Senior Shravani Daptardar is studying analytics and information management, with a concentration in business intelligence, and she’s debating whether to go directly to work after graduation or to enroll in graduate school.
On Wednesday, she attended the School of Business Career Expo and had a chance to talk to recruiters from more than 30 top employers, as well as grad-school experts, about her options.
“It does scare me that the job market is hard for our generation, but I’m always willing to challenge myself,’’ said Daptardar, a native of Naugatuck, Conn. She said she appreciated the chance to meet potential employers in person.
“Everyone sends in resumes, but this is a chance to offer a handshake, a smile, and show them who you are,’’ she said. Daptardar is interested in a career in insurance and previously interned at New York Life.
“I’m excited to see where my future takes me,’’ she said. “It doesn’t feel real that I’m not going to be taking classes here next year!’’
Expo Highlights the Importance of Connections
The companies attending the 11th annual Business Career Expo were recruiting for both permanent jobs and summer internships. Among the companies represented were: Cigna, Cintas Corp., CVS Health, Eversource, Gallo, General Dynamics/Electric Boat, Girls Who Invest, Henkel Corp., IBM, Prudential, RTX, Sherwin-Williams, Synchrony, Traveler’s, TJX Companies, and Webster Bank. From the moment the event began in the Student Union in Storrs, the event hall was bustling. Some 700 students planned to attend.
Event organizer Kathy Hendrickson, director of the Business Career Development Office, said connections are the lifeline of job seekers, especially those new to the workforce.
“Students have been back in classes for less than three weeks and we invited them to talk with future employers,’’ she said. “The level of energy in the room shows that students are listening and are ready to embrace the career journey. Our employer-partners and alumni know the reputation of UConn students, and they are here today to show their commitment to hiring the next generation of talent. The conversations started today will create those important next steps to success.’’
‘Being a Husky Means Having the Adaptability to Succeed’
Alumnus Richmond Le ’23 is a Health and Benefits Associate at Willis Towers Watson (WTW), a global consulting firm that helps organizations manage risk, optimize benefits, and improve performance. He is based in the Stamford, Conn. office.
“I’m looking for students who exhibit a willingness to learn, fearlessness to try new things, and a willingness to say yes to opportunity,’’ he said. He is enthusiastic about the two years he has worked at WTW and believes others will be as well.
“We work hard and we play hard. I just did a corporate 5K with my team, we have ping-pong tournaments, and bowling nights,’’ he said. “It is a great place to work.’’
Le said UConn prepared him well for his career, giving him a solid foundation in business from marketing to finance to management and public speaking.
“I got promoted quickly,’’ he said, adding that he has been given new opportunities including working on an artificial intelligence project. “Being a Husky means having the adaptability to succeed.’’
The Option to Advance Quickly
Nick Battaglio, a Human Resources Business Partner at Target, who specializes in food distribution, said he was looking forward to meeting students in person.
“You can tell so much by the energy that you see and that’s not something you can discover looking at a resume,’’ he said. He and a team of colleagues were seeking future store leaders and employees to manage logistics.
Sometimes college students think they’ll become a CEO quickly, but Target’s most successful employees usually work their way up from the ground level, he said. One of his colleagues at the Expo had been promoted five times, and that’s not unusual, he said.
“Target promotes a lot of people from within,’’ Battaglio said. Despite the challenging economy, “we’re always hiring. If you’re willing to grow as a professional, you’re going to go far here.’’
Kylie Shambaugh had a similar message. Shambaugh is a Sales Leadership and Development Program and Recruiting Manager at adult-beverage manufacturer Gallo. The typical Gallo employee stays with the company for 17 years.
New employees complete a 10-week training program, which teaches them everything they need to know about the company’s 130 brands, from wine to ready-to-drink seltzers. New employees get a great deal of responsibility early on and can rise quickly, with many get promoted to district manager within two years.
“We teach everything they need to know from day one,’’ she said. “I’m seeking people who have a ‘sales personality,’ demonstrated leadership on campus, who are competitive and have persistence and grit.’’
‘A Company …That’s Willing to Invest in Me’
Junior Isabella Garcia Hernandez, founded the Opportunity Fund Club on campus, which bridges the gap between undergraduates and Wall Street. On Wednesday, she was hoping to talk to representatives from Cigna and other financial firms, about an internship.
“I’m looking for a company with a good mentorship dynamic that’s willing to invest in me,’’ said Garcia Hernandez, a native of Puerto Rico. “There is so much good energy here. It is exciting.’’
Senior Alex Magarian, a finance major, was eager to talk with Hanover, Beazley, and Travelers. The South Windsor, Conn.-native said he wants to pursue a career in insurance. He had conducted in-depth research on those companies and thought his experiences, having interned at Hartford Steam Boiler in the summer, and Nassau Re as well, would distinguish him.
“I’m looking for a place that fosters early growth. I want to be able to work my way up fast,’’ he said.
Sophomore Sophia Ruffo of West Hartford was seeking an internship in accounting. She too had done research on various companies and felt ready to make a strong impress. She is active in the Women in Business association and was going to highlight her work there.
“I’m excited,’’ she said. “I’m a little nervous, but I want to put myself out there.’’
