Four Midland University students attended the Nebraska Professional Business Leaders Fall Leadership Conference at the Henry Doorly Zoo Aquarium Conference Center on October 22 in Omaha.
The conference featured executives and young professionals as well as keynote speakers Zach Mellender (Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Business Systems and Analytics Manager), Ben Wigert (Gallup of Omaha Director of Research and Strategy, Workplace Management), and Wendy Boyer (Executive Director of the Peter Kiewit Foundation).
Midland students who attended the event were Elissa Dames, Scott Tatum, Riley Herring, and Piper Rasmussen. Students were joined by Rita Bristol, Associate Professor of Business and PBL Advisor at Midland. Midland alumni Alex Knobbe, Jennifer Gegzna, and Jennifer Roeber Claus also participated in the event.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to network with some outstanding business professionals,” said Bristol. “High-ranking executives and business entrepreneurs were eager to connect with the PBL members throughout this conference. Our students were able to connect one-on-one with multiple professionals and meet peers from many different states. It was a great experience for our students and one of the many events they can participate in through PBL.”
Dames said attendees were presented with the opportunity to visit with many different business leaders during networking sessions. “We got the opportunity to talk to so many different employers from a variety of companies,” she said. “Events like this are designed to provide resources and networking opportunities to students, and it gives you a chance to build your networking skills and meet people you might not have met otherwise. I highly encourage students to attend these events while in college.”
Rasmussen added that attending these types of events allows students to broaden their horizons and expand their knowledge. “I would encourage students to get involved and take chances,” she said. “Attending PBL conferences can really help students open their eyes to a world of possibilities they may not have gotten before. While having those opportunities on campus is crucial to the success of students, meeting students from other schools and other backgrounds is very cool! You might also have the opportunity to meet with a business that isn’t at your career fair or networking events.”
PBL is a student organization that provides opportunities for students to develop vocational competencies for business and office occupations and business teacher education.
