The University of Indianapolis Professional Edge Center has hosted a series of events throughout the months of October and November leading up to the Field Goal Kick for free tuition. Events included a resume review, the LinkedIn photo booth, TGIF (hosted by the junior class and again by the sophomore class), mock interviews, an etiquette dinner, a career fair and a question-and-answer session called “Ask The Recruiter.”
Vice President of the Professional Edge Center Cory Wilson said there have been over 20 events to help students in their future careers. Events such as the TGIF hosted by the sophomore class included such topics as on pre-interviewing, tips on answering questions and post-interviewing, each in 10-minute intervals.
“Students are always welcome to come over to meet individually and talk about different things, preparing themselves for what they are going to do after they graduate,” Wilson said.
In the “Ask The Recruiter” session in which students could ask questions of recruiters from insurance companies, law firms and investment companies. The questions have included the interview process, what to wear and how to answer questions. Senior business administration major and Vice President of the Human Resource Club Evan Thie also helped plan the event.
“[I have learned] more tips and pointers on how to be successful in an interview and how to apply for a job better,” Thie said.
Another event included the etiquette dinner, which focused on proper etiquette during an interview over dinner. Christie Pate Herron, a certified etiquette consultant, helped guide the students to better their chances of scoring their dream job. Herron covered topics such as how to use a napkin properly when removing residue from the face, the one-drink limit for alcohol and if you accidentally spill something on your host, always to ask if you can pay their dry cleaning bill.
“All of the events that we’ve done since the first of October through Nov. 3 are eligible for students to be entered to kick a field goal for free tuition,” Wilson said. “So we’ll select one male and one female student who will have a chance to receive free tuition. Or even if they go out there and they miss, they’re still going to get free books, so it’s a win-win.”
The selection show for the Field Goal Kick took place Thursday, Nov. 5. The event began with President Robert Manuel and mascot ACE the Greyhound selecting one male and one female name out of a total of 550 students total who participated in the events.
Freshman marketing and international business major Danielle Power and freshman sports marketing major Brandon Zehner were the two students chosen to kick the field goal at halftime during UIndy’s last home game at Key Stadium beginning at 6 p.m.
Zehner attempted the Field Goal Kick for free tuition, however he slightly missed, but still received free books. Power attempted her field goal kick but also missed. She, too, received free books for the upcoming semester, courtesy of the Professional Edge Center.
Wilson said that Handshake, the career management tool, is a great resource for finding out what upcoming events the Professional Edge Center is hosting. Wilson and the Professional Edge Center already have plans for the next event.
“Spring semester, we’re actually going to do four different weeks of activities, so an activity each month for one week themed toward different activities. So it’s going to be a different approach to providing interesting ways to engage our students,” Wilson said.
The Professional Edge Center is located at the Stierwalt Alumni House and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. One-on-one appointments are always welcomed, just email proedge.uindy.edu 24 hours prior to scheduling the appointment.
