently about how you approach your career.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Todd Cohen's Bio
Todd Cohen works with all professionals who want to create a sales culture so that more sales happen. Since 1984, Todd has coached and led sales teams to deliver more than $500 million in revenue for leading companies including Xerox, Gartner Group, Pensare, Thomson-Reuters, and LexisNexis.
As the Principal of SalesLeader LLC, Todd inspires, advises, and builds high per¬formance sales teams that produce outstanding results. He also provides strategic oversight and serves as executive sales coach and advisor to clients ranging from small, rapidly growing start-ups to well-established, large corporations.
Todd has been active in the American Cancer Society as well as several other charitable organizations. Todd holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Temple University.
October 8, 2016
Topic: Strategic Research-based Approaches for LinkedIn
Speaker: Lynne M. Williams
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Did you know …
LinkedIn has over 433 million users worldwide and welcomes a new member every two seconds?
The best time for thought leadership postings on LinkedIn to create engagement is Tuesdays between 10-11 a.m. and the best times for shares is 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.?
94% of recruiters are using LinkedIn to find job candidates and they spend an average of 6 seconds looking at either a resume or a LinkedIn profile?
With statistics like these, how can you define your value proposition, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and leverage your competitive edge for career transition or career management?
This informative workshop will delve into a research-based philosophy and strategies to create a LinkedIn profile that is geared towards viewers with average attention spans of about 7 seconds. You’ll get insights into the role of cognitive neuroscience and how the evolution of the “digital brain” is central to what and how people skim online content. You’ll discover tips, tricks, and best practices to more strategically format your LinkedIn profile, optimize your use of key words, and differentiate your personal brand.
By attending this session, you’ll learn:
Where in your profile to effectively incorporate key words, including those from new job descriptions
Lynne Williams' Bio
Lynne M. Williams, BS, MA, ABD, is the Director of the Philadelphia Area Great Careers Group, which provides support and resources for those in career transition and those interested in career management. She is also the owner of Around the Clock Executive Helper, a virtual assistance business established in 1994 that provides support to people in career transition, solopreneurs, and small businesses with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, email marketing, and social media platform set up. An avid networker, Lynne does training workshops on LinkedIn and other social media and technology as well as career transition topics. She has also done extensive doctoral research and writing on Web 2.0 Social Media applications. Connect with Lynne on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewilliams.
Click here to view Lynne's presentation.
September 10, 2016
Topic: Overcoming Age Bias In Job Search
Speaker: Charlene Holsendorff
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Older workers bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, achievements and insight (Value!) that the fresh-faced college grad simply does not yet possess. This message is sometimes unrecognized or, worse, tarnished by the very person who needs to herald that message: the Older Worker! Throughout this workshop, we will validate that message through Internal Reinforcement and External “Brand” Promotion.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
Charlene Holsendorff's Bio
Charlene Holsendorff transitioned from corporate training & development to Job Search Strategist for the past 10 years, including managing a career center of 1000+ displaced business professionals. In addition to professional speaker, online content writer and webcast designer and presenter, she has authored an eBook entitled “How to Not Get a Job: 10 Pitfalls to Keep You Unemployed (Forever!).” She is a subject matter expert on topics including Resuscitate Your Resume; Solution Interviewing; Creating & Managing Your Brand. Charlene resides in Montgomery County, PA
August 2016
No meeting
July 9, 2016
Topic: The HR Angle on Recruiting and Hiring
Speaker Panel: Sharon Crandall, Karen DeLise, Mike Hendri, and Ford Myers
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
How would you like to hear about some insights from recruiting professionals on how to better your chances at getting noticed in your job search? In our July presentation we will have a panel of four recruiting and job search professionals with deep experience who will share their thoughts about what they are looking for in job candidates--from their side of the desk! In this wide ranging panel discussion, the panelists will present their points of view on a wide range of hiring practices and approaches and offer their suggestions on what you should consider in your search strategy.
By attending this session, you will:
June 11, 2016
Topic: Current & Emerging Job Search Tactics for the Experienced Professional
Speaker: Hank Boyer
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
In this workshop, participants will explore the most current and emerging trends affecting a job search/career change, and what’s behind the trends. Using the most current research derived from assessing two distinct job-seeking groups (experienced professionals/skilled workers and college students/recent grads), the workshop will present at least a half-dozen little known, but game-changing approaches job seekers are using to advance their careers.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Hank Boyer's Bio
Hank Boyer works with some of America’s top companies, helping them implement best practice strategies and programs to improve their hiring, staff development, leadership effectiveness, and sales. Following a successful 24-year career as a corporate executive in technology and telecommunications, Hank founded Boyer Management Group in 1998. Hank has written a number of books, including two textbooks on career and job search that are now in their sixth editions. He advises senior managers in both the profit and non-profit sectors and is a frequent seminar speaker on job search trends. He’s authored more than 140 training programs currently utilized in North and South America, Europe and Asia. In addition to his business endeavors, Hank is a grandfather of three, serves as a Business Advisory Board member for Cairn University’s Enactus organization, and is engaged in a number of community organizations.
May 14, 2016
Topic: Put Your Mind to Finding Your Dream Job, NOW!
