Career Bytes Conference
This is the theme of the fifth annual Career Bytes Conference. Due to the pandemic and restrictions, the format this year will be conducted as a virtual/hybrid series of individual sessions on different dates and times which will be promoted individually and as a greater whole for Career Development Month throughout November. Funding has been kindly appropriated through the Student Government Association.
The Career Development Center understands that students are challenged with connecting their academic experiences to the demands of the competitive global workplace. It can be overwhelming and time-consuming. The Career Bytes Conference provides an opportunity for students to gain professional “know how” in a concentrated, customizable, interactive one-day forum.
The Career Bytes Conference focuses on a) helping students understand what employers are looking for when hiring, b) internship and job search strategies, c) interviewing techniques, d) business and career planning, e) how to identify and market their value, and f) how to cultivate a professional network.
Keynote Alumnus Speaker Session – Wednesday, Nov. 4th, 4-5 PM
Register and obtain Zoom link at: go.uis.edu/CareerBytes11-4
Nabih Elhajj is the Executive Director of iVenturED Inc. teaching entrepreneurship to high school seniors in Sangamon County. He is also an adjunct instructor of entrepreneurship at UIS. He has his MBA from Purdue University Global, an MPA from UIS and currently is a Ph.D. candidate at Illinois State University studying higher education administration. Nabih is a first generation American and for the past decade has spent his time pursuing his passion in helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses. As a student at UIS, Nabih co-authored research on lean manufacturing with Dr. Agarwal published in the International Decision Science Institute. Nabih is married, and he and his wife enjoy traveling, reading and cooking. He is passionate about civics and public discourse and currently serves on the Community Advisory Board of NPR Illinois.
Registration
Students: Register Online for the Conference Series Sessions (2 Options)
Register and obtain Zoom links below. Events are also promoted in UIS Calendar, CareerConnect, and UIS Connection.
If you need any assistance registering feel free to reach out to the Career Development Center at (217) 206-6508 or careerservices@uis.edu.
Students:
The Career Development Center welcomes your participation in a Complimentary Lunch in the Student Union on session dates. Please pick up your $10 ticket in our office in Student Affairs Building (SAB) 50.
Conference Series Schedule – Virtual Zoom sessions
Alumnus Keynote Speaker Session – Nabih Elhajj, MPA (2012)
Wednesday, Nov. 4th, 4-5 PM
Register and obtain Zoom link at: go.uis.edu/CareerBytes11-4
Community Career Session – Your Career Starts Here, Prep-Take Action-Find Career Satisfaction, Kristina Barbee, The CEO Co
Tuesday, November 10th, 3:30-4:30 PM
Register and obtain Zoom link at: go.uis.edu/CareerBytes11-10
Alumni Panel Discussion – Hear from UIS alums who graduated in or around 2008 about how they have navigated career-related challenges and triumphs.
Thursday, November 19th, 4-5 PM
Register and obtain Zoom link at: go.uis.edu/CareerBytes11-19
UIS Alum Panelists: | A.D. Carson, MA (2008), Assistant Professor of Hip Hop, University of Virginia
Nikki Overcash, BA (2005), MA (2007, 2019), Lead Academic Coach, Illinois College Kelly Turner, MA (2008), Legislative Director at Illinois Federation of Teachers |
Career Bits – Peer-to-Peer Trainings (10-15 minutes)
Training Topics include: (maximum of 5 session topics will be chosen)
NACE Career Readiness Competencies (Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Oral/Written Communications, Teamwork/Collaboration, Digital Technology, Leadership, Professionalism/Work Ethic, Career Management, and Global/Intercultural Fluency).
UIS Student Facilitators: |
Tejashree Kummari, M.S. Management Information Systems (2022) Learn about leadership in a changing world with specific examples for your student organization, connecting with others, and/or sharing your message or activity. Competency: Leadership Date: Wednesday, 11/11 at 4:30pm Register at: https://go.uis.edu/CareerBytes11-11
Hannah Nicolaisen, B.S. Exercise Science, B.A. Psychology (2022) Learn about resume fundamentals and how students and new professionals can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities. Competency: Career Management Date: Friday, 11/13 at 1:00pm Register at: https://go.uis.edu/CareerBytes11-13
Aika Torres, M.A. Educational Leadership (2022) |
Conference Wrap-Up – Students will receive a portfolio upon completing an evaluation.