Student Affairs Hosts Talk by Motivational Speaker for Young Workers

It's no secret that Old Dominion University seniors are heading into a very tough job market.

Many of them have accessed many of the services that ODU's Division of Student Affairs offers, including career planning, resume writing and interviewing. But what happens after they land that entry-level position?

On Monday, March 23, Student Affairs will host a talk by Gary "Doc" Sailes, called "From the Classroom to the Real World: Success Strategies College Doesn't Teach You."

The talk is set for 7 p.m. in the Mills Godwin Jr. Building auditorium.

Vicki Bonner, associate director of student development and engagement with the Division of Student Affairs, says the timing of the seminar is perfect.

"Recognizing that the last few weeks of the spring semester are challenging, we feel this would be an excellent program to motivate and energize students to finish on a strong note," Bonner said.

"This program will be an interactive experience that we hope will re-energize our students, challenge them to evaluate their potential to be successful and inspire them to be purposeful regarding their future."

Sailes has both a master's degree and doctorate in human performance. Currently a professor at Indiana University, he created a leadership program because of his belief that today's students aren't tough enough for the real world.

"I don't present the average leadership program," he said. "The major leadership theories that other presenters use do not make up the core of my program. I emphasize ideas like mental toughness, confidence and communication."

Sailes said employers told him they were frustrated by young employees' lack of professional sophistication, communication skills and independence.

"I knew that I needed to go back to the drawing board with my students and start teaching how to develop the skills that would make them better leaders, communicators and, eventually, employees."

Sailes said that too many exceptional students are graduating today without the basic professional skills needed to land and keep top-notch jobs.

"I help students discover what these skills are and guide them to start practicing these skills today, before they leave campus for their first job interview," he said.

For more information about the seminar, call 683-3442.