SMC alums speaks about business jobs
EMILY BRAMMER
News Writer
Saint Mary's alumnae returned to campus Wednesday to speak about finding a job in a uncertain economy, the importance of networking and landing a job in corporate America without ever having taken a business class.
Alysann Sieren, senior vice president of brand advertising at Bank of America, and Annie Kiperman, account supervisor at Zubi Advertising, are both 1992 graduates of the College who have been successful in corporate America, although neither majored in business while at Saint Mary's.
"Our advice to you is love what you study. You're not going to school to get a job," said Sieren. "You're going to school to learn how to think creatively. Employers hire people who can be taught the ropes [and] they can't teach you how to think."
In their talk Sieren and Kiperman assessed the top 10 most essential skills they look for when hiring an employee. The abilities ranged from thinking on a macro level to focusing on the details, learning how to follow and learning how to lead.
"Sell your ideas," said Sieren. "Good marketers brand products [and] successful people brand themselves."
Sieren and Kiperman also explained that success in the corporate world depends on being passionate about one's job.
"Your passion, or lack thereof, will be directly reflected in the quality of your work and the degree of your achievement," said Kiperman.
Sieren and Kiperman also offered practical advice for landing a job and interviewing successfully as well as common sense tips for career advancement. Kiperman discussed the importance of constantly expanding one's sphere of influence and building technical expertise and leadership skills.
"Most importantly, network like crazy," she said. "Start with the Saint Mary's College Alumnae Resource Network."
Megan McCall, alumnae commissioner for the Board of Governance helped to organize the event in cooperation with Director of Alumnae Relations Barbara Henry.
"We thought it would be important to bring the alumnae back to campus and raise awareness of successful Saint Mary's Alumnae and the importance of networking," said McCall.
All News Stories for Thursday, April 10, 2003
