Office of Equity and Inclusion holds Fireside Chats

Fireside Chats bring professionals into an informal setting with students to share advice on preparing to move into the professional world. The Office of Equity and Inclusion will host the first of the Fireside Chats in the department’s lounge Sept. 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This event will feature Mark Hager, senior recruiter for Edward Jones as well as Michael Nichols, a partner for Boyden Executive Search. Both will speak on topics such as professional development and recruitment as well as the importance of internships and early career experience, allowing students to receive first-hand advice as they move forward in their career paths. 

“This is not the first year for the event, but it started as an initiative to bring in speakers for students so they could hear relevant topics,” Melissa Ann Harris, the director of communications and branding at Liberty, said. “It’s an opportunity for us to expose students to a more professional setting where they get an opportunity to ask questions as well.”

During Fireside Chats, students will be able to interact one-on-one with professionals who will give advice for a career
after college.

Frederick Krisimpa, a Liberty University student, anticipates learning from the speakers. 

“I love going and learning,” Krisimpa said. “I look up to people who speak at the Fireside Chats events. I love learning their culture, what leadership looks like and what their perspectives on it (are) and how I can become a better person and leader.”

Additionally, students are allowed to bring their resumé to the event to show to professionals. Professionals will then be able to consider hiring students based on their resumés or provide them with connections to benefit their careers.

Fireside Chats are open to students in all majors around campus.

“We are looking forward to a successful year with our students and an opportunity to unite everyone on campus,” Harris said.  “We’re really excited about the different professionals we’re going to be bringing here through Fireside Chats, and we can’t wait to meet everyone.”

For more information on upcoming OEI events, news or to contact them, visit their website. 

Amaro-millan is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion