K-State’s College of Business Administration played host for representatives, recruiters and executives from Phillips 66 this week. From Sept. 17-19, the energy manufacturing and logistics company spread a wealth of knowledge to business students a week prior to the All University Career Fair.
The week kicked off on Tuesday morning when executives critiqued resumes at a table on the first floor of Calvin Hall. A few hours later, students could spend an hour sitting in on a seminar simply entitled “Networking Successfully.”
On Wednesday afternoon students filled the Little Theater to listen to Chris Merriewether, lead IT recruiter, and Matt Wagner, a recruiter for Phillips 66’s finance and accounting departments, speak about career fair preparation and execution.
Using a mix of scenarios and PowerPoint slides, the two men talked about their own experiences at these events and what they look for in potential new hires. The audience was inquisitive and ended the session by asking plenty of questions about what they would encounter at Bramlage Coliseum next Tuesday and Wednesday at the career fair.
As exciting as the first two days were, the final event was clearly everyone’s favorite. Thursday night, a barbecue on the lawn of the International Grains Program Building concluded the activities. The atmosphere was more laid back and everyone enjoyed socializing with the Phillips 66 employees.
“It was good to get out and network with people,” Thomas Hobson, senior in finance, said. “[It] helped to get warmed up for the career fair. Just get out and talk. I learned a little bit about Phillips 66, I hadn’t had a chance to talk to them yet.”
Angela Carpenter, senior in accounting, said she liked connecting with K-State alumni.
“It was cool talking to K-State students who work at Phillips 66 and have jobs in the real world,” Carpenter said.
A large alluring factor the event held, in addition to networking among high-profile individuals within a company that ranks No. 4 on the Fortune 500 list, was the prizes and food that complemented the event as well as the grand prize of a Apple iPad.
“They had great food from Hy-Vee and they gave away prizes,” Darren MacDowell, senior in management information systems, said. “I got a $25 Amazon gift card. Being a Phillips 66 Shield Scholar, I felt like I should attend and try working towards a job.”
Students who participated were awarded Professional Advantage points as well as a grab bag of hints and tips for the events coming next week.