Speaker: Matt Levy
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Wouldn't it be awesome to find not just any job but to find a job that perfectly aligns with your passions and talents? It's that mystical dream job which, according to several surveys, less than 7% of us have yet to reach.
The good news is that you don't have to be in the majority who are toiling away in a career just going through the motions. Your dream job is attainable! How does Matt know? Because he has created it for himself and he will explain exactly how you can do it, too. And the good news is the formula isn't very complicated.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Matt Levy's Bio
Matthew Levy is Executive Vice President at Velocity Advisory Group. Velocity is a human capital consulting firm focused on coaching, team dynamics and strategy planning. Matt's prior experience includes twenty years in Fortune 500 strategic human resources leader roles at blue chip companies Merck, Amgen and Johnson & Johnson.
His passion is coaching high achievers to reach ever loftier goals by challenging them to uncover their hidden genius and achieve what they thought otherwise was impossible.
In addition to his full time work, Matt is currently serving a three-year term on the Board of Directors of GPSEG (Greater Philadelphia Senior Executive Group), a professional organization with over 1,300 executive members.
As an avid networker, he encourages you to connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/matthewflevy.
Click here to view Matt's presentation.
April 9, 2015
Topic: Navigating Your Way to Re-employment
Speaker: Alex Freund
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Did you know you can significantly improve your odds of getting the job you want by developing new job search skills and improving your personal motivation?
Whether you’re re-entering the job market, recently in transition or contemplating a career move, join us for our next engaging session featuring Alex Freund, “the landing expert.” Alex will highlight specific steps you can take to help you land your next career opportunity. You’ll get practical advice you can implement immediately to stand apart from the competition.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Alex Freund's Bio
Known as the “Landing Expert,” Alex Freund has focused throughout his career on helping people land new positions or promotions. A former director with Fortune 500 companies, such as Honeywell, Sanofi and Tyco International, Alex has been personally involved in the hiring of hundreds of people. During the past eight years as a career and interviewing coach, he has helped more than 550 clients across different industries and job levels succeed in the interviewing process. Prominent in several on- and off-line job-search networking groups, Alex frequently presents and conducts workshops on effective resume development and LinkedIn use in the job search process. In addition, he teaches a career development seminar and he writes a widely published blog specifically designed for job seekers. Alex maintains and publishes The Landing Expert List, a free directory of job-search networking groups via his web site at http://www.landingexpert.com.
Alex is a graduate of Cornell University, has lived on three continents and speaks five languages.
Click here to view Alex's presentation.
March 12, 2016
Topic: Stand out in the crowd! Show value to potential employers!
Speaker: Cheryl Bonner
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Employers today are overwhelmed with applicants but underwhelmed with talent. The reality is that in a very competitive job market, employers are looking for solutions not warm bodies.
There is an art to sharing our skills, knowledge, and expertise in a way that allows potential employers to see our immediate value. Join us for this interactive presentation where we will explore the ‘purple squirrel’ principle, the art of articulating value, and connecting employer needs with transferable skills.
Participants will explore topics such as, understanding the needs of employers, articulating value, communicating transferable skills, writing effective resumes and social media profiles (including LinkedIn) and applying the “purple squirrel principle”.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Cheryl Bonner's Bio
Cheryl Bonner holds a master’s degree in education from Millersville University. She has more than 25 years’ experience as a career program director and counselor, working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. Cheryl currently works for Penn State where she serves as the Director of Alumni Career Services, a partnership program between the Penn State Alumni Association and Career Services in the Division of Student Affairs. In this role, she provides counseling services that meet the career and life management needs of alumni. She also designs and facilitates networking opportunities for alumni and students.
Originally trained to be a special education teacher through her undergraduate degree, Cheryl continues her passion for education by serving as an adjunct professor at the both undergraduate and graduate levels and by frequently speaking at conferences and training events on the topics of career, life management, mission, and calling. She has developed career- and work-related courses that have been taught in both the traditional classroom setting and through distance learning. Cheryl is the co-author of the career development textbook, “Your Career Planner.”
Click here to see Cheryl's presentation.
February 13, 2016
Topic: Knockout Networking
Speaker: Michael Goldberg
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
When it comes to meeting important contacts and hiring managers, cold calling and direct mail (and even LinkedIn!) are NOT the answers. Especially today! So what IS the answer? Networking!
Most people are not born networkers; they develop the skills and confidence through education, training, practice, and having a positive attitude. Whether you’re at a cocktail party, networking event, or other business function, it’s not who you know but who you want to know. Bottom line, networking is the most effective way to attract more prospects, generate more referrals, create more opportunities, and land the job!
By attending this session, you will learn:
Michael Goldberg's Bio
Michael Goldberg has helped thousands of sales producers generate hundreds of thousands of dollars of referral based business. His firm Knock Out Networking is focused on increasing the production, recruiting, and retention levels of firms in the financial services industry. Michael speaks at conferences, runs sales meetings, and delivers hard, actionable ideas that can be applied immediately! Michael writes for the Huffington Post and for numerous industry publications. He has been quoted in the Harvard Business Review and has spoken at the Million Dollar Roundtable and is a two-time TEDx speaker. Michael is currently an award winning adjunct professor at Rutgers University and frequently volunteers as a speaker at organizations focused on career search. His book Knock-Out Networking! is available now!
