FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington recently held its seventh annual College to Corporate Symposium to help guide business students as they prepare to graduate and enter the working world.

Successful Maine business professionals who graduated from UMF shared their postgraduate experiences with participating UMF students during an informative panel discussion. The dialogue was moderated by Kate Baum, UMF assistant director of alumni relations, class of 2007, and featured panelists: Melanie Arsenault, class of 1981; Sven Bartholomew, class of 2002; Samantha DePoy-Warren, class of 2006; Chris McKee, class of 1992; and Paul Spizzuoco, class of 1989.

Students learned about current hiring practices, future industry trends, the best way to rise to the top in a job interview, key ways to navigate today’s job landscape and meet employers’ expectations and more. Understanding what an employer looks for in an interview was of special interest to students.

According to Bartholomew, a vice president at Bangor Savings Bank and president of UMF’s Alumni Council, making a desirable impression at an interview requires some homework. He recommended students prepare by “learning what the job actually does.”

McKee, vice president of corporate programs at Geiger in Lewiston, pointed out that though some students don’t have a lot of work experience, they should dig deep and be creative. “Tell your story,” he said. “That’s what I’m interested in.”

Baum said this annual event helps students transition from classroom to career opportunities.

“Students really benefit from hearing firsthand what to expect as they look for that first job after graduating,” Baum said. “Events like these help students be successful in the job market, and hopefully they’ll come back to campus to share their experiences with the next generation of students.”

The event was sponsored by the Ferro Alumni Center; UMF Career Services; Division of Social Science, Business and Global Studies and the UMF Pre-MBA Program. Career Services offers one-on-one career counseling services to students regarding career and academic issues and continuing workshops and information regarding internships, resume and interviewing skills and graduate school planning.

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