Symposium Program
Welcome -
- Dr. Patrick Madsen, Associate Dean of Advising + Experiential Learning + Executive Director, Career Center | UNC Charlotte Undergraduate Education
Keynote Speaker - The Power of Connection: Transforming Leadership and Learning
- Amy Wartham, Director of Corporate Training and Executive Education
Description: Imagine a workplace where connection is a core value, not an afterthought. Leaders recognize their teams as individuals with unique strengths and stories, fostering collaboration that fuels innovation and success. When community drives the workplace culture, everyone thrives.
This vision starts with each of us. By prioritizing trust, empathy, and collaboration, we can create meaningful moments of connection that empower individuals and teams. Being "wired for connection" isn’t just a concept - it’s the foundation for lasting growth and success.
Location:
Presenter: Dr. Brad Yeckley - Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNC Charlotte
Description: "Safe Landings: Building Psychological Safety from Day One” is an engaging and interactive workshop designed to equip HR professionals, managers, and team leaders with the essential tools and strategies to create a psychologically safe environment for new hires during the critical onboarding phase. In today’s fast-paced and diverse workplace, psychological safety is the cornerstone of successful teams and organizations. This session delves into the art and science of fostering an atmosphere where new employees feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and contributing ideas from their very first day.
Location:
Presenter: Sarah Haley - Campus Engagement Lead at Ally
Description: Ally is using both internal and external data to inform and drive an enterprise campus engagement strategy. During this session, participants will learn about tools and resources for building an engagement strategy that can work for you, along with practices we’ve uncovered along the way.
Location:
Presenter: Roy Dockery - Director of Field Service Research at TSIA
Description: Join us for an insightful and interactive panel discussion on inclusive hiring practices aimed at students and individuals with disabilities. This session will explore strategies for creating accessible recruitment processes, but it doesn't stop there—true inclusion goes beyond just hiring. We’ll dive deep into the essential supports and resources that can help ensure success once an employee is onboarded, fostering a workplace that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for growth.
Location:
Michelle Wann - Career Center Coordinator
Holly Brantley - Career Center Coordinator
Description: Join us for an informal coffee chat with a staff member from the Career Center. This session offers a relaxed environment for symposium attendees to ask questions and discuss various topics related to recruiting on campus. Learn about the Hire-A-Niner platform, explore virtual recruitment options, and discover other operations that can help you connect with the university to source top talent. This is a great opportunity to gain insights, share experiences, and build valuable connections over a cup of coffee. Ideal for employers, recruiters, and anyone interested in enhancing their recruitment strategies with the university.
Location:
Presenter: Tarek Elshayeb - Director, International Student and Scholar Office, UNC Charlotte
Presenter: Denise Medeiros - Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Office, UNC Charlotte
Description: This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the process for hiring international students, including the necessary procedures and applicable federal laws. We will cover the different visa categories (F-1 and J-1), work authorization options such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the responsibilities of employers. Participants will gain insights into compliance with federal regulations, ensuring a smooth hiring process, and leveraging international talent effectively. Ideal for HR professionals, recruiters, and employers looking to expand their workforce with international students.
Location:
Presenter: Meagan Glasco - Executive Director of Professional Development, Niblock Center UNC Charlotte
Presenter: Jay Skipworth - Director of Professional Development, CCI, UNC Charlotte
Description: Join us for an interactive presentation and workshop designed to explore innovative strategies for building robust partnerships between colleges and employers. We will identify common ground and address mutual concerns such as skills gaps, workforce needs, and student career readiness. Discover successful models of employer-led projects, internships, mentorships, and experiential learning opportunities. Learn strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent through collaborative recruitment and talent development programs. Additionally, we will utilize technology to enhance communication, streamline processes, and foster ongoing engagement between colleges and employers. Participants will leave with actionable insights and practical tools to strengthen partnerships, bridge skills gaps, and create a sustainable talent pipeline. This session is ideal for educators, career services professionals, employers, and anyone interested in fostering stronger college-employer collaborations.
Location:
Presenter: Tyler Calloway - Assistant Director/Industry Specialist for Social Impact/Non-Profit/Govt Sectors, UNC Charlotte
Presenter: Samantha Pfeiffer - Assistant Director/Industry Specialist for Business/Financial Services/Logistics Sectors, UNC Charlotte
Description: This session will provide valuable information and strategies for creating an effective internship program or concept for your company. Participants will learn about the university's GigTraining Program and understand what a "Gig" entails, with a special focus on non-profits and community organizations. The session will guide you through the process of designing and branding an internship, as well as the best practices for onboarding interns. Gain insights into creating meaningful internship experiences that benefit both the organization and the interns. Ideal for employers, HR professionals, and anyone interested in developing a successful internship program.
Location:
Michelle Wann - Career Center Coordinator
Holly Brantley - Career Center Coordinator
Description: Join us for an informal coffee chat with a staff member from the Career Center. This session offers a relaxed environment for symposium attendees to ask questions and discuss various topics related to recruiting on campus. Learn about the Hire-A-Niner platform, explore virtual recruitment options, and discover other operations that can help you connect with the university to source top talent. This is a great opportunity to gain insights, share experiences, and build valuable connections over a cup of coffee. Ideal for employers, recruiters, and anyone interested in enhancing their recruitment strategies with the university.
Lunch is located across the street in our NEW Co-Lab Space.
Go downstairs to the main floor, head out the main doors to the Dubois Center, turn left and it is the building right across the street. Team representatives will be available to help guide you.
- The Data & Voices of Future Talent
- Moderator: Dr. Patrick Madsen - Associate Dean for Advising & Experiential Learning/Executive Director of the Career Center presents the data on what the next five years of talent is looking for from the workplace and how best to recruit.
- Student Panel: (coming soon!)
- Moderator: Dr. Patrick Madsen - Associate Dean for Advising & Experiential Learning/Executive Director of the Career Center presents the data on what the next five years of talent is looking for from the workplace and how best to recruit.