Click here to view Michael's handout.
January 16, 2016
Topic: Panel: Encouragement and Tips from Members Who Have Landed
Speaker Panel: MCT Members; Mark King, Catherine Neary, Mike Hughes, Howard Delfiner
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Please join us as we gain knowledge and ideas from MCT Members who have landed a job within this last year. We will have prepared questions to ask them to gain great tips and we will have time for you to ask questions as well. So please come prepared!
By attending this session, you will learn:
Bios for Panel
Mark King worked in the supply chain and logistics area for 25 years. After his third position in eight years ended near the beginning of 2014, he decided to follow his lifelong passions for good stewardship of our resources and improving processes to seek employment in sustainability. He was blessed to have a contract position in this new field with a former employer during 2015, but now he is back in transition looking to build on this positive experience to make a connection with the right person for his next opportunity.
Catherine Neary is a Marketing professional in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry using her communications and business development experience to plan and lead winning proposals. However, she has spent her entire career fascinated by the long, sometimes bumpy, sometimes harrowing (and often expensive) road to How We Make A Living. As a Marketing professional, she finds networking to be a thrilling perk.
Mike Hughes has a broad experience level in commercial banking, learning and development, executive coaching and higher education. Mike has successfully reinvented his career by leveraging his extensive corporate, executive and education experiences and credits MCT for providing the opportunity to develop the networking skills to navigate his career transition.
Howard Delfiner is an IT Analyst whose passion is taking healthcare data to gain knowledge to improve patient outcomes and decrease medical costs. At a leading clinical lab company, he is responsible for informatics customer ad-hoc data delivery and support along with health effectiveness and clinical data analysis. He gets great satisfaction in helping others through networking find their next fulfilling career opportunity.
December 2015
No meeting
November 14, 2015
Topic: "Voice in Context" Navigating the Transition Process with Clarity and Conviction
Speaker: Mary Brunelle Simon
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society, Malvern, PA
Mary will discuss ways in which you can identify the most appropriate voice and context to use in the job search process. The objective is to learn the ways in which each individual can adapt their voice and expression for more effective verbal communication.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Mary Brunelle Simon's Bio
Mary Brunelle Simon is a Senior Executive Coach with 20+ years of international experience. Expertise in building and capturing professional legacy is the cornerstone of her business career. She has served as faculty/staff for The Wharton School MBA program, authored a book about negotiation strategies, and advised senior leaders in 15 industries.
As an executive coach and adviser, Mary has proven track record, a high degree of trust, and professional respect because of the results she has generated.
October 10, 2015
Topic: Salary Negotiation Workshop
Speaker: Anthony Gold
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society, Malvern, PA
Not negotiating your initial job offer could mean losing out on nearly $600,000 over your career. Compound that by every role you fail to negotiate, and the losses are staggering.
One of the most challenging aspects of your professional career is ensuring you are fairly compensated. All too often women and men fail to appreciate their true value to an organization and how best to negotiate their total compensation package.
By attending this session, you will learn:
This workshop will help you sharpen your negotiation skills and prepare you to effectively negotiate compensation for your next job offer or salary review.
Anthony Gold's Bio
Anthony Gold is a serial entrepreneur, investor, author, advisor, and board member for several companies in the Philadelphia region - both for-profit and non-profit. He began his career designing supercomputers for Unisys, then created an open-source software and services startup that was recognized by the industry as the “largest open source systems integrator in the world.” Anthony was honored to be named one of the Top Leaders in Open Source Business by LinuxWorldmagazine. He has eight patents around enterprise hardware and software design, and his ES7000 enterprise server was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for hosting the largest number of concurrent gamers at the Dreamhack gaming conference.
He subsequently built and ran a healthcare company focused on connecting patients and caregivers around a model of collaborative health, partnering with some of the top physicians in the world. To help drive an improved startup ecosystem in the Philadelphia suburbs, Anthony launched Liberty Valley Initiative, a non-profit for connecting entrepreneurs with mentors, resources, and investors. His latest co-venture is a wearable tech company called ROAR for Good focused on reducing the incidence of attacks against women and addressing the underlying causes of violence. And in his blog, Anthony’s Desk, he shares insights for helping both young professionals and seasoned executives in their careers.
September 12, 2015
Topic: Exposing the Hidden Job Market
Speaker: Abby Kohut
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society, Malvern, PA
Although the economy is improving - this still isn't your Grandma's job market! Many of the jobs are hidden from plain view and unless you learn about the new way to job hunt, you'll be left out in the cold. Absolutely Abby will teach you how easy it really is to uncover the hidden job market.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Abby Kohut's Bio
Abby Kohut, who is known on the web as Absolutely Abby, is the President of Staffing Symphony, LLC and the author of “Absolutely Abby’s 101 Job Search Secrets”. In the past 18 years in positions from Recruiter to Senior Director of Recruiting, Abby is responsible for helping to hire 10,000 people in 8 industries from entry level to senior level. Abby's website AbsolutelyAbby.com, which was selected as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Your Career” by Forbes, teaches candidates secrets the Absolute truth about the job search process that other recruiters won't tell you. Abby has provided recruiting tips on Fox 5, NBC, CBS, ABC, LinkedIn, Monster, Real Simple, The Ladders, Bloomberg Radio, and Forbes. Abby is one of the “Top 100 Influential People Online” according to Fast Company Magazine. In 2014, CEOWORLD Magazine rated Abby one of the "Top 25 Women for your Job Search" on Twitter and Business News Daily rated @Absolutely_Abby as "1 of Top 10 Twitter Accounts Every Job Seeker Should Follow". Since 2012, Abby has been on a mission to help one million job seekers and is currently driving around the USA on a nationwide tour to accomplish that goal.
