The Unity Week's events offer numerous opportunities for students to start their year off with meaningful engagements with alumni, industry leaders and employers.
As the 2023–24 academic year gets underway, the Broad College is holding a new event designed to connect students with employers and alumni. The college’s Multicultural Business Programs and Russell Palmer Career Management Center have teamed up to host the inaugural Champions of Diversity and Unity Week, Sept. 25–29.
“I was interested in trying to build something special for the fall semester that would allow for education and connection around diversity and inclusion among students, alumni and employers,” Ed Tillett, director of MBP, said of the event’s inception. “I’m most looking forward to the impact this will have on the students who choose to attend. We are starting something special with this week that can evolve in years to come to meet the needs of students and empower them with connection opportunities in the heart of the recruiting season.”
Kristina Reitler, the Palmer Center’s associate director of employer relations, added that she hopes students and recruiters benefit from making new connections, hearing inclusive perspectives and feeling empowered. “Through the various weeklong activities, there are occasions to enhance professional skill set, engage with alumni, share diverse viewpoints and learn about internship and full-time job opportunities.”
Why students should attend
Champions of Diversity and Unity Week, which is planned as an annual event, offers numerous opportunities for students to start their year off with meaningful engagements with alumni, industry leaders and employers. They can build their network, practice their elevator pitches and get valuable advice about how to stand out when searching for internship and full-time positions, which will help them in the months ahead as recruiting season ramps up.
“I hope students will take advantage of this opportunity to meet individuals who have walked in our steps before and have valuable experiences and advice,” Kennedi Bryant, a human resource management sophomore, said. “The value of diversity is priceless and something we should embrace.”
Bryant is the founder and president of Black and Broad, a college-wide student organization for minority communities to be empowered in their professional journeys. She noted that she’s most looking forward to learning about professionalism from alumni and industry leaders, as well as networking.
“Students should attend [the events this] week because of all the amazing alumni and networking opportunities,” she continued. “MBP and the Palmer Center have a variety of new, informative and cool events happening all this week for the first time!”
I hope students will take advantage of this opportunity to meet individuals who have walked in our steps before and have valuable experiences and advice. The value of diversity is priceless and something we should embrace.
What the Unity Week entails
Across five days, students can engage with employers and alumni through educational seminars, networking opportunities, panel discussions and more.
Monday, Sept. 25: Religious Observation and Celebration
Students can stop by the Palmer Center for information on religious observances and celebrations.
Tuesday, Sept. 26: Student Professional Development Day
Industry professionals will share their expertise on topics relating to professionalism, building confidence and recognizing that a career journey is more than just applying and securing an opportunity. Students will gain insights, guidance and real-world perspectives that will shape their path toward excellence.
Join us in the Business College Complex, Room N100, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 27: Alumni Panel and Mixer
Michigan State alumni will share firsthand perspectives on what they value most in potential candidates. Students can uncover the traits, skills and experiences to set them apart in the competitive job market. Following the panel, students can connect with these alumni through casual conversation during the mixer.
Join us in the Minskoff Pavilion Multi-Purpose Room from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28: Employer Networking
Students can expand their network with industry leaders, gain knowledge about company cultures and showcase their unique talents during this casual networking event.
Join us in the Minskoff Pavilion Multi-Purpose Room from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29: MBP Morning Reception and WBSA Career Fair
Engage with the event’s generous sponsors and leaders from organizations that are dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. At this casual networking event, students will have the opportunity to gain unique insights, forge connections and contribute to the evolution of equitable opportunities.
Join us in the Eppley Center Level Up Academic Space from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Immediately following the reception, all MSU students are encouraged to attend the Women in Business Students’ Association 17th Annual In-Person Career Fair.
Join us in the Minskoff Pavilion Multi-Purpose Room from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Registration for the Champions of Diversity and Unity Week’s events is required and can be found at msu.joinhandshake.com.
Media Contact:
- Chelsea Stein
- Associate Director, Content Strategy, Broad College of Business
- steinche@broad.msu.edu
- (517) 353-0540
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Get Connected with Broad:
- Business College Complex
- 632 Bogue St
- East Lansing, MI 48824