Visiting speakers to help UM-Flint students explore career possibilities

Students and alums can gain career advice from business professionals at four events hosted by the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management between Feb. 25 and April 7. This series includes a virtual panel discussion followed by three in-person networking events focused on business franchising, General Motors' culture of community and belonging, and careers in corporate law.

Students are already seeing the benefits of attending events like these. Tiffany Guerrero, a junior from Imlay City majoring in business administration, took part in SOM's Financial Planning Networking event earlier this month and found it enlightening.

"Attending the Financial Planning Networking Event gave me valuable insight into how relationship building and trust play a major role in the industry," Guerrero said. "Getting involved in the field and making professional connections while still in school showed me how valuable early engagement can be for my future career."

Virtual Alumni Career Panel

Three UM-Flint graduates will share their experiences managing work and people during a Virtual Alumni Career Panel, from noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 25, on Zoom. Panelists will include:

• Joshua Finney, '13, '17M, project management office manager at General Motors.
• Erick White, '17M, of Stefanini North America, whose focus is global projects and Canada service delivery for The Dow Chemical Company.
• Madalyn Newcombe, '20, human resources coordinator and plant administrator at Magna International.

Registration is not required to participate in the Virtual Alumni Career Panel.

Business Franchising Networking Event

Six alums will inform visitors about buying, owning and operating business franchises during a Franchising Networking Event, from 5:30-7 p.m., March 16, at 2200 Riverfront Plaza. A franchise is a company that holds a license to conduct business under the trademark and trade name of a franchisor, such as McDonald's. Panelists will include:

• Jennifer Keahl, '17M, owner of StretchLab in Brighton and Clarkston.
• Raymond Kusch, '19,  former director at fit20 USA and former senior consultant at FranchiseWell, LLC.
• David Lantzy, '13M, agent at David Lantzy State Farm.
• Sylvester Tyler, '18, director of operations at Jantize America.
• Rick Tromble, '78, former president of Tromble and Company, a Taco Bell franchisee.
• Jeff Wood, '10, senior vice president of operations services and deployment at Tatte Bakery & Cafe and former senior vice president of strategy innovation and franchise operations at Panera Bread.

Hanna Johnston, a senior from Flint majoring in marketing, was eager to register for the Franchising Networking Event.

"I'm excited to attend because I'm interested in learning from experienced franchise owners and building relationships with professionals who are growing businesses in Michigan," Johnston said. She added that she looks forward to hearing the panelists' "insight into how strong branding and customer experience support long-term success."

Those interested in attending the event should register by March 11.

General Motors Networking Event

Representatives of GM's employee resource groups will share how they found a sense of community and belonging at the automaker during a General Motors Networking Event, from 5:30-7 p.m., March 26, at 2200 Riverfront Plaza. ERGs are "employee-driven groups focused on a shared and often protected characteristic, life experience, or interest," according to the Society for Human Resource Management's website. Of GM's 12 ERGs, those likely to be represented include the:

• GM African Ancestry Network Group
• GM Latino Network
• GM Women
• Professional Management Network

Those who plan on attending this event are asked to register by March 23.

Careers in Law Networking Event

Business students considering a law career can learn from alums in the workforce during a Careers in Law Networking Event, from 5:30-7 p.m., April 7, at 2200 Riverfront Plaza.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, law firms employ people working in more than 100 occupations. In addition to law practitioners, these roles include accountants, bookkeepers, general managers, operations managers, human resource specialists, record clerks and more.

Panelists will include:

• Genevieve Fischré, '08, '16M, staff attorney at the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
• Nicholas Goldsworthy, '12,  partner at Witt & Goldsworthy, PLLC.
• John Potbury, '90, chief assistant prosecuting attorney at the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office.

Alums and students of any major may register to attend by April 3.

Visiting SOM
All in-person events take place on the second floor of the Riverfront Center. Parking is available across Saginaw Street at the Harrison Street Parking Ramp.