August 2015
No meeting
July 11, 2015
Topic: You’ve Lost Your Job, Now What?
Speaker: Amy Dinning
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley Alumni Society, Malvern, PA
Amy will share a creative and interactive process to develop your personal mind map by capturing your strengths, weaknesses, passions, motivators and helping you determine the types of jobs, types of organizations, and cultures that will fit you!
By attending this session, you will learn to:
Amy Dinning's Bio
Amy Dinning is a Senior Training and Talent Development Leader with extensive experience working with all organizational levels setting the strategy, creating, promoting, and delivering talent and training solutions designed to support the organization’s business plan. Amy is passionate about creating an interactive and enjoyable environment that supports learning and growth. Currently, Amy serves as Global Learning & Development Manager at ARRIS. She is responsible for all leadership, talent and people development for 6500 employees. She created and is the Chief Facilitator of Jump Start Your Job Search Workshops offered twice/year for the last 6 years. She serves as co-lead of the ATD Leadership & Organizational Development Special Interest Group, member of Community Activities Team for Greater Valley Forge Human Resources Association, Board Member and Programming Director for My Career Transitions networking group.
Click here to view Amy's presentation.
June 13, 2015
Topic: Stacking the Deck in Your Favor: How to Ace the Interview in Order to Get the Job Offer
Speaker: Matt Levy
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
The job interview: Pass or Fail. Now or never. It is one of the most intimidating and stressful few hours in our lives. Wouldn’t it be great to have a game plan to execute where you can ace the interview? In this engaging and thought-provoking presentation, Matt will teach you many of the tips, tricks and techniques necessary to impress the interviewer and land the job offer.
By attending this session, you will learn how to:
And many more interviewing hints from an expert, who himself, has conducted over 1,000 job interviews.
Matt Levy's Bio
Matthew Levy is a human resources executive, career expert, keynote speaker and author. He has more than 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical/biotech human resources.
Matt is also President of The Philadelphia Society of People & Strategy (PSPS), a 300 person senior level HR professional organization and sits on the HBA Philadelphia Advisory Board. He regularly delivers speeches on career management topics and fields job search-related questions. You can readily find Matt on LinkedIn and he invites you to connect with him. www.linkedin.com/in/matthewflevy Click here to view Matt's presentation.
May 9, 2015
Topic: Finding Your "Next!"
Speaker: Kelley Cornish
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Whether you are inventing, reinventing, or jumpstarting your job search or career journey, one of the most challenging processes is determining how to position yourself for success or for consideration for your NEXT! That opportunity could be your first job right out of school, or a career/job change for seasoned professionals, it takes a very intentional and effectively run plan to change directions in your profession. This session will address how individuals can begin to shift their career goals, aspirations and thinking while gaining credibility. Participants will walk away with tools and resources to identify where they want to take their career, what they desire their NEXT assignment to look like, and what things they can being doing to achieve those goals.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Kelley Cornish's Bio
Kelley F. Cornish stays busy helping people move forward and into their NEXT! Through her involvement in various professional and social organizations, Kelley has been focused for nearly 20 year on leading, coaching, and helping others. As a Diversity & Inclusion Executive, Talent Leader, and Author, Kelley has served as the President of a leading HR trade organization. She has also worked as a leader in healthcare for the past ten years. With a Masters in Human Resource Management, a BS in Business Administration and a Certification in Diversity Management, Kelley has also consulted with numerous organizations across the country. Recently, Kelley co-authored her first book (May 2014), “It’s Work! How Will You Show Up?” where she gives relevant advice on excelling in the workplace and in one’s personal life.
April 11, 2015
Topic: How to Use Social Media to Turbo Charge Your Job Search
Speaker: Theresa Hummel-Krallinger
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
You've been there...
Applying for jobs posted on internet job boards and never hearing a word. Sending your resume around and not getting many nibbles. Statistics show that only a small percentage of jobs are posted and they attract hundreds of candidates. It can feel like playing the lottery. You wonder: how are you supposed to stand out?
You’d think it would be impossible, but it’s not. It doesn't have to be that way. You just have to be a little creative…
By attending this session, you will learn
Theresa Hummel-Krallinger's Bio
Theresa Hummel-Krallinger is a well-respected corporate trainer and performance consultant, but it’s her work as a humorist and motivational speaker that sets her apart. Known for her lively and interactive presentation style, she is a frequently requested speaker on topics of employee morale, professional development, performance improvement and workplace communications. Her experience as a professional stand-up comedian enables her to add fun and humor to her consulting and training work.
