SIFE to host Feb. 22 panel discussion with recruiters

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team at UNC Charlotte has partnered with the University Career Center to host a panel discussion on how recruiters and managers hire. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 22 in the Student Union, Room 340 G & H.

Panelists will discuss how they evaluate internship and job candidates in areas ranging from first impressions to resumes to interview behavior.

"This panel will be valuable in preparing students for the spring recruiting season,” said Dr. Kevin Toomb, Sam Walton Fellow and advisor to SIFE. “Positive trends in employment mean that this year will be better for students' employment than the past few years."

National unemployment was down to 8.3% nationwide in January, though unemployment in North Carolina remains above the national average.  The outlook for college graduates is the brightest it has been since 2007, with hiring projected to increase by 8.6% in the Southeast according to The National Association of Colleges and Employers.

“The purpose of the panel discussion is to give college students the insight and skills needed to have a successful job search," said Mercedes Fiorillo, the team leader for the event. "Many students need advice on their  resume, practice for a professional  interview, and coaching on how to find a job that launches their career on the right trajectory.  We hope that this panel discussion will help students gain the skills necessary to find their way into the workplace." 

Mercedes, a junior Finance major, will moderate the panel, composed of representatives of Bank of America, Greer & Walker, Lowe's Companies, Inc., Studiobanks, and TIAA-CREF.  A brief biography of each panelist is available upon request.

For more information about the panel discussion, contact the SIFE Vice President of Marketing, Matt Murrow, at mmurrow1@gmail.com.  

SIFE Profile

Students in Free Enterprise is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills needed to become socially responsible business leaders.  There are approximately 1,500 active SIFE teams in 40 different countries around the world.  The UNC Charlotte SIFE team’s mission is to leverage our business skills and entrepreneurial spirit to empower people in need to succeed.