An Employer’s Perspective on the Job and Internship Networking Mixer
Written by: Jaqueline Clark, Student Assistant for Career Development
We interviewed two employers from the Spring 2023 Job and Internship Networking Mixer, Sara Marlovits from Northwestern Mutual and Dan Synde from Heritage Valley Healthcare System. Also, we interviewed one employer from the recent Fall 2023 Job and Internship Networking Mixer, Valetta Mays. These employers gave an insight into the mixer event, views about students, and advice for them as well.
Describe yourself and the company.
Coming from the Pittsburgh region, Marlovits obtained her degree in Marketing Management and Entrepreneurship. After graduation, she worked with Amazon and had sales positions in local Pittsburgh businesses. Eventually, she obtained her current position as a campus recruiter at Northwestern Mutual. Her company is a holistic financial planning company that helps its clients build financial security through insurance and investment planning. “The essence is to make sure we give a feeling of confidence to our clients,” said Marlovits.
At the previous Job and Internship mixer(s), what were traits that you identified in Chatham students that made them desirable candidates for the opportunities offered?
One trait that stood out to Marlovits was the students’ courage to talk with them. “You don’t always get that with students,” described Marlovits. “With a lot of students that we talked to, we noticed the courage they had to introduce themselves regardless of whether it would lead to something or not.”
What is your success concerning recruitment from this event?
Marlovits described that she was able to recruit two students at the Spring 2023 Job and Internship Mixer. “We extended an offer to her [the student] before the event,” said Marlovits, “and she introduced us to her friends, which turned into an initial interview and starting right into the hiring process.”
What is one trait that you are seeking in Chatham students for the upcoming mixer?
Marlovits shared that the one trait she seeks out in Chatham students is their confidence and courage. “Our internship is mostly a sales role, which involves relationship building and networking as you build financial plans for clients,” she said.
Do you have any advice for Chatham students who have hesitations about attending this event?
“If you are a student, I can understand the nerves of talking to employers. But if you have a mindset of practicing introducing yourself and your elevator pitch, then it reduces the pressure,” Marlovits said.
Sara Marlovits- Campus Recruiter for NorthWestern Mutual
Dan Synder- Talent Management Coordinator from Heritage Valley Health System
Snyder is pictured with Justin Sell, a Human Resources Generalist, at a recent career fair.
Describe yourself and the company.
Snyder has been working with Heritage Valley Health System for six years, and he is the talent management coordinator who directs community outreach. Heritage Valley Health System provides various healthcare services in Eastern Ohio, Allegheny County, Butler County, Beaver County, and Lawrence County in Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Also, they coordinate 3,700 employees and 600 physicians.
At the previous Job and Internship mixer(s), what were traits that you identified in Chatham students that made them desirable candidates for the opportunities offered?
“We were very impressed with the professionalism that students displayed,” shared Snyder. “At other networking mixers, [students] were not prepared, but here they had resumes, dressed well, and were open-minded about opportunities and positions.”
What is your success concerning recruitment from this event?
Snyder acknowledged that while he looks for radiology and nursing students, he does share information regarding psychology programs in Beaver and Kennedy locations. “In terms of success,” he said, “we made them familiar with the company and seeing if there were opportunities to benefit them whether in school or post-graduation”. By sharing this information, he also hoped to fill open positions in these units to better serve the community.
What is one trait that you are seeking in Chatham students for the upcoming mixer?
Snyder is seeking the high level of professionalism that he saw in the previous mixer. “We are not seeking perfection,” he said, “but those little things [ie. resume, dressed well, engaging] go a long way.”
Do you have any advice for Chatham students who have hesitations about attending this event?
Synder’s advice is to have the mindset that it is just a conversation. “There are no reservations for this conversation,” he voiced. “I will try to help you figure out what is a fit for you—not even in the company but in the healthcare system.” Also, he shared that being engaged, open to different opportunities, and having a resume handy to create a connection with an employer are useful tips.
Valetta Mays- Constituent Advocate for Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA 12th District)
Describe yourself and the company.
Mays’ experience in non-profit organizations provided her with a social work aspect that is useful when interacting with constituents for Congresswoman Summer Lee. Congresswoman Summer Lee is a Pittsburgh native who graduated from Howard University School of Law. She ran for a state seat and became the first Black woman from Western Pennsylvania to obtain that position. Later in 2022, she was elected to the US House of Representatives for Pennsylvania’s 12th District. “Having this opportunity to work from the ground up for this process has merit, “described Mays. “Many do not get that, and I am happy to have spent my time here.”
At this Job and Internship mixer, what were traits that you identified in Chatham students that made them desirable candidates for the opportunities offered?
Mays explained her process when considering students for an internship opportunity. “I aim to develop talent from the students who are shy and unsure of their futures,” said Mays. “I want to give it to students that are open to new experiences and want to continue it.” At the Fall 2023 Job and Internship Networking Mixer, she did find a student that fit her description.
What was your success concerning recruitment from this event?
“If I find one intern or received multiple applications [for this internship], then I consider that a success,” she said. “There was no time wasted in this experience.”
What is one trait that you are seeking in Chatham students for the next mixer?
Mays described that they can provide a quality internship for political science majors even if it is not in DC. “I just want students to be open and have interest in their work, so I can help students develop themselves”, described Mays.
Do you have any advice for Chatham students who have hesitations about attending this event?
“What do you have to lose?”, questioned Mays. “There is food, and you can increase your network”. She noted the importance of networking building to one’s career. “You never know where you can go,” said Mays, “but it [that connection] can be your next option.”