Eric Chester

"The Aliens Have Landed – Meet Generation Why”

Understanding, Managing, and Motivating The New Workforce 

Ready or not, here comes Generation Why; 68 million Americans born between 1980 and 1994.  With over 40 million 16-24 year olds currently employed, the future clearly belongs to those companies and organizations that understand and can connect with Generation Why.  They do not see things like you do, and they cannot be recruited, trained, managed, and motivated using the same strategies and methods. 

This exciting and revealing presentation will give you an in-depth look at Generation Why and help you understand what they value and how they approach the workplace.  You'll then learn specific strategies for counseling and working with Generation Why. 

The Presenter 

For more than a decade, Eric Chester has been working extensively with this generation and has personally addressed over 2 million “Gen Why” youth through his motivational programs.  He's a Certified Speaking Professional, CPAE Hall of Fame recipient, and the author of the book Getting Them to Give a Damn, How to Get Your Front Line to Care about Your Bottom Line. His corporate clients include Dairy Queen, Discover Card, Toys R Us, Bell South and others. He has appeared on Good Morning America and is frequently seen on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News providing insight, perspective, and strategies on connecting with the emerging generation. Married and living in Golden, CO, Eric is the parent of four Gen Why youth and serves as the President of Generation Why, Inc.

Julie Cunningham

“Trends and Truths in College Recruiting” 

College recruiting has taken on a new face in the last few years and several trends have emerged in how businesses undertake the task of bringing new, entry-level talent into their organizations.  But change isn’t the complete order of the day.  The old adage that “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” can also be applied as we realize that there are some timeless truths in college recruiting. 

This presentation explores the emerging trends and timeless truths in college relations and recruiting.  Julie will take you on a short journey through the driving forces that are changing the way employers and career centers structure their programs, and a reminder of the unchanging realities that are the foundation of a successful program.

The Presenter 

Julie Cunningham is an independent consultant to employers on their college relations and recruiting programs. Previously, she was Manager of Global College Relations for Tellabs and was Director of Engineering Career Services at The University of Kansas. Julie has served on the Board of Directors for NACE and the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers, and as president of the Rocky Mountain Association of Colleges and Employers.  She is also the author of NACE's Building a Premier Internship Program: A Practical Guide for Employers and NACE's Guide to Diversity Recruiting, and served as contributing editor for NACE's 2003 Employer's Guide to College Recruiting and Hiring. 

Julie was recently inducted into the NACE Academy of Fellows, in recognition of her leadership, advancement of knowledge and excellence in professional practice in the college relations field. She earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Western Illinois University.

Robin Ryan

“Establishing your Career Identity: Do You Know                       Your Strengths & Personal Brand?”

There is a unique genius inside of you! America’s most popular career coach and bestselling author, Robin Ryan, shares her trademark techniques, strategies, and national survey results, to show you how to achieve a happy career building on your talents and individual strengths. She’ll outline proven ways to advance your career identity to find more passion and joy from your work and making your job a dream career. You’ll walk away with a new definition of “Brand You”!

The Presenter

Robin Ryan has recently appeared on Oprah and the Dr. Phil show, as well as NBC Nightly News, CNN, CNBC, Fox News, and is considered America's top career coach. She has a very active career counseling practice and is the best-selling author of What to Do with the Rest of Your Life; 60 Seconds & You're Hired!;  Winning Resumés;  and Winning Cover Letters. The former Director of Counseling Services at the University of Washington, she has over 15 years of hiring experience and has spoken to over a thousand audiences on improving their lives and obtaining greater career success. 

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