CLEVELAND, Miss.— Delta State University’s Office of Career Services is continuing its efforts to ensure students and alumni are prepared both academically and professionally once they graduate through its Young Professionals’ Conference (YPC).
Slated from 1 to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, the half-day, virtual conference is designed to help develop, cultivate and enhance soft skills that are essential for career success.
Topics for this year’s event include: “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace & the New Face of Professionalism”; “The Young Entrepreneur”; and “Passport to Success,” which will provide insight on Linkedin, the Statesmen Connect and preparing for virtual interviews.
Free professional headshots will also be offered on the third floor of the H. L. Nowell Student Union as part of the event.
Director of Career Services Nakikke K. Wallace Johnson said she developed the concept for the conference in 2019 after receiving feedback from employers interested in recruiting students for internships and jobs.
“Students learn many things while in the classroom here at Delta State. However, we see common trends in career development where although prepared academically, our students need professional development which happens in the ‘career’ classroom,” Wallace explained.
In addition, Wallace said she also sought to consolidate the information made available to students through multiple individual workshops throughout the academic year.
“Combining all of this information, we developed the concept of a free one-day conference where those who attend could learn tips and develop skills to help them along their young professional journey,” she said.
“This year the conference is virtual and our target audience includes current DSU students faculty, staff and alumni. One of the major initiatives of the Office of Career Services is to create PROs – Proficient, Refined, Okras! “
To register to attend the 2021 Young Professionals’ Conference, visit www.deltastate.edu/YPC. Registration closes on Monday, April 5.
For questions or more information, contact the Office of Career Services at (662) 846-4646, or careerservices@deltastate.edu.
