SFA business students learn from industry professionals during annual College to Career Conference

Business executives spoke with Stephen F. Austin State University Rusche College of Business students during the college's fourth annual College to Career Conference. During the "Are you 1 in 118?" panel session, executives discussed the importance of an active education, business experience, multitasking and more. Executives included Lou Ann Richardson, Wells Fargo; Stephanie Schubert, Hajoca; Mike Parham, Pepco Sales and Marketing; Dustin Beavers, Austin Bank; Heather Harris, Edward Jones; Austin Smith, Reynolds and Reynolds; and David Haltom, Doors Control Services.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University students in the Rusche College of Business recently met and learned from industry professionals during the college's fourth annual College to Career Conference.

"The C2C Conference continues to be one of the highlights of our year in the Rusche College of Business," said Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the Rusche College of Business. "This year, we were pleased to have several new employers involved with providing guidance to our students, as well as discussing career opportunities."

Throughout the event, speakers from across the state representing companies such as Kohls, Wells Fargo, Wintrust Commercial Finance, Commercial Bank of Texas, Pilgrim's Pride, Austin Bank and more spoke with students in various sessions and executive panel discussions.

"Our panel discussions were a huge highlight of the conference," said Megan Sellers, coordinator for career success and corporate engagement and academic advisor in SFA's Rusche College of Business. "Students had the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional advice from industry experts."

Sessions focused on various topics, including building one's brand, networking, personal strategic planning, entrepreneurship, first impressions and more.

"There was a lot of information to soak up throughout the day, but one of the main takeaways was that these high-level CEOs, presidents, vice presidents and other executives were once in the students' shoes," Sellers said. "Many of them started at SFA, and this knowledge motivates students to pursue their dreams."

An invitation-only employer reception followed the conference. During the reception, SFA's top scholars in the College of Business visited with executives on a personal level.