No stranger to the corporate world, Theresa brings over 25 years practical business experience. Currently President of High Five Performance, Inc., she is highly regarded for her ability to help organizations implement meaningful performance enhancement processes that improve morale and achieve financial results.
Click here to view Theresa's presentation. Click here to view Theresa's handout.
March 14, 2015
Topic: Job Searching is Bad for Your Health: Tips and Techniques to Stay Sane and Healthy!
Speaker: Cheryl Bonner
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Location/Sponsor: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Job seeking is bad for your health. Stress resulting from uncertainty, rejection, always being “on”, constant self-promotion, and juggling multiple tasks can take a toll on even the most put together person. This presentation will give you some new tools to use to maintain your health during a stressful season. You will be prompted to dust off some old techniques and practice new ones. For good measure, some job search tips will be added to the presentation to reframe your approach.
By attending this session, you will learn:
Cheryl Bonner's Bio
Cheryl Bonner holds a masters degree in education from Millersville University. She has more than 30 years experience as a career program director, counselor, and adjunct professor working in various higher education settings including private and public universities and community colleges. Cheryl currently works for Penn State where she serves as the Director of Alumni Career Services. In this role, she provides counseling services that meet the career and life management needs of alumni. Under her leadership, this office as become a nationally recognized leader in the provision of comprehensive career services for alumni.
Originally trained to be a special education teacher through her undergraduate degree, Cheryl continues her passion for education by frequently speaking at conferences and training events on the topics of career, life management, mission, and calling. She has developed career- and work-related courses, seminars, and webinars that have been taught in both the traditional classroom setting and through distance learning. Cheryl is the co-author of the career development textbook, Your Career Planner. A Philadelphia area native, she now enjoys "college town life" in State College PA.
Click here to view Cheryl's presentation.
February 14, 2015
Topic: Knockout Networking! More Prospects, More Referrals, More Interviews!
Speaker: Michael Goldberg
Location: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
When it comes to developing important relationships with referral sources and hiring managers, there's more to it than just Linked/n. Especially today! So what IS the answer? Networking! Most people are not born networkers; they develop the skills and confidence through education, training, practice, and having a positive attitude. Whether you're at a cocktail party, networking event, or other business function, it's not who you know but who you want to know. Bottom line, networking is the most effective way to attract more prospects, generate more referrals, create more opportunities, and land the job!
By attending this session, you will learn:
Michael Goldberg's Bio
Michael Goldberg is a speaker, author, (amateur boxer), and founder of Knock Out Networking, a nationally recognized sales consulting firm focused on helping sales producers make more connections. Michael is a regular columnist for the Huffington Post and has been a TEDx speaker at Yale University. He has spoken at numerous industry conferences including Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). His clients include John Hancock Investments, Morgan Stanley, and Guardian Life. Michael is also an award winning adjunct professor at Rutgers University and volunteers as a speaker for meetings focused on career search. His book Knock-Out Networking! is available now. “Weigh in” at www.KnockOutNetworking.com for more information.
Click here to view the handout that Michael provided.
January 10, 2015
Topic: Accomplishment Stories: Your Most Powerful Tool to Get the Job Offer
Speaker: Ford Myers
Location: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern, PA
Remember a time when you heard a friend or colleague tell a memorable story? You can probably still recall some of the details about that story long after it was shared. Good storytelling creates a vivid picture and a positive response in the listener’s mind. Utilizing stories to enhance your job search is a skill that is often overlooked. Yet, without powerful accomplishment stories to tell prospective employers, you have almost nothing to “sell.” When you can effectively tie your accomplishment stories directly to the employer’s needs and problems, you will most likely get a job offer!
Many of us feel that the stories about our work life are not interesting. Others struggle to come-up with any accomplishment stories in the first place. This seminar will show you exactly how to identify and develop your own compelling accomplishment stories – stories that will become your most powerful “selling tools.”
By attending this session, you will learn to:
Ford Myers' Bio
Ford R. Myers is an award-winning Career Coach and President of Career Potential, LLC. Since 1992, he has been providing professional services in career consulting and executive coaching. After counseling thousands of individuals on their careers, Ford drew from his diverse experience to create Career Potential, LLC – a powerful new approach to career management. Through unique individual, corporate and government career programs, Career Potential, LLC helps clients take charge of their careers, create the work they love, and earn what they deserve! Ford has held senior consulting positions at three of the nation’s largest career service firms. His articles and interviews have appeared in hundreds of publications, and he has conducted presentations at many companies, associations and universities. In addition, Ford has been a frequent guest on television and radio programs. In 2014, Ford won the “Delaware Valley HR Consultant of the Year Award.” He is author of two books: “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring” and “The Ultimate Career Guide.” More information is available at: www.careerpotential.com andwww.fordmyers.com.
Click here to view Ford Myers' presentation.
Meeting Information from:
- What problems did technology solve?
- What problems did it create?
- What more permanent changes to job seeking and working do we anticipate?
- And most importantly, what did you learn about yourself?
