Every young professional wants to make it to the top. Sometimes all it takes is a little ambition, creativity and good business sense.
To help guide this path to success, the Business Alumni Chapter at Florida International University (FIU) and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce recently joined forces to host a panel discussion on the “Tricks of the Trade.”
As part of the chamber’s Helping Young Professionals Engage (HYPE) program, the breakfast event brought together business leaders from the community to share industry best practices. The panel included Iliana Abella, realtor, vice president, residential division, Greater Miami Investments, Inc.; Ricardo Ludert, managing director, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network; and Lydia Sacasa, private mortgage banking branch manager, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Wayne Shah, senior vice president, Wells Fargo Bank N.A., moderated.
According to Sandra Marenco (BBA ’09), Business Alumni Chapter president, more than 30 young professionals (including College of Business Administration alumni) took advantage of this opportunity to rub elbows with seasoned executives who have endured, even thrived, through many economic cycles.
The event aimed at those under the age of 40 who are making a mark in the community.
Take notes and succeed.
The “Tricks of the Trade” discussion touched on the interview process, social media, marketing advice and the pros and cons of changing career paths.
“I believe the greatest value attained by the event attendees was learning what hiring managers are looking for in a desired employee,” Marenco said. “Many often believe that current young professionals have a sense of entitlement. And, on the flip side, oftentimes humility is confused with a sense of weakness. Neither is the case.”
Marenco also noted the fact that the Business Alumni Chapter and the Miami Chamber’s HYPE committee share the same target market, which helped drive the success of this event and, hopefully, future events.
