Competitive Edge

The job market is tough and employers are looking for graduates who have a competitive edge.  Don't get left behind and learn how to compete professionally!

Competitive Edge is a workshop series designed to give you the opportunity to learn from current professionals about what it takes to start your career and have a professional edge over everyone else!  The workshops are held every other Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center, MLIB 172.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Self Leadership: Leading from the Inside Out

Once you get into your first professional job, you will be faced with lots of decisions.  These decisions will start to define you as an employee, as a leader and as a person.  This will be an interactive workshop exploring scenarios and situations you may face in the working world and help you develop a framework to make the right choices that will help you get ahead.

Presented by Katie Peterson, the Program Coordinator in the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center (CCLC).  She received her M.S. in College Counseling & Student Development in 2009 and has worked in Career Services, Student Activities, Civic Engagement and Residence Life helping students develop their leadership skills and understand their own personal growth.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013
It's All About Who You Know:  Networking for Professional Development

This workshop will address techniques on how to establish beneficial professional relationships through networking.  Learn more about the important skills for making connections and how to overcome common misconceptions about networking as well as techniques you can use to strengthen your circle of influence.

Presented by Dawn Frank, advisor for Educational Opportunity Program at Chico State.  She has worked on campus since 2009 and she has received her B.A. in Multicultural and Gender Studies in 2005.  Dawn has worked in the non-profit sector, county, private and public institutions.  She credits her strong networking, community and campus collaboration experience and skills to her professional success.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013
What I Wish I Knew

Are you prepared to go out into the professional world?  Is your experience going to help you compete professionally?  As a graduate of California State University, Chico, there are many harsh lessons I learned the hard way.  This session will talk about the top 10 things I wish I knew before I graduated that would have better prepared me for the world ahead.

Presented by Krystle Tonga, Assistant Program Coordinator in the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center.  Krystle is a proud CSU, Chico Alumnus and is currently working on her Masters in Public Administration.  Krystle has been in the CCLC since 2009 and is passionate about empowering students to reach their potential!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Developing a Healthy Relationship with MONEY!

This seminar will give you the foundational information necessary to build wealth over the course of your lifetime.  We will discuss money saving ideas, the pros and cons of credit cards, buying cars, student loans, interest rates, and answer questions that you might have about money.

Presented by Jeffrey Harrington, Assistant Residence Community Coordinator in Whitney Hall.  He received his Bachelor's degree in Finance and Business Administration, teaching credential and taught junior high business computers and many other subjects.  Currently, Jeff is developing and facilitating seminars for students to become more effective leaders and is loving working at Chico State!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Finding Balance in a .dotcom Society

In this present age where people's lives are concentrated around Facebook and how news is first disseminated, discovered then discussed on Twitter, the question of how to find balance is both appropriate and expected.  The workshop hopes to address those issues and explain how you can balance your need to feel LinkedIn with your requisite desire to remain professional and aware of our influence.

Presented by Robert Morton, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and has been a Chico State Staff member since 2012.  He is a 2007 graduate of Ohio's only public Historically Black University, Central State University and has earned a Juris Doctorate-Master of Divinity at Emory University.  Robert has a passion to understand the intersection of race, religion, culture and politics.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
What Does "Being Professional" Really Mean?

Professionalism encompasses a variety of attributes.  As you are job searching, you may ask yourself what is expected of a professional?  We will explore this fluid concept through discussion and guidance.  I will also explore the concept of how professionalism is judged, what characteristics are appreciated by supervisors, and what you can do to acquire your dream job.

Presented by Sarah Lasnik who is an alumnus of CSU, Chico and the University of Mississippi.  She has worked at 3 institutions within the last 5 years.  Currently she is the Residence Community Coordinator for University Village within the Dept. of Housing and Food Services.  She enjoys developing student leaders into professionals and encouraging individuals to explore their future endeavors,

Wednesday, May 8, 2013
SMART Goal Setting to Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Your work-life balance will inevitably change throughout your career.  Come out to this session to learn how to create SMART goals to ensure you are in control of your schedule and priorities during each new phase of your life.

Presented by Melanie Mitchell, the Residence Community Coordinator of Whitney Hall.  She is from Orange, New Jersey and loves to travel.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Education and Public Policy from the University of Delaware and her Masters of Education from Iowa State University.  Melanie has spent the last four years as a Residence Director at the University of Washington and is thrilled to be working here at Chico State!