Ferrum Business Students Get Expert Advice on How to Get Hired in Tough Market
October 26, 2009
nfaunce@ferrum.edu
In this tough economy, graduates entering the workforce will soon be faced with the daunting task of competing with hundreds of other applicants for a job after college. But now, Ferrum College business students are getting some much needed help thanks to the formation of the new Business Advisory Board. The Board, which is made up of presidents and CEOs from several area and international businesses, was formed to meet the demands of business while ensuring quality education for students.
Demetri Tsanacas, Professor of Business, says, “This newly formed Board will be a tremendous asset to not only our students but to our professors and community as well. We want to know from these business professionals what we should be teaching in our classrooms so that we can better prepare our students for the workplace.”
Board members will meet twice a year at the College to talk to the students and professors about what they’re looking for when hiring employees. On October 9th, the Board met for the first time in the Founder’s Room in the Stanley Library. During that meeting, the Board discussed what they are looking for when hiring, the classes being offered at Ferrum, and even suggested changes to the curriculum that would benefit the students. “We are really looking for students who can problem solve,” says Mark Hudzik, Vice President of Member One Federal Credit Union. “We need people who can think outside the box, and also have real life experience. There are so many opportunities for internships or work programs in our communities and we want these students to take advantage of that,” he explains.
The meeting was extremely beneficial to students like senior Business Administration major, Sam Catron. “I thought it was great to find out from the people who do the hiring themselves what qualities and skills they are looking for,” says Catron. “I can make sure my resume reflects those qualities so I can be more competitive when looking for a job.”
“This is a win-win situation,” says Tsanacas. “By having a voice in the activities of the Ferrum College business department, businesses will benefit directly. Not only will our graduates come to them better prepared, but the College’s educational programs will continue to meet the workforce training needs of all employees.”
The Business Advisory Board members at Ferrum College are:
Russ Johnson, Franklin County Supervisor, Gills Creek
Douglas Monk, Board Chair, Former COO Tredegar Corp.
Mark Hudzik, V.P., Member One Credit Union
Ken Gassman, Jewelry Research Institute
Samuel Oakey III, ‘82, Owner, Oakey Funeral Homes
Peter Gawley, President McAirlaid’s USA
Ken Randolph, President, Rockydale Quarries Corp.
Bill Jacobsen, CEO Franklin Memorial Hospital
Phil Hager, Owner, Phil Hager Insurance Agency
Harry Norris, Owner, Howell’s Motor Freight Inc.
James Currie, Entrepreneur, Vice Chairman Levelvision LLC
Joel Shepherd, Entrepreneur, Owner, Virginia Furniture Market
Gene Bailey ‘69, President, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance
Dr. Ted Edlich, President, TAP
Joan Litton, Realtor, Litton Team, Mountain to Lake Realty
Jay Greeley ‘02, Department of Defense Administrator
Gary Guengerich, Retired EVP 1st Colony Life Insurance
For more information on the Business Advisory Board, contact Tom Cosgrove in the Corporate Relations Office at TCosgrove@ferrum.edu or 365-4218.