Sponsored by CHES, along with MELT and Ticket Solutions, the event began with an insightful talk from MELT CEO Vince Thompson. MELT is a large Atlanta-based agency whose clients include Coca Cola, KIA, ESPN, Hershey, Walmart, Powerade and many others.
Thompson’s keynote address “10 Great Things Successful Job Seekers Do” offered guidance to students about ways to successfully secure a job after graduation. Identifying your passion early and following it relentlessly was number one. Also high on his list was gaining real-world experience. Thompson pointed to the many opportunities college students have to work including internships, volunteer positions with campus organizations and for events like game days. He advised them to do their research during the interview process to get to know companies and their decision makers, to create their own personal brand and to be respectful but persistent. He closed with “no really just means not yet.”
A panel discussion with Thompson, Jessie Gardner of UA Athletics and Corey Biggs of Ticket Solutions followed. Students later had an opportunity to network with representatives from MELT, Talladega Superspeedway, Topgolf and UA athletics, sports marketing and licensing.