LTC FBLA Participates in Career Connections Conference

Lincoln Trail College Future Business Leaders of America-Collegiate members traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to participate in the FBLA’s Career Connections Conference. The event is focused on connecting talented individuals with leading employers and helping them learn what it takes to succeed in the job market. The conference includes information on interviewing techniques, building a personal brand, and how to navigate an early career. 

FBLA advisor Amie Mayhall says the students had a wonderful chance to network, bond with each other, explore career-related topics, and have fun.

She says the students had the opportunity to tour businesses like First Citizens Bank, Dunhill Hotel, BDO, and the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The featured keynote speaker was Tammy DeBoer, the president of Harris Teeter Grocery Stores. There was also an FBLA Collegiate Graduate panel.

Students had the opportunity to participate in many different breakout sessions, including The Employment Relationship: Employer and Employee Obligations; Interview Success; Defining Your Personal Brand; Landing the Job; and How to be Successful at Your First Corporate Job.

The students also participated in a Business Case Competition. They are put in teams to review a case student and then present their findings to a panel of judges. The case study incorporates many aspects of business, including economics, strategic analysis, international business, entrepreneurship, and marketing. Mayhall says she strategically structured the teams so there were more experienced case presenters with students who didn’t have experience because she wanted each student to feel they had a good presentation and had some pride in their team.

Mayhall says it is important for students to participate in experiences like this in college. “My philosophy of education includes a very active learning environment and hands-on experience. Events such as this conference allow students to get out of the classroom and hear from other speakers, experience other cultures and have their eyes opened to opportunities outside of our local community. I love to experience these learning opportunities with students and get to know the students who choose to participate on a much deeper level. I hope the students come back with confidence in the job interviewing process and advice to help them succeed in their careers. I know that they have come back with stronger friendships and lots of memories.”