- Be able to state at least three ways technology will play a positive role in your job seeking
- Develop ways to understand how potential employers view remote work and how they handled the pandemic
- Identify barriers and develop plans to “embrace the virtual” as a solution
- Understand, refine, and stay true to your Personal Brand
- Have the right Tool Kit for your search
- Network effectively, even though you don’t love networking
- Execute, because you can’t catch fish if your line isn’t in the water
- Pay it Forward
- Score yourself on a self-assessment that you can reflect on and improve upon
- Combined Job Search Plan Template
- Begin Personal Brand Template
- Mentally prepare for a successful job search
- Use “The TRUST Success Model” as a roadmap for success
- Develop your personal brand
- Utilize LinkedIn as a marketing and job search tool
- Utilize practical ideas that can be implemented immediately to improve your job search approach
- Determine the type of job and company that is the best fit for you
- Use creative strategies to identify companies that are a good fit
- Effectively network during the pandemic
- Pre-screen yourself as the perfect candidate for a job
- Ask questions in an interview that help to uncover company culture
- Understand what “showing up” actually means
- Learn how you win or lose before you ever say a word
- Discover how to embrace the most critical split-second selling moment
- Learn how fast decisions are made on you by your potential employer
- Learn the most important skill of selling yourself
- Bonus round: How to make more money
- Develop, implement and sustain these 10 strategies in your career
- Present your qualifications in the most compelling manner
- Maximize your professional visibility and credibility
- Gain a better understanding of your marketplace
- Differentiate yourself as the leader in your niche
- Contribute more and make a bigger impact at work
- Negotiate effectively to command a higher salary
- Integrate productive networking into your career
- Consistently improve and enhance your credentials
- Know Yourself
- Know the Job You’re Competing For
- Preparation – Master Your Stories
- The Interview and the Close
- Develop confidence and overcome the fear of interviewing
- Best evaluate your fit for future roles
- Develop the right approach and tactics for interview preparation
- Maximize the in-person connection through the interview process
- Represent yourself as the best candidate for the position!
- Become more aware of your emotions and their impact on your mood and outlook
- Regulate stressful emotions for better outcomes
- Increase your capacity to empathize with others and build connection
- Strengthen trust by utilizing active listening skills
- Nurture your current business relationships
- Create a tactical, individualized approach
- Save time by recognizing the best strategic partners
- Effectively engage contacts using email, messaging, social media, and other digital tools
- Craft an authentic, powerful, professional networking process
- Some key job search strategies, tactics, and career resources
- How to research your best keywords for both your resume and LinkedIn
- How to take your base resume and customize to match keywords in a job description before applying through the ATS
- How to prepare a portfolio presentation to differentiate yourself from others at a job interview
- How to apply techniques you have successfully used in the past to your current situation
- New tools to use to manage stress and maintain overall health
- Strategies to overcome “stinkin’ thinking” and regain a positive approach
- Characteristics of side gigs
- How side gigs can help you define your career direction
- Techniques to improve your job search through your side gig
- Ways to develop soft and hard skills that employers desire
- Principles of selecting the best opportunity for you
- Understand the importance of a variety of job search tools
- Understand what each tool is, how to create it, when and why to use it
- Gain information and knowledge from others regarding job search tools
- Get a start on your tools for your toolkit
- Employer expectations
- Attributes of high talent employees
- Top mistakes leaders make
- Anatomy of an impressive resume and the T-Cover Letter
- Expert job search tips
- What causes lack of motivation
- How does lack of motivation show up in our lives
- What can we do to find motivation in our job search
- What can we do to stay motivated in our job search
- How to identify which key areas you need to improve upon for the biggest impact on performance
- The methodology for understanding your metrics
- How to gain a clear perspective on what you need to do moving forward based upon your findings
- Some of the basic keys to success
- Challenges and opportunities as an “over experienced” job seeker
- Effective strategies to communicate across generations
- Common drivers within each of the generations in the workforce
- Technology and its impact on the workforce and work culture
- How to understand the real values of your potential employer - not just the ones on the poster.
- How to identify the type of culture that makes you thrive (Using the 6 Key Culture Fit Model)
- Vetting the most important person you will work with – your boss.
- Stop acting like an applicant, and start acting more like an expert
- Stop behaving like a candidate, and start behaving like a consultant
- Stop being a job seeker, and start being a problem-solver
- Stop making it all about you/your needs, and start making it all about them/their needs
- What are the major issues confronting a marathon swimmer and how does that relate to everyday life
- How does coping with failure make us stronger
- Why failure need not be a permanent condition and how it improves us all
- What are the specific business lessons that can be developed from such an undertaking
- We all have dreams – how do we condition ourselves to achieve those dreams
- Use Myers-Briggs and Strengthfinders to differentiate between a job and your passion
- Redefine your value proposition and promote what makes you unique
- Find your “Authentic Self”
- Effectively convey your value to employers and your network
- Negotiate and close the deal on your next job offer
- It can take three to six months - and sometimes longer -- to get a new job.
- Managing your “Job Search to-do” list can be a full-time job.
- It is “who you know,” but cultivating relationships takes time.
- Not every job is posted.
- Customized resumes are important.
