Students had the opportunity to learn about diversity in work and life through networking activities and various speakers on Saturday.
The Work-Life Conference was held in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. Students learned about taking the right steps in their careers, finding internships and the basic skills young adults need in the work-force.
Byron Ballard, Career Center customer service assistant, said he enjoyed having an opportunity to invite students to hear informative speakers to guide them in their career paths and also having a networking and etiquette luncheon at the end of the conference.
"The Work-Life Conference was a great way for students to gain the tools they need in the work force," Ballard said. "We wanted to find a way to let people know that professionalism is universal, and these are the things you will need in the workforce to accomplish your dreams."
Students learned the different career skills that will help them in the future by attending three informative career sessions.
Keynote speaker and author Chaz Kyser, who holds a master's in publishing and bachelor's degrees in journalism and sociology, talked about working as a black woman, the challenges and success strategies. Kyser tried to inspire students to dream the highest to reach their goals.
"I know first-hand, as a former college student, that while college may give you the book smarts you may need to succeed after college," Kyser said. "It doesn't necessarily give you the professional smarts you may need when you are in the work force."
Kyser also mentioned the types of discrimination minorities encounter in their careers and how they have to work twice as hard and twice as smart as white counterparts to succeed in their jobs.
"Three in ten black workers have reported experiencing discrimination or unfair treatment at work, and many of these racial acts do not get reported," Kyser said.
She said she wants students to learn to accept people for who they are and look past skin color, by having students talk to someone that doesn't look like them.
During the first session of the conference, Brandon Bute, associate director for career development at the Career Center, talked to students about making sure to be on the right track and start making progress toward your goals by learning about the different resources available in the center.
In the second session, Kyser also spoke to many women in the ‘More like Michelle, Less like Madea' session, stating how black women need to be strong role-models like Michelle Obama and follow in her footsteps.
Students learned about her published book "Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman's Guide to Life after College." The book covers the daily tools women need to know in trying to follow their career path and being successful.
A question and answer session was held for students to ask Ball State alumni questions about taking the right steps in their careers.
Tarryn Silver, a sophomore journalism graphics major, said she liked how the activities challenged them.
"It was a great way to network with someone of a different race," she said. "It broke the ice [and it was a] nice way to meet new people."
At the end of the conference, Julian Grace, reporter and anchor of WISH-TV Indianapolis, inspired students to have passion for their dreams and to cultivate and learn from people.
Ballard said the conference was made possible from the support of the National Association of Black Journalists, the Multicultural Center and the Black Student Graduate Alliance and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
"The conference was a great way for students to network and learn about their careers," Ballard said. "The speakers connected with students and showed that I've been where you are and follow these simple steps in finding your career."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
