FloridaACE2025

FloridaACE2025

1:00pm EDT

First-Time Attendee Orientation

Wednesday June 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Speakers

Alexandra Minnick

Assistant Director, Career Planning, University of Central Florida Career Services

Alexandra Minnick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works with traditional and nontraditional college students in the Central Florida community. She currently works as the Assistant Director of Career Planning at UCF Career Services for the last 3 years. She has... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Student Success through Collaboration Between Career Services, Faculty, & Employers

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Collaboration between Career Services, faculty, and employers plays a crucial role in preparing students for successful careers. This roundtable discussion will explore some of the best practices for integrating career planning and preparation into academic experience, fostering student engagement, and bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Topics will include embedding career development into curricula, leveraging faculty influence to promote career readiness, utilizing experiential learning opportunities, and creating a partnership between academics, career support services and area businesses. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to encourage student participation in career planning, ultimately enhancing student success and post-graduation outcomes.

Speakers

Matina Wagner

Business Faculty, Polk State College

Matina Wagner, MA, SHRM-SCP spent a decade working with the military and government, before switching gears and going into the private sector. She served as the Recycling Program Administrator for the Walt Disney World Company. She stayed in this role for seven years before going... Read More →

Lynn Chisholm

Faculty, FSU Certified Public Manager Program, Florida State University

Lynn Chisholm is Faculty in the Certified Public Manager program at the Center for Public Management at Florida State University. She was an adjunct instructor for 9 years and has been full-time faculty for 3 years, facilitating leadership and management development for rising leaders... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

Bridging the Professionalism Gap

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Proposed by Agnie Duplis, Industry Outreach Representative at Full Sail University, and facilitated by FloridaACE's Professional Development Committee, this roundtable will explore the growing disconnect between undergraduate students' professionalism and employer expectations in today’s job market. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, hiring managers have increasingly reported a decline in early career talent’s professional behavior, citing issues such as no-call-no-shows for interviews and job start dates, poor grammar in written and verbal communication, and a lack of preparedness or follow-through. These behaviors not only hinder students' individual success but also damage employer trust in entry-level talent pipelines. The conversation will bring together educators, career services professionals, and employers to examine the root causes of these professionalism gaps, including changes in learning environments, limited work-based experiences, and shifting cultural norms, and to identify strategies for rebuilding career readiness. This discussion will seek to uncover effective interventions so institutions and employers can partner to better equip students for the professional demands of the workplace.

Speakers

Angie Duplis

Industry Outreach Representative, Full Sail University

Angie's first job in the entertainment field was within the hallowed halls of Walt Disney World's Character Department. After working in themed entertainment for 5 years, she expanded her work to include roles on film and television after moving to Hollywood. She explored the worlds... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

Empowering Global Talent: Insights and Trends in International Students Programming

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

During the 2023-2024 school year, almost 45,000 international students attended universities or colleges in Florida. International student attendance has continued to increase each year. International student programming ensures that international students are prepared to enter the global job market with the necessary skills and confidence. This roundtable discussion aims to explore and share valuable insights and emerging trends in programming designed to empower international college students. By bringing together career development professionals, employers, and educational institutions, the event will focus on identifying the key skills and strategies required to enhance the career readiness and professional growth of 21st Century international students, exchanging perspectives, and generating innovative ideas for programming or efforts.

Speakers

Alexandra Minnick

Assistant Director, Career Planning, University of Central Florida Career Services

Alexandra Minnick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works with traditional and nontraditional college students in the Central Florida community. She currently works as the Assistant Director of Career Planning at UCF Career Services for the last 3 years. She has... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

New Kids on the Block: Supporting New Employees in Career Services

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Join us for an engaging roundtable discussion focused on supporting new employees in the career services field. This session is designed for supervisors who are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of both new professionals and those new to the career services industry. We will explore common challenges faced by new employees, such as adjusting to the demands of the role, building confidence, and navigating the complexities of the field. Participants will brainstorm strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of allowing room for mistakes and learning opportunities. Our goal is to empower new employees to do their best work, fostering a culture of continuous growth, professional development, and comfort within their roles. Don't miss this opportunity to share insights, gain new perspectives, and collaborate with peers to enhance the support provided to new professionals in our field.

Speakers

Amanda Marshall

Director of Operations & Marketing, University of South Florida, Center for Career & Professional Development

Amanda Marshall serves as the Director of Operations & Marketing in the Center for Career & Professional Development at the University of South Florida, Tampa campus. With a deep passion for fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, Amanda leads the Operations & Marketing... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders: Best Practices for Student Supervisor Development

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Higher education is ever changing with the types of students we serve, especially when they are taking their first professional journeys. Along with these changes, new staff members are beginning their full-time professional careers, which includes the task of being a new supervisor to student employees. To keep up with changes to both processes and the students, it is imperative to have student supervisor trainings to address these needs. This roundtable discussion is designed for any person at any level to talk about supervisor training. The topics that are going to be covered are training mediums, topics, and timelines done for managers and supervisors of student staff. The goal is to expose all participants to new ideas that other institutions are currently doing and/or talking through areas that someone feels need some sort of addressing.