- Understand the difference between proactive and reactive behaviors
- Identify ways to maximize your network
- Apply tools to manage transitions and overcome “stinkin’ thinkin’ “
- Analyze approaches and tasks to improve ROI
- Understand the power of personal branding
- Define your brand
- Build a strategy for execution & opportunities
- Utilize online networking tips to build relationships
- Understand what “showing up” actually means
- Learn how you win or lose before you ever say a word
- Discover how to embrace the most critical split-second selling moment
- Learn how fast decisions are made on you by your potential employer
- Learn the most important skill of selling yourself
- Bonus round: How to make more money
- What Hiring Managers are looking for in a resume
- How to put together a resume that gets noticed
- What should not be included in a resume
- How a resume is read by recruiters/ hiring managers
- What keywords on a resume have to do with getting an interview
- Ways to prioritize, advance and sustain your most important business relationships
- How to apply the Essential Qualities of Credibility, Integrity, and Authenticity in your search
- Identifying when 'worthy intent' is evident in your business relationships
- Using RQ® to measure the strength of your relationships
- Action planning for your top 5 relationships
- The four steps to successfully managing a career transition including:
- Listening
- Executing
- Stepping Back
- Moving Forward
- Leasella "Lea" Bongiovanni's Bio
- How to stay healthy – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually
- What tools and resources can help you stay focused and organized
- The importance of networking in landing your next role
- The types of meetings and events you should attend
- How to remain up-to-date in your profession and sharpen your job skills
- Panel Bios
- Master the structure and components of a good accomplishment story.
- Succinctly tell a compelling accomplishment story.
- Match your accomplishment stories directly with the company’s needs and problems.
- Leverage accomplishment stories as the most critical tool in the job search process.
- Uncover your own “hidden” accomplishment stories.
- Summarize your accomplishment stories into “bullet statements” for your resume.
- Weave your accomplishment stories seamlessly into the interview.
- Recognize the interviewer’s “prompts” to respond with an accomplishment story.
- Prepare hiring manager and recruiter centric profiles.
- Reach out to existing connections based on company targets.
- Search connections of 1st connections and asking for warm introductions.
- Engage with new connections.
- Develop effective message templates.
- Revamp your daily routine for a more strategic search process.
- The reasons behind why negotiating can be so challenging.
- How to identify the right timing for negotiation.
- How to successfully prepare for a negotiation conversation.
- Effective negotiation skills and techniques to create a better negotiation experience for both parties.
- Be aware of relationship building principles
- Know how to ask questions to build relationships
- Understand when/where/how to use questions to enhance relationships
- Be able to implement new strategies into their networking goals
- Assess their own successes and failures in networking
- Find others to practice with to allow for future success
- How your subconscious mind works.
- How your thoughts can sabotage your goals.
- How to intentionally create positive thoughts.
- How to maintain a positive attitude – even when you’re facing challenges.
- How to use self-hypnosis to stay calm and motivated.
- How to identify and articulate your values in your own authentic style.
- How to prepare examples that demonstrate your values in action.
- How to understand the real values of your potential employer - not just the ones on the poster.
- How to identify the type of culture that makes you thrive (Using the 6 Key Culture Fit Model)
- Vetting the most important person you will work with – your boss.
- About the 4 DISC Personality Types to get to know yourself better – and understand the styles and preferences of recruiters and interviewers.
- How to successfully interact with different personality types.
- Valuable guidance to prepare for successful interviews – both physically and mentally.
- How to present yourself during an interview as an exceptional candidate and how to address challenging questions.
- Important steps to take when following up after your interview and how to debrief your performance.
- What a personal brand is – and isn’t.
- The significance of personal branding in the job search
- How branding is manifested: What is the “message” being conveyed to others?
- Practical guidelines for incorporating your personal brand into a compelling “Tell me about yourself” statement.
- How to take care of yourself Mentally in a Job Search
- How to take care of yourself Physically in a Job Search
- How to better handle and control the stress of a Job Search
- What a recruiter looks for when considering a candidate
- How to effectively prepare for an interview and the top questions to ask
- Ways to best market and brand yourself
- The role corporate culture plays in job search
- How to address gaps in your employment history
- How to differentiate yourself by addressing key aspects often overlooked by other candidates
- Tips and tricks to navigate the recruitment process with your recruiter
- Don’t miss this opportunity to get inside perspectives on the recruitment process.
- The creative methods for networking and job search
- The critical aspects to consider when developing your search plan
- How to customize and prioritize your job search activities based on your individual goals
- How those individual goals – and your plan – relate to your networking and interview style and performance
- Understand your body language and what you are communicating
- Unlock your presence
- Increase your confidence as you prepare
- Learn some tips to help you nail that next interview
- The four dimensions of emotional intelligence and the important role they play in career transitions
- How to become more aware of self-limiting beliefs and overcome them
- How to regulate emotions for better outcomes
- How to increase the capacity to empathize with others
- How to forge trusting, fruitful relationships through listening and engaged collaboration
- Determine employer needs before the interview
- Prepare for the various types of interviews
- Apply strategies to use before and after the interview
- Utilize tips to anticipate and answer the tough questions
- Use interviewing etiquette
- Utilize communication tools to effectively connect personal value to scope of job and company culture
- How reinvention is different than mere career change
- The five common work and life circumstances that often lead to a reinvention
- What you should expect during the reinvention journey
- The four phases of The Career Reinvention ContinuumTM
- Methods to find your path
- Examine the specific tools you need and how to create them
- Master the search process and maximize your long-term career potential
- Integrate all the other elements into your job search
- Add power, professionalism and flexibility to your efforts
- Build a satisfying career by leveraging the right tools
- Learn tangible solutions, with “real world” case studies and examples
- How to be proactive about your job search campaign.
