Chats Connect Students with Industry Professionals

Chats Connect Students with Industry Professionals

Virtual chats offer low-risk way for students to learn about local employers

| By: Britten, Casey

For students, starting the search process for that first ‘real job’ after college can be intimidating; it’s difficult to know the best place to begin.

The FVTC Employment Connections team aims to break down some of those barriers through a new series of Virtual Employer Chats.

“We started offering these regularly in spring 2021 as a way to connect our students and employers virtually,” explains Cindy Stoeger, who coordinates the events. “They are meant to be very casual and comfortable for students and employers alike.”

The chats provide an opportunity for students to learn about companies in a stress-free way. Students want to know whether a company will be a good fit for them; this gives them the chance to learn about company culture, community involvement and benefits before jumping in with both feet.

For employers in the current challenging job market, it's a chance to get in front of our students. “The employer chats are a great way for us to provide info about our organization while also providing great tips and tricks for students to use regardless of where their careers take them,” says Ben Kleist, who is a senior accountant at SECURA Insurance and has participated in several chats. “FVTC always does a great job providing networking and skill building opportunities for students, helping them build relationships before they graduate and head out into the full-time working world.”

Feedback from students has also been positive. Through survey responses, students have shared these comments:

“Great information on resumes and cover letters. She touched base on what to do if you’re switching to a different career.”
—Surgical Technology student

“There was a lot of enthusiasm in the chat. It's great that someone at a high level is willing to spend time with us! It’s also valuable to hear how employees were able to progress and move to different areas that aligned with their desires/skill set.”
—Marketing student

“The chat provided some really good info and insights on what employers are looking for.”
—IT student

Some FVTC faculty members have incorporated the chats into their curriculum, and see great benefits for students. “My students love attending the chats. I do too!" says Marketing Instructor Jeanette Gile. "I can’t think of an easier way to network and learn from a broad range of organizations in our area. My students gain valuable career insights. Feedback also tells me that the chats help motivate students to continue working hard because they see the future possibilities.”

There are about 10 chats scheduled each semester and they are open to students and faculty. View upcoming chats >

The Virtual Employer Chats are just one of the services provided by Employment Connections. Other services include job fairs, resume reviews, employment advising and job search tips. All services are free for all FVTC students and alumni. Learn more >

 

Upcoming Events

Nov
6

Faculty Day - No Classes

Faculty Day - No Classes

Nov
7

On Campus: Lakeland University

Thinking of transferring to Lakeland University?

Nov
11

Open Registration Begins for Winterim & Spring Semester

Open Registration Begins for Winterim & Spring Semester

Nov
11

Express Admissions Day - Appleton, Oshkosh and Wautoma

Visit us anytime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and we’ll help you get started on your path to earning a degree. We’ve got a team ready to assist you through every part of the process. No need to register, just drop in when it’s convenient for you. 

Nov
12

Explore Starting a Business - Appleton

This complimentary session provides an inside look at what it takes to launch a small business.

Nov
13

Manufacturing Job Fair - Appleton

Connecting students and employers at Fox Valley Tech's Appleton campus.

@FOXVALLEYTECH ON INSTAGRAM


Join Our Email List

Subscribe Today

Your information will remain private. FVTC will never share our email lists. See FVTC's privacy policy.

Student & Alumni Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Sydney Lyons

Student Spotlight: Sydney Lyons

For Syndey one of the most rewarding aspects of Early Childhood Education is the ability to make a difference in the lives of children.

Student Spotlight: Stazy Szymanski

Student Spotlight: Stazy Szymanski

Stazy chose FVTC because she appreciates the opportunity to earn her degree in just two years, all while benefiting from personalized,...
Student Spotlight: Noel Whiting

Student Spotlight: Noel Whiting

Noel chose the Marketing Program because the field is always changing, so there's always something new to learn and explore.

Student Spotlight: Andrea Brunner

Student Spotlight: Andrea Brunner

Andrea Brunner chose FVTC because the campus offers a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds and provides a wide range of...
Student Spotlight: Rhiannon Gauerke

Student Spotlight: Rhiannon Gauerke

Rhiannon chose the accounting program at FVTC because she views accountants as the nurses of finances in businesses and she has a love for...
Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Lauer

Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Joe Lauer

Employees are the key component of any business and Joe Lauer wants to make sure they return home safely to their families every day. Joe explains...
A Different Type of Class

A Different Type of Class

BizSquad brings students from across the college together to find solutions for local businesses. On Wednesday, May 15, current students,...