NAWMBA Lunch & Learn

Today was my first Lunch & Learn through the National Association of Woman MBA (NAWMBA). Typically NAWMA consiststs of women in the MBA program, but our chapter is tryig to expand to the men as well. It was great to have about 8 guys attend the lunch & learn session! Each semester the lunches are held at the SCRC building right across from Nelson. Industry professionals are invited to speak with students about their job function, experiences and perspective on successful techniques and tips for the career search.

The two speakers today were:

v  Amy Rumford, Director of Global Supply Chain General Procurement Operations at Lenovo

v  Marirose Steigerwald, President of Elinvar

They both spoke about their career paths, and had numerous tips to share with us. Although their jobs and career paths were very different, they both still were on the same page as far as what to look for in a job. They emphasized a job that would make a great fit for YOU specifically because everyone has different goals.

Marirose suggested sitting down and thinking of a list of “must-haves” in a job, and not to settle for less. Since you spend so much time at your job, you need to love going to work everyday. She also heavily emphasized networking because that was how she landed multiple opportunities.

Amy focused on staying true to yourself and your goals, and giving back whether it be to your family/friends, community or employers. She also interviews candidates regularly and was able to give us some great insight on what she looked for in a great candidate. She said that the experience and your resume will get you that interview, however a candidate’s communication skills and how they fit in with the company culture is what really set them apart.

Overall, it was a great experience. I was able to hear their stories and advice, and it really helps me to be able to dig deeper into what I really want from a job. I’m still in my first semester, but it has already flown by so I really need to start seriously thinking what exactly I would like to do when I graduate. These two women have great success stories, and it was great to be able to talk and interact with them in the smaller setting!