Paige Zolldan, coordinator of career services for the College of Business at the Â鶹ӳ», often reminds students that their network is their net worth.
Development of those important business networks will be supercharged through the Industry Insider Speaker Series, a new initiative that further strengthens the ties between the College of Business and the business community.
More than 50 students attended the initiative’s first program on Oct. 10, an hour-long talk featuring Tom Wambaugh, director of operations for Reno-based .
“Students filled the room and were eager to see who was next to speak in the series,” Zolldan said. The next session is set for Nov. 7.
While the program allows students to make connections with high-profile business leaders, gain insight into business challenges and learn about the practical skills they’ll need to succeed after graduation, the impact of the Industry Insider Speaker Series is felt beyond campus.
Wambaugh, for instance, said Sierra Pacific Credit Union was enthused to participate and meet with students.
“At Sierra Pacific Credit Union, we celebrate the impact that’s made when we connect the practical real-world experience of life’s lessons with the enthusiasm of those just starting their journey,” Wambaugh said. He noted that graduates who become members of the University's Alumni Association become eligible to join the credit union and utilize its financial tools.
Wambaugh, the author of the upcoming book, “Retirement for Young People,” said he especially appreciates opportunities to talk with students about the way that financial decisions they make when they’re young can bring major benefits in their later years.
Other business leaders from a variety of industries in the region already are lining up to speak.
“We have had an overwhelming amount of support from the community and outside as well from leaders who to want to engage with the College of Business to share their wealth of knowledge,” Zolldan said. For executives, the program allows them to make contacts with a talented pool of potential employees and showcase their companies.
Greg Mosier, dean of the College of Business, noted that the new initiative further supports existing links between the University and the business community.
“The College programs have always incorporated experienced leaders from the community, country and world into our practical and applied curriculum,” Mosier said. “The Industry Insider Speaker Series formalizes these great learning opportunities for our students.”
Mosier said the work of Zolldan and her team as well as the engagement of members of the College of Business Advisory Board proved to be key to creation of the speaker series.
Zolldan said the series is another building block in an already successful career-development program in the College of Business, one that has positioned the College as a leader in business education.
“This is just a piece of the college's initiative to prepare students for the workforce, and we are bringing that knowledge to them,” she said.
