For our Career Champion Spotlight, we would like to highlight the involvement and contributions of Stephane Chow.
Stephanie is a Regional Manager with Techtronic Industries (TTI). She connected with TTI at a career fair during her senior year. In her current role, she interacts with students in similar ways, attending career fairs and networking events, having discussions with students about how their career goals and TTI can match. Let’s learn more about Stephanie and how she assists students with their career goals.
How did you get into your line of work? Did anyone help you along your career journey when you were a student?
I met TTI at a career fair while I was a senior at Ohio State. The two managers who interviewed me made the process seamless and individualized their approach towards me; regularly connecting with me to answer any questions, provide more info, etc. I also utilized my school’s academic advisors frequently, both for scheduling classes, narrowing down interests, and comparing potential employers.
What are some main qualities or transferable skills you look for in potential candidates? What competencies are in high-demand in your field of work?
The biggest quality I keep an eye for within potential candidates is ambition. What sticks out to me in a resume is when there’s club involvement, leadership positions, part-time work, etc. where the student is actively making an effort to explore interests, cultivate their passions, and/or give back to their communities! Within TTI, our highest utilized competency is communication. Communication and evidence of it being used within a resume is always something I look for, and is pertinent to the day-to-day in managing client/customer relations, maintaining corporate partnerships, and communicating with other team members.
What can a current student do while in school do develop these skills?
I encourage students to take on leadership roles to help flex these and build these skills, along with speaking on relevant experience during interviews – examples including presentations given, captainships or persuasion methods used at work, in clubs, etc.
“Asking questions shows anyone you’re working with that you care, want to learn, and provides regular practice of important communication skills.”
Stephanie Chow
What resources did you use during your time at Ohio State that helped you in your career journey?
As a college student, I heavily relied on my academic advisors within the school of business. I also frequently asked for guidance/opinions and insight from older members of student organizations along with peers at my part-time job at the time. Utilizing these resources allowed me to gain multiple perspectives and guidance from people whom have had more experience than me and know what red flags to avoid and green flags to look out for.
Why did you decide to become a Career Champion?
I decided to become a Career Champion to develop a stronger relationship with both the students of UConn and faculty! As an employer, it’s important to me that we make connections with the campus to understand what students find attractive in jobs post-grad, as well as provide any insight to students on how to make themselves more marketable. I am excited to give classroom presentations and help provide guidance for students!
If you were talking to a colleague about joining the Career Champion program, what would you share with them about the benefits of joining?
The Career Champion program allows for its users like myself to stay connected to campus and provide resources that I otherwise wouldn’t know. This includes recruiting events, different organizations to get involved with, connections to both faculty and students, and more!
Finally, what is one piece of advice you would give any student during their career development journey?
Ask questions and get involved! Don’t be afraid to ask the questions that you want to understand, I was a very shy person in school and would often avoid speaking up. Asking questions and staying engaged shows employers and anyone you’re working with that you care, want to learn more, and provides regular practice of communication skills.
