Employers create diverse networking options

Representatives from several organizations gathered Wednesday with students to discuss employment opportunities and diversity in the workplace at “Diversify Your Options,” an event put on by the IU Career Development Center.

“I am very pleased with how the event is going,” Crystal Smith, senior assistant director of University relations, said an hour into the evening. “Students are very engaged and proactive about what they can learn from the employers.”

At 7 p.m., students filed into the McNutt Quad Flame Room with resumes in hand, dressed in their best and ready to impress.

The employers, such as Unit Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington Keely Griggs, said they were excited to express their views on the importance of exposure to diversity and an “outside-of-the-box” mindset.

“I believe diversity is always important and that getting involved is one of the most valuable ways of learning,” Griggs said. “It is important to have exposure to a diverse amount of people. The Boys and Girls Club really tries to increase the amount of involvement and awareness in the community.”

The night consisted of 15-minute sessions with prospective employers. Students chose the top three employers on their lists and had the opportunity to have group and one-on-one time with the representatives.

Sophomore Kelly Gonynor said she was enthusiastic about the connections she could make at the event.

“This was a great overview of what is available, and it was a chance to dip my feet in,” Gonynor said. “Now I am ready to dive in.”

One of the goals of Teach for America is to close the achievement gap in schools, said Lee Anne McKelvey, Indiana recruitment director of Teach For America.

“Some students may not be fully aware of the issue in the achievement gap – 98 percent of our students are from lower socioeconomic backgrounds as well as African-American, Asians and Latinos,” McKelvey said. “We want more people to be aware and involved so our students can reach the dreams they set for themselves.”