Speakers

Christopher Lang

Student Employment Coordinator, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg

Chris Lang is the Student Employment Coordinator at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg with multiple years of higher education experience from orientation to housing, now working in career services. Chris graduated from the Texas State University with an M.Ed in Student... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

Strategic Storytelling: Leveraging Platform Data for Career Services Reporting

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

In Career Services, we know our work supports students' career mobility, but how can we effectively communicate that information to leadership? In today's data-driven environment, career services professionals must effectively demonstrate their impact to retain funding for their team. This session addresses the challenge of translating platform data, appointment metrics, and student and employer feedback into compelling narratives for various stakeholders. Participants will discuss how to identify key performance indicators and craft brief strategic reports that showcase their team's successes. Career Services teams can effectively transform raw data into actionable insights, driving strategic decision-making and securing vital resources for the team.

Speakers

Kristen McKnight

Senior Employment Engagement Manager, Western Governors University

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

The Game Plan: Career Readiness for Student-Athletes

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Connecting with student populations whose experiences differ from our own requires intentional reflection and strategy. Not all of us were student-athletes, but we may work closely with this student group. Together, we will work through a Bridge Building activity, designed to review assumptions, explore gaps in understanding, and identify meaningful ways to connect. This worksheet encourages a shift in language, rethinking default approaches, and committing to showing up in relevant ways. Although this activity centers around the student-athlete population, this roundtable is designed to support authentic, student-centered connection for all populations.

Speakers

Brittney Pieper

Employer Development Program Manager, Florida State University

As a two-time Florida State University graduate, Brittney is proud to serve on the Employer Relations team at the FSU Career Center. As a newer professional in the Career Services field, Brittney cultivates relationships with organizations that share a commitment to FSU students with... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Beyond the Logo: Creating Value-Driven Sponsorship Programs

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

A sponsor’s impact shouldn’t stop at their logo; let’s turn commitment into real connection. Employer sponsorship programs are vital for fostering strong industry partnerships and enhancing student career opportunities. This roundtable discussion will explore strategies to strengthen sponsor participation, increase return on investment, and align program offerings with both employer and student needs. We invite employers and career services professionals to share best practices, challenges, and innovative solutions to enhance sponsorship value while maintaining meaningful engagement. Through collaborative discussion, we aim to identify strategies for optimizing program structure, refining benefits, and fostering long-term employer partnerships. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to implement at their institutions, ensuring that sponsorship remains a mutually beneficial investment for all stakeholders.

Speakers

Taylor Sandifer

Assistant Director, Employer Relations, University of Central Florida

Taylor Sandifer is an Assistant Director of Employer Relations at UCF Career Services, where she cultivates strategic partnerships with engineering and technical employers to enhance recruitment initiatives and career programming. In this role, she manages the employer sponsorship... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Campus Recruitment Trends: the good, the bad, and everything in between

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Ever want to sit down with a recruitment learn all the dirty secrets behind campus recruitment? This session will cover campus recruitment & recent trends from an employer's perspective including ATS, AI, general trends, Tik Toks, and DEI. This roundtable will be very interactive and gives attendees to pick the brain of an employer and share best practices for ensuring student success.

Speakers

Amanda Shere

University Recruiting Sr. Associate, Grant Thornton LLP

Amanda Shere is a dedicated and accomplished University Recruiting Senior Associate with a robust background in higher education, career development, and talent acquisition. In her current role, she excels in identifying and nurturing top talent, ensuring a seamless recruitment process... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Empowering Global Talent: Insights and Trends in International Students Programming

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

During the 2023-2024 school year, almost 45,000 international students attended universities or colleges in Florida. International student attendance has continued to increase each year. International student programming ensures that international students are prepared to enter the global job market with the necessary skills and confidence. This roundtable discussion aims to explore and share valuable insights and emerging trends in programming designed to empower international college students. By bringing together career development professionals, employers, and educational institutions, the event will focus on identifying the key skills and strategies required to enhance the career readiness and professional growth of 21st Century international students, exchanging perspectives, and generating innovative ideas for programming or efforts.

Speakers

Alexandra Minnick

Assistant Director, Career Planning, University of Central Florida Career Services

Alexandra Minnick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works with traditional and nontraditional college students in the Central Florida community. She currently works as the Assistant Director of Career Planning at UCF Career Services for the last 3 years. She has... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

From Excellence to Forgotten to Essential: Reimagining On-Campus Interviews for the Next Generation of Talent

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Are employers less likely to use on-campus interviewing as part of their campus recruiting strategy? COVID changed the landscape in regards to options for recruiting, but unfortunately, on-campus interviewing seems like it was forgotten as employers moved on to virtual options. This roundtable discussion will explore how we are reinvigorating on-campus interviews. We will facilitate a sharing of ideas on why on-campus interviews are ideal for recruiting Generation Z, how to increase employer participation, and brainstorm new creative strategies on how to evolve the service into an essential aspect of an employer’s campus engagement, bringing it back to its former glory.

