Recap of the 17th Annual Jim and Judy O’Brien Capital Markets Colloquium
Joseph Salvador
Stillman News Editor
The 17th Annual Jim and Judy O’Brien Colloquium was an insightful event filled with valuable discussions on professional development, networking, and industry trends. Throughout the day, speakers from various industries shared their expertise, providing Stillman Business Students with vital career advice.
The day began with the opportunity to listen to one of three prospective speakers within the health care industry. Robert Neira, a Senior Director of Field Strategy & Operations, emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence in career advancement. He shared with the audience the importance of listening before reaction and how this development was crucial to his success. Additionally, he stressed the power of networking, as many of his career opportunities came from connections with past employers. As an alumnus of Seton Hall, Mr. Neira emphasized how useful the Career Center was for him and challenged each of us to utilize it as a tool for our success.
The next session gave students the opportunity to learn from leaders in each of their perspective fields. Ed J. Bishof’s session highlighted time management, breaking down the importance of how we use our limited personal time effectively. He also provided an interesting perspective on university finances, explaining how universities collaborate with banks for safe investments that yield steady financial growth—symbolizing this strategy as the tortoise compared to the hare.
The third session was a BlackRock panel, which offered insights into the hiring process, emphasizing that they seek candidates based on their abilities rather than just their major. They also stressed the significance of a strong resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, as these elements play a critical role in securing job opportunities. The panel encouraged students to craft a compelling storyline that highlights their passions, purpose, and career aspirations. By developing a narrative that showcases their unique journey and motivations, candidates can stand out and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
The next session was a Bloomberg panel, which provided practical knowledge on how to effectively use their platform. This discussion was particularly useful for students in finance-related courses. Additionally, the speakers shared their unique career paths, noting that many of them were external hires without extensive prior experience.
The day concluded with Morgan Stanley, where the importance of networking was reiterated. Building meaningful professional connections and maintaining a strong LinkedIn presence were emphasized as key factors in career growth.
Overall, the event was an enriching experience, providing attendees the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of speakers with valuable insights into career success.
Contact Joseph at Joseph.Salvador@student.shu.edu