- How to use sales skills and get the job you want.
- How to create a sales value proposition that sells you.
- How to create a virtual sales team that advocates for you.
- How to create a Relationship Portability Index that works for you.
- How to clearly brand yourself
- How to develop your “secret sauce” to stand out
- How to strategically format and streamline your profile
- When, where, and why you need to engage in thought leadership
- Avoid Resume Roadblocks
- Overcome “Over-Qualified”
- Recognize & Minimize “Generational Biases”
- Utilize Solution Interviewing: Conveying One’s “Brand” to the Employer
- Hear about a wide range of recruiting tips from a recruiter’s perspective
- Learn about the different angles to which recruiters pivot towards and look to avoid
- Discover search strategies that increase the possibility of gaining traction in the recruiting process
- Engage in an open discussion about current trends in hiring approaches from multiple recruiting perspectives
- What is causing a job search in 2016 to be so very difficult.
- What emerging trends are going to affect job search in 2016.
- What methods are job seekers, hiring managers, and recruiter relying on to fill 2016 openings.
- Which social media networks will be the most effective ones for 2016.
- Which unique strategies can an experienced worker use to further his or her career.
- How to leverage the hidden job market.
- Which alternative search strategies can cut weeks or months off your job search.
- Four simple exercises to uncover your career passion
- Four questions to galvanize your thinking
- Five stages of the dream job roadmap
- If you are reading this and rationalizing that it is too much work - or that you can set aside your dreams for later in life when the timing is better - when you hear Matt's personal saga, you will think twice! The call to action will be undeniable and possibly, if you allow it, life changing!
- The value of job search resources available to those in transition
- Where to find help and assess your readiness if you’re re-entering the job market
- The two critical steps to getting a new job—and how to prepare in detail for each step
- How to outshine the competition in the race for that coveted job
- The key marketing materials to brand yourself and attract employers
- Understand the difference between applying for a job and meeting the real needs of employers
- How to articulate value and communicate transferable skills
- Effective tools for resume writing, social media (LinkedIn) to convey value
- Applying the “purple squirrel principle”
- How to overcome your fears and approach complete strangers with confidence.
- The “Rules to Networking” – how to meet, greet, ask for business cards, and transition.
- Places to network and best practices.
- The “elevator speech” (with an opportunity to create one!)
- How to work a room
- Tips that have worked in landing positions
- About time wasters that you should not spend time on
- To experience viewpoints that may differ from our own
- Knowledge that will help you to be successful in your search
- How encouragement from those who have landed successfully can help you in your job search
- Recognize the power of voice and expression in verbal communications
- How to adjust voice and expression to fit the phase of their respective stage of job search
- Develop a mindset to overcome adversity and commit to a more positive path forward of smart practices in career transition.
- Negotiation techniques to create the best win-win for you and the company
- The psychology of negotiating
- Tools and tips for determining your value
- How to prepare for salary discussions (for both new and existing jobs)
- Why the job market is hidden in the first place
- 3 ways to hobnob with CTOs, CFOs and other C-suite members
- How working for free can be the best idea you ever had
- How to solve problems for companies who don't know that they have them
- 3 ways to use social media to generate opportunities you didn't know existed
- Complete a personal mindmap
- Determine individual strengths, weakness, passions, motivators and more
- Create a dream team to give input to the personal mindmap
- Determine types of organizations , cultures and positions that fit who you are
- Tackle the mental aspects of interviewing
- Make a first impression
- Deal with “curve ball” questions
- Close the interview
- Maintain momentum
- How you can begin to shift your career goals, aspirations and thinking while gaining credibility.
- How to create tools and resources to identify where you want to take your career.
- What you desire.
- How to stand out from the crowd by using social media tools such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, blogging, email marketing and YouTube
- Attract the attention of corporate recruiters, headhunters and hiring managers
- Be considered for positions you were not aware were even open
- Get more interviews so you can land your next great opportunity
- How to apply techniques you have successfully used in the past to your current situation
- New tools to use to manage stress and maintain overall health
- Strategies to overcome “stinkin’ thinking” and regain a positive approach
- How to overcome your fears and approach complete strangers with confidence.
- The "Rules to Networking" - how to meet, greet, ask for business cards, and transition.
- Places to network and best practices.
- The "elevator speech" (with an opportunity to create one!)
- How to work a room
- Master the structure and components of a good accomplishment story.
- Succinctly tell a compelling accomplishment story.
- Match your accomplishment stories directly with the company’s needs and problems.
- Leverage accomplishment stories as the most critical tool in the job search process.
- Uncover your own “hidden” accomplishment stories. (You will develop actual accomplishment stories at this workshop).
- Summarize your accomplishment stories into “bullet statements” for your resume.
- Weave your accomplishment stories seamlessly into the interview.
- Recognize the “prompts” to respond with an accomplishment story.