Virtual Partnership Conference

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Last Updated: Jun 03, 2025, 10:19 AM

2025 Virtual SIU Partnership Conference

Educate | Experience | Employ
Wednesday, June 25th | 10:30 – 2:30 CST 

Conference Prize: FREE Registration to SIUC Fall All-Majors Job Fair on Sept. 16th, 2025, | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

The SIUC Career Development Center invites you to experience our 3rd Annual Virtual Partnership Conference. Discover how SIU students can become valuable members of your team, explore partnership opportunities with our campus, and gain access to tools that simplify and enhance your recruiting experience. 

Register Today

Conference Registration Fee 

  • Waived for SIU Faculty/Staff
  • Early Bird (Through June 24th) $50
  • Same Day Registration (June 25th) $60

Agenda 

Session 1: Unlocking Connections - Handshake Updates & Partnerships at SIU  

Time: 10:30 – 11:00 AM CST 

Presenter: Nicole Wood, Career Development Center's Employer Relations Coordinator and Kendall Perez, Handshake Relationship Manager.

Learn about the latest updates to Handshake and new opportunities for partnering with the SIU Career Development Center. This session will cover enhanced features like interview scheduling, job-based approvals, and targeted events that improve your ability to connect with SIU students. Whether you're a long-time partner or exploring campus recruiting for the first time, you'll leave with actionable ways to build meaningful student-employer relationships. 

Session 2: Engaging with International Students in a Time of Ongoing Change 

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST 

Presenter: Tina Sickinger, Director of International Student & Scholar Services at SIU’s Center for International Education, Yi Lee, Attorney for Olive Branch Immigration Services 

Join us for a timely conversation about the evolving landscape international students face as they transition into the U.S. workforce. This session features expert insights from immigration law and international education professionals and offers guidance for employers who wish to better support and connect with international student talent. 

Lunch Break 

Time: 12:00 – 12:30 PM CST 

Session 3: Coaching Generation AI: Recruiting and Retraining Today’s Early-Career Professionals 

Time: 12:30 – 1:00 PM CST 

Presenter: Dr. Craig Engstrom, Director of Undergraduate Programs, Center for Teaching Excellence, Southern Illinois University  

Learn how generative AI is friend and foe to recruiters and careerists with Craig Engstrom, Ph.D., a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), resume and career coach (Communication@Work LLC), and associate professor of business communication at SIUC. 

Session 4: Leading with Communication  

Time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM CST 

Presenter: Josh Houston, Senior Lecturer of Communication Studies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale 

Strong leadership starts with strong communication. This session explores key communication practices used by successful leaders and invites participants to reflect on their personal leadership and communication styles. 

 Session 5 – Win the Talent War: How to Attract Young Professionals Without a Big Budget 

Time: 1:30 – 2:30 PM CST 

Presenter: Nic Skovgaard, Founder of AlterEgo Marketing & Grayson Investments, and TEDx Speaker 

Today’s young professionals aren’t just looking for a paycheck... they’re looking for purpose, growth, and authentic connections to companies. Businesses don't need flashy perks or giant budgets to stand out; they need a better approach to connecting with what really matters to this new generation. 

Prize Session and Closing Comments 

Time: 2:30 – 2:45 PM CST 

Stick around to see if you are the winner of a FREE registration to the Fall Job and Internship Fair on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025!  

***Registration fee is non-refundable

Employer Quotes

"It is wonderful the effort that SIU is investing in its students to promote success postgraduate. I wish these services were offered when I was in school."

"Amazing information and our company started using Handshake more frequently."

"I am very excited about the opportunities offered on and off campus, specifically the department specific speaking opportunities and externships."

"The SIUC Virtual Partnership Conference was a great way to get to know the faculty that makes it happen on campus. It gave me insight into how I can serve them as a partner and serve their students as an employer. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to get involved with SIUC in the future."

"This was a very well-rounded conference. There was a basic training on the Handshake app, discussion on how to appeal to students, how students could be helpful to an organization, and opportunities both on campus and off campus to connect with potential candidates. A lot of great information was shared today."