Students, alumni discuss career options

Students and professionals met and exchanged ideas Wednesday in the Indiana Memorial Union's Tree Suites.\nIn nearly every room, alumni held panel discussions on a range of topics about the search for a career path.\nStudents attending the event could choose from health care, education and human services, law and government, finance and banking, information technology/e-business/new media and marketing, advertising, public relations and event planning.\nAfter signing in with Student Alumni Association members, students were free to sit in on any panel, each filled with at least a few alumni.\nTwo seniors who attended the event, Mary Cusic and Lianne Groth, said they were pleased with their experiences in the law and government panel. They said they are interested in going to law school and thought the event could help them gain insight into the field. \nThe most valuable aspect of attending the event was learning from the real experiences alumni had, Cusic said. Groth, who came to find out about career possibilities and opportunities outside of law, said she was not opposed when she was given a number to call concerning women in the law profession.\nJoe Bissmeyer, a junior marketing major, said he was looking forward to the marketing/advertising/public relations panels. He said the Career Day and similar events are a great way for students to network and learn more about possible careers.\nJill Lees, juvenile programs officer with the Plainfield Police Department, said she has been involved with a variety of activities through the department since her graduation in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.\nShe said she participated to open students up to the idea of law enforcement as a career.\n"Law enforcement can open a lot of doors. It is the most ongoing education you can have," Lees said. She said her department supports continuous learning for its officers, because developments occur at such a rapid pace that it takes a concerted effort to stay on top of the field.\n"It's one of those jobs that's a lifestyle," Lees said. "I live it 24 hours a day."\nThree alumni panelists were involved with the information technology/e-business/new media discussion.\nDave Gulbransen, CEO of Vervet Logic, graduated from IU in 1996 with a degree from the Individualized Major Program, specializing in theater (scenic design) and computer design. John Blue, a technology advocate for Eli Lilly and Company, graduated in 1985 with a degree in computer science and earned a master's degree in the same field in 1992. Cullen McCarty, a vice president at Smithville Telephone Company, graduated from IU in 1996.\nThe three spoke of the constantly changing technology industry. Blue stressed working and dealing with people as one of the important aspects of character that is often overlooked.\n"Knowing how to interact with people and being able to always find ways to make things work is a skill that can't be measured," Blue said.\nGulbransen emphasized the importance of students getting involved in an industry in which they have a sincere interest. He said, specifically of the high-tech industry, that reading trade journals and keeping current with trends is important. All three technology panelists recommended students remain focused on everything surrounding the subject, including the immediate business processes and interpersonal skills.