Speakers

Dwayne Peterson, MS, MBA, GCDF

Director, Industry to Campus Connections, University of South Florida

Dwayne Peterson is a nationally recognized career educator, strategist, and higher education career services leader with over 15 years of experience facilitating career development for clients and students at all educational levels. A first-generation college graduate, his diverse... Read More →

Alexa Abourizk

Industry to Campus Connector, University of South Florida

Alexandra is a motivated and ambitious motivated and new career services professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of South Florida. In her role as Industry to Campus Connector within USF’s Center for Career & Professional Development, she... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

From Vision to Visibility: Crafting Impactful Marketing & Event Branding Strategies

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

This roundtable session will explore how to develop a structured marketing plan that integrates social media, email campaigns, and traditional marketing distribution to promote cross-functional programs. Participants will gain insights into leveraging various marketing channels and how to develop consistent branding to create cohesive and impactful promotional strategies. We will show examples of how we implemented marketing strategies to cross-promote programs effectively.

Speakers

Marisela (MJ) Juarez

Employer Relations Coordinator, University of Central Florida

Marisela Juarez (MJ) is an Employer Relations Coordinator at the University of Central Florida, where she plays a key role in strengthening connections between employers and students. With expertise in event planning and marketing, she helps coordinate the bi-annual Internship and... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Resumes that Win: Application Material for Student-Athletes

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Student-athletes develop invaluable skills - teamwork, leadership, time management - but translating these experiences onto a resume can be a challenge. In this interactive roundtable, we'll explore how to support student-athletes in telling their unique stories on paper with a standout resume. I'll share my evolving resume template, designed specifically for athletes, and discuss key takeaways from working with this population. Together, we'll examine real-world scenarios and brainstorm ways to highlight transferable skills beyond traditional work experience. Participants will leave with practical strategies and resources to empower student-athletes.

Speakers

Brittney Pieper

Employer Development Program Manager, Florida State University

As a two-time Florida State University graduate, Brittney is proud to serve on the Employer Relations team at the FSU Career Center. As a newer professional in the Career Services field, Brittney cultivates relationships with organizations that share a commitment to FSU students with... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Serving Those Who Served: Tailored Career Support for Veteran Students

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Join us for a dynamic roundtable discussion focused on effectively supporting veteran students through tailored career services. This session will explore practical strategies for engaging military-affiliated students, including veteran-focused programming, targeted outreach, and strategic partnerships with veteran organizations. We’ll discuss how to identify transferable skills, interpret military resumes, and connect students to transitional programs such as SkillBridge. Participants will also examine top industries hiring veteran talent and explore employer partnerships that offer veteran-specific opportunities. The conversation will include marketing approaches, survey data insights, and the key questions career advisors can use to guide veteran students more confidently. Whether you’re looking to enhance your existing services or build new veteran-focused initiatives, this roundtable will offer actionable insights and collaborative dialogue to better serve those who’ve served.

Speakers

Anthony Hankerson

Employer Engagement Manager, Western Governors University

Anthony Hankerson is a United States Navy veteran and advocate for veteran employment. With a background encompassing active duty and reserve service, he deeply understands the unique skills and experiences veterans bring to the workforce. His professional experience includes successful... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Strategic Storytelling: Leveraging Platform Data for Career Services Reporting

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

In Career Services, we know our work supports students' career mobility, but how can we effectively communicate that information to leadership? In today's data-driven environment, career services professionals must effectively demonstrate their impact to retain funding for their team. This session addresses the challenge of translating platform data, appointment metrics, and student and employer feedback into compelling narratives for various stakeholders. Participants will discuss how to identify key performance indicators and craft brief strategic reports that showcase their team's successes. Career Services teams can effectively transform raw data into actionable insights, driving strategic decision-making and securing vital resources for the team.

Speakers

Kristen McKnight

Senior Employment Engagement Manager, Western Governors University

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

The Trend Towards Skills Based Hiring

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

In recent years, the hiring landscape has been shifting towards a skills-based approach, emphasizing competencies over traditional degree requirements. According to reports from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and insights from HR professionals, many employers are prioritizing demonstrable skills when making hiring decisions. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for universities as they prepare students for the workforce.

Speakers

Martha Seney

Career Coordinator & Adjunct Instructor, Florida Polytechnic University

Martha Seney is a Career Coordinator in Career Services at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, FL, where she leverages her academic background and professional expertise to empower students in their pursuit of meaningful career opportunities. Martha holds a Bachelor’s degree... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

5:00pm EDT

Wine & Coloring with FloridaACE Leaders

Thursday June 12, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Thursday June 12, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

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