Virtual Panel Discussion Brings Together Students, Women Leaders

Jocelyn Rodrigues ’21 MBA wants to learn as much as she can about navigating the workforce after she graduates this spring. This is especially important as the coronavirus global pandemic has led to changes and new challenges in the workplace.

That’s why she was interested in attending a recent virtual panel discussion, titled, “What Employers R Looking 4 – A Conversation with Women Leaders.” Sponsored by the University’s Women’s Leadership Council, the event brought the University community together to learn from leaders in several fields.

“This discussion was not only inspirational, it was a great learning experience for me,” said Rodrigues. “I received some concrete advice and guidance on challenges faced when pursuing jobs and entering the workforce in the current climate. I also learned tips and tricks to be successful in such scenarios.”

The panel, which included professionals in healthcare, law enforcement, and engineering, discussed the current states of their respective industries and the impact the pandemic has had. Moderated by Marcus Paca, assistant director of employer relations in the University’s Career Development Center, the event focused on how students can position themselves for success in the workplace and in their job and internship searches.

“Our students benefited a great deal from the stories, experiences, and advice shared by an exceptional set of panelists,” said Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business. “I’m very proud to have partnered with Board of Governors member, Pompea College of Business Advisory Board chair, and Women’s Leadership Council co-chair Josephine Moran ’01 M.S., ’19 EMBA to create this important and influential event for our University of New Haven community.”

‘They help us develop a competitive edge’

Moran, executive vice president and chief corporate services & consumer lending officer at Provident Bank, was one of the panelists. She discussed the financial services industry, which, she says, offers high levels of job satisfaction. She also told the University community which skills are crucial to success in the industry, such as problem solving, public speaking, and critical thinking skills, and discussed the many opportunities for women to succeed in the industry.

“The financial services industry is focused on diversity and recruiting talented women,” she said. “They’re looking for fresh talent, especially women, to improve and broaden organizations’ focus and performance. Women do very well in the industry, and we are crucial to its success.”

For Rodrigues, the MBA candidate, the discussion was an important opportunity to learn from women who have valuable experiences, insights, and advice to share.

“I believe programs like this in which we hear firsthand from such successful role models contribute to what makes the University of New Haven such a special place,” she said. “These events not only provide us with networking opportunities, they help us develop a competitive edge to be successful in our own future careers.”