Student Symposium Program
August 1st | Virtual | Time Zone: ET
11:30 am to 12:00 pm
Plenary: Welcome Program & Ascend Impact Stories
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Plenary: Getting Your First Job in the U.S.A.
Students with little to no work experience usually face challenges in launching their careers in the U.S. Job postings may ask for years of experience even when they are early-level jobs. It is not easy to get interviews when applying online, making it hard to gain experience to obtain an interview, a vicious cycle. The panelists will discuss ways college students can navigate barriers and develop their network of professionals and personal branding to help them land their first job in the U.S. International Student attendees will learn about different work visa alternatives and communication techniques with potential employers regarding visa status and future sponsorship. Students will also get tips to help them prepare for the Ascend Career Fair the next day!
1:00 pm to 1:15 pm
Wellness Break
1:15 pm to 2:00 pm
Breakout Session: Developing Your Value Proposition
In a competitive market, a strong personal value proposition is at the heart of a successful job search and career strategy. In this session you will learn what is personal value proposition and why it is important for students, how to develop an effective value proposition, and which pitfalls to avoid.
Breakout Session: How to Succeed at a Virtual Career Fair
Virtual career fairs offer candidates and employers an opportunity to connect in a virtual environment. Preparing for a virtual career fair doesn’t have to be a challenge. Join this session to learn important tips and tricks of virtual career fair participation and how to put your best self forward in a virtual setting.
Breakout Session: Stress & Wellness: Finding Your Balance as a Student
Students spend most of their waking hours focused on academic responsibilities. Overtime, this can turn into mental and physical stress. Managing daily stressors well is critical to overall well-being. In this session, you will learn about effective stress management strategies that enable you to find the right balance you need for your mental and physical wellness.
2:00 pm to 2:15 pm
Break
2:15 pm to 3:30 pm
Plenary: Scholarship Ceremony Presented by Ascend Foundation in Partnership with EY, Robert Half & Protiviti, RSM
Ascend Talk
3:30-4:30 pm
Plenary: Education as an Equalizer Scholarship Ceremony Presented by Synchrony Fi & Ascend Foundation
Career Development Panel