Get connected and pursue your career path: this was the aim of Campus Philly’s Spark Virtual Recruiting Event on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 3pm to 6pm. 26 recruiters from the Greater Philadelphia region welcomed students through the online Brazen platform. Students had the opportunity to chat directly with representatives to network and learn about their unique companies.

Among employers that connected with students during the event were Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, Cigna, Deloitte, Campbell’s Soup Company, Merakey, Energage, and several others.

This online space also allowed young professionals to gather valuable advice and insights right from employers. Two live broadcasts were offered by companies Merakey and GLG, and were facilitated by Campus Philly Event Host, Ayannah Kamryn and Campus Philly VP of Attraction, Engagement, and Retention Marissa Christie.

For students looking to help others in their future career, Merakey Lead Recruiter within Intellectual and Developmental Studies Terry Pitman highlighted the vast potential within the company. Located in over 12 states, this health and human services company’s mission is undoubtedly centered around helping others. Pitman even shared that “merakey” is a Greek word for “putting your heart and soul into your work”.

There are several possible roles you can take on at Merakey. This includes the departments of addiction recovery service, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, foster care, agent services, and more.

As a recruiter, Pitman shared what he seeks in a candidate. Being transparent about your goals has great value; that is, expressing the work you are specifically looking for.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Pitman said. Passion and willingness to learn are very important throughout the career search and exploration process. Asking questions are key in creating connections with employers.

GLG, a solutions company serving nonprofits, companies, and firms in 12 countries, encouraged students to join their professional insight network. Over 50 entry level positions in Philly are open within the company! GLG Senior Client Solutions Associate, Emily Willard, shared her career insights and experiences at GLG so far.

Her experience with the company has been incredibly positive. From work culture to her role of providing financial solutions to clients in different industries, Willard has found her ideal career fit. Finding your ideal fit comes with important lessons along the way.

Willard reminds students that interviews are a chance for you to interview the company, too: this is how you find your ideal career positions. She has found that highlighting your personal failures and how you overcame them has made the difference in her interviewing process. Authenticity is a sought after quality in interviews.

Companies such as GLG are accessible to many different majors, but certain skills and qualities are always important to keep in mind as a candidate.

“Being able to communicate and communicate with confidence is important,” Willard added. This is in addition to being attentive to detail and expressing humility in the workplace. 

Geralyn Gregory, Campbell’s Soup Company Sr. University Programs & Executive Recruiting Specialist, also suggests being as specific as possible in your career search.

Both Gregory and Pitman emphasize the value in networking. In fact, this has helped Pitman in ultimately landing positions throughout his journey. Also, tailoring your resume to the position you are seeking will guide you closer to your goals.

“Stay positive and connected!” added Gregory. Students can look forward to other networking opportunities happening this semester. Campus Philly is hosting the event “Black and Brown Students in Tech” on the virtual Brazen platform on Tuesday, Oct. 19 from 3p.m. to 6p.m. Stay connected with Campus Philly for more details!