Bob Allen News Release

Bob Allen’s “Hire-Ed” presentation given on Lyndon State campus

Bob Allen presented his “Strategies for Success in an Uncertain Job Market” to interested Lyndon State students and faculty.

Allen, the interim president and CEO of the Direct Marketing Association and former CEO of the Vermont Country Store gave a 45 minute presentation in the Burke Mountain Room to an intimate group of students who were interested in learning his secrets for success after college. A retiree at 55 from his first position of power, Allen’s presentation was well-organized and contained valuable information for undergraduate students preparing for a successful future.

His presentation consisted of a five slide powerpoint presentation, with each slide featuring different strategies for college students both during their education, and after their education has been completed.

The first section of the presentation emphasized strategies for students in college. The ideas that were discussed in this section included learning to read and write, expanding coursework horizons, finding internships, learning about customer service, and being closely connected with career services. With regards to reading and writing, Allen said that students should continue to refresh their skills in these areas even after graduating college by taking adult courses. He emphasized the importance of taking advantage of both paid and unpaid internships in order to expand students’ horizons, and giving them hands-on experience in their field of study before entering the workforce. He also stressed the importance of students connecting with career services and staying connected with them throughout the duration of their time in college.

In the next section, Allen discussed post-college strategies. He emphasized the importance of having a clean and well-organized resume to present to potential future clients. He also gave students tips on what to include in job applications, both academic and non-academic related. He informed students that the willingness to be flexible in the areas of job, pay, and location are important when looking to be hired in a certain field, as willingness to travel and move around looks good to employers. Students were also encouraged to participate in social networking as it is a good way to get their name out there early on in their professional lives.

Allen proceeded to discuss the new economy, and America’s position in the job market. With the current slow growth and permanent lean seen on many of the positions in today’s job market, Allen encouraged students to take a job where they had sustainability and job security. He also discussed how white collar jobs are not the only ones of value and that students should find jobs that they are passionate about rather than worrying about how much clout they will have.

Allen concluded the presentation by discussing “millenials,” and how we will be welcomed in to the workforce. He discussed how young people will offer a new perspective and will be able to teach “old dogs new tricks.” He also encouraged students to start a blog or website in order to promote their skills and what they will offer any potential employers considering hiring them. He concluded his presentation by reminding students to “be creative, innovative, take risks, and have fun.”

A brief question and answer period took place immediately after the ceremony, giving the students and faculty in attendance the opportunity to participate in the discussion. Bob Allen was very well-spoken and receptive to his audience, and the students and faculty in attendance were very attentive and engaged in what he was presenting to them. This was a very informative presentation, and all students should take advantage of future opportunities to attend similar events.