Impressions from DeVry University's Career Conference

I arrived in New York City last week for what would become one of the most exciting events of my career as a business and workplace author and speaker.  On August 19th, DeVry University brought together 10 influential members of the online media, as well as a panel of career experts from the academic, corporate, and think-tank sides, to discuss the challenges job seekers face in the current economic climate and strategies they can utilize to build successful careers in the twenty-first century.

After a brief networking breakfast, we launched the morning with some remarks – grounded in research – about the fastest growing fields in the U.S: healthcare management and technology, accounting, and information security.  I shared with the audience what the careers entail as well as action steps people can take to transition into them.  I explored how additional education at a flexible, online/offline university like DeVry can facilitate a career change in a way that is manageable for the average busy American.

We then proceeded to the highlight of the morning – a panel discussion led by DeVry’s Michelle Mercutio, the National Associate Dean for Career Services.  Through an engaging discussion with the audience, panel members Lindsay Lindstrom of Microsoft, Erica Orange of Weiner, Edrich, Brown, Inc (leading futurist firm), Kathleen Frawley of DeVry, and I touched on a diverse range of career-related topics from “on the side” entrepreneurship and mid-career internships to generational differences and the new language of technology. 

After the panel reluctantly concluded, audience members filmed one-on-one interviews with panelists, viewed a smartphone career assessment and an online course demonstration, and networked with one another.  The event was so inspiring that the attendees agreed to meet as a group on a regular basis to continue the discussion. 

When I was speaking to audience members prior to the event, few were aware of just how far DeVry has come in recent years.  They certainly left with the perception that DeVry is a thought-leader in career and workplace education that is front and center in helping people of all ages find and succeed in their dream careers. 

 

Comments

[Rosalind Joffe]

Good for you to be invited and lucky for them they had you there to contribute. We need thoughleaders in this arena. Please let me know if they do anything related to chronic illness and chareer challenges.

[Alexandra Levit]

@Rosalind: You are absolutely my go to person on this topic, thank you!

[Nicolas Zoma]

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