(From left): Mentors and GCU Business Club members Danielle Hinkle Calabro ’08, Joyce Goletz Heckman ’83, Elaine Warga-Murray ’70, Sherin Elashry, Jennifer MacGregor Safeer, CPA, ’92
Nowadays, getting a job is all about networking and having connections. Ask any professional, and it’s likely that they found their job with the help or guidance of someone they knew. On February 23, the Georgian Court University Business Club hosted “Mentoring Roundtables” to teach successful networking. The GCU Business Club, an organization of students, alumni, community members, business professionals, faculty, and staff, offers networking and mentoring opportunities to develop strong connections and meaningful opportunities that ensure continued career development.
At the roundtable event, alumni and other professionals shared their experiences with GCU business students. Each roundtable paired a mentor with a group of students. The mentors included Kathleen Brady, executive director of the GCU Office of Career Services, Corporate Engagement, and Continuing Education; Elaine Warga-Murray ’70, CEO and managing partner of Regency Management Group; Joyce Goletz Heckman ’83, director of human resources for PSE&G; and Sherin Elashry, an agent for New York Life. Two alumnae who received B.S. in Accounting degrees from Georgian Court also shared their expertise with accounting students—Jennifer MacGregor Safeer, CPA, ’92, CFO for WithumSmith+Brown, and Danielle Hinkle Calabro ’08, a talent acquisition partner for Meridian Health.
Networking with LinkedIn and Elevator Pitches
Every single mentor not only agreed that networking was very important, they all asked the students if they had LinkedIn accounts because they are necessary for networking if you are trying to find an internship or job today. Ms. Warga-Murray also noted that “it is important how you present yourself.” This includes being confident and approaching things in a professional matter. Ms. Warga-Murray asked the students what they would say about themselves in a two-minute elevator speech. She recommended that students record and perfect that pitch by including key information about what they are looking for, why they are there, and what they bring to the table. “Answer those questions in two minutes, and you are ready to approach your future employer,” said Ms. Warga-Murray.
Ms. Warga-Murray offered a final piece of advice as the event wound down: “Even your worst experiences have a positive influence on you.” She noted that you always learn from your experiences, good or bad. “When you are at your internships or jobs,” she said, “remember that you get something out of it—no matter how you feel about it.”
Story contributed by Sebastian Mikuska ’16, a business administration major with a concentration in marketing.
