Live Indiana Guest Lecture
Pam Norman, Executive Director, Indiana INTERNnet
January 24, 2007
On Wednesday, January 24th the University of Indianapolis had a "friend and partner" visit our campus. Pam Norman, Executive Director, Indiana INTERNnet came to campus as a guest of the Institute for Emerging Careers and Career Services to speak on behalf of the "Live Indiana" Guest Lecture Series.
The University of Indianapolis partnered with the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce to launch an Internet based state wide university internship system several years ago. Our Career Services office served as our founding partner and Ms. Libby Davis continues that relationship today as she oversees our university internship program.
Pam Norman joined Indiana INTERNnet in January 2006, when the Indiana Chamber of Commerce assumed management of the program. She is responsible for launching a statewide awareness campaign to inform Indiana businesses of the Indiana INTERNnet program and the many benefits of hiring an intern.
Ms. Norman spoke to an audience of students, faculty, and staff in which she shared many points of advice on how students can not only access her network, but how they can experience a successful internship. She told our students that through an internship they can apply the knowledge they received from the classroom. Ms. Norman used the term, "...transfer class relevancy to real world situations."
Ms. Norman shared the idea that students can gain practical skills as workers in a team. She also mentioned that students can connect with business leaders through out the state. Students can then build their own network.
Regarding how to have a successful internship Ms. Norman stated that students should, "create your own reality, sell yourself and you must be your own advocate." She also suggested that students, "...maximize their learning by volunteering for projects." Ms. Norman concluded by saying, "Today's intern can be tomorrow's employee."
Overall this was a well received guest presentation with practical advice that our students can begin applying immediately. We greatly appreciate the time and advice that Ms. Norman shared as well as her continued support of our university mission through her organization.
Toby Malichi Focuses on Global Economy
November 8, 2006
On Wednesday, November 8th,2006 the university received an update from the Global Business Community. Toby Malichi, one of Indiana's top "international citizens" came to campus as a guest of the Institute for Emerging Careers to speak on behalf of the "Live Indiana" Guest Lecture Series
A graduate of Vincennes, IUPUI and the General Motors Institute Toby spoke to our campus about the Global Marketplace. Toby is seen by many as one of the top Indiana leaders in global trade. Having worked under President Bush Sr. in foreign trade, he was called back into public service by President Clinton to speak and train others on behalf of NAFTA. He also served under President Reagan and Colin Powell in regard to issues in Grenada. From humble beginnings Toby has grown to become a very successful, self-made international entrepreneur, with expertise in establishing trade diplomacy, deal making, facilitating, marketing, and creating strategic partnerships on a global scale.
His talk focused on working within the global economy from Indiana and the benefits involved. Toby shared interesting stories that included his experience with a head of a leading electronics firm from Japan that he met in line at the Seattle Hilton Hotel. He suggested that our guests attend the November 17th Indiana World Trade Club Association meeting concerning "Immigration in Indiana, real life diversity."
Toby also suggested that our students, "take time out and sharpen your axe" a take off on the "sharpen your saw" per Covey. He went on to recommend that students, "need to learn another language, learn about other cultures, and go to cultural events." Toby also mentioned regarding fellow African-Americans in the audience that, "...2/3rds of the world looks like us." He mentioned this to inspire individuals to travel, experience the world and to work within the global community.
He also stressed the importance of "networking", and to "open up the lines of communication" and "to embrace other cultures."
"Overall it was an extremely positive experience to have Toby on campus" stated Ron Dow, IEC Director, he went on to say, "Toby is a true gentlemen; he took time to meet and talk with students individually before and after his presentation." He offered to meet with several faculty and students to further discuss global business. Dow went on to say, "What a great way to wrap up the semester series with Toby, he knows he has a new home at Uindy and many new friends."
Kevin Brinegar, President, Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
October 25, 2006
With his beginnings in Bloomington as a "Cutter" Kevin Brinegar was destined to break away and to become one of Indiana's key leaders. This October the IEC featured Mr. Brinegar as our "Live Indiana" guest presenter. Beginning with an active career with the State of Indiana legislature, Mr. Brinegar has risen to lead the Chamber of Commerce that represents employers from border to border.
Speaking from a state wide employer perspective he shared with our audience the many programs and initiatives that the chamber is involved with. For example the chamber hosted the study that resulted in our current "Indy Works" program. Presently they are involved with a study that looks at workforce literacy.
With a membership of 5,000 Mr. Brinegar shared with our students many reasons why they should consider launching a career in Indiana. A specific would be that there are estimated to be 130,000 new jobs created as a part of the state's "Major Moves" program. Regarding the life science he spoke the success that the community of Warsaw, Indiana has with its many employers such as Biomet and Zimmer. This northern Indiana county has grown to become known as the "Orthopedic Manufacturing Capital of the World."
Mr. Brinegar told our students guests that they should, "make the most of this time as it is the building blocks of life". He went on to advise that our students need to, "get the most out of school."
When he responded to a question from the IEC regarding what characteristics, worker traits and attitudes should our students have as they graduate college and move in to the workforce. He shared with us points suggested by Bill Gates. Some of these suggestions and points included: "Life is not fair, the world will not care about your self-esteem, you will not make a large salary right out of college until you have earned it, if you think your teachers are tough, your boss will be tougher, your parents are not boring, they support you, life is not divided into semesters and you do not get summers off, TV is not real life and be kind to nerds, chances are you'll end up working for one."
Joining Mr. Brinegar this day was Mark Lawrance, V.P., Corporate Development for the chamber. Mr. Brinegar shared how Mark joined the chamber after business management position with the MCL restaurant organization. Mr. Brinegar went on to say that most people change jobs and careers many times. That to maybe work for just two companies that Mark has may no longer be the norm. With this message he was trying to advise our students to be flexible and ready to accept change.
Regarding advice for our students as they enter the workforce he stated, "...punctuality, do it well, work hard, and don't just show up and try to get through the day."
In another question from the IEC regarding the value of networking he suggested that our students connect with their professors, parents and friends of your parents. Mr. Brinegar strongly suggests internships. He went on to say that if you have a summer job, try to do a job that relates to your major. Non-paid internships were also suggested as they may provide valuable experience.
