Alumni, it’s time sign up for the free Fall 2024 Career Boot Camp series

When you’re making a career change, searching for a job can be daunting and even a bit lonely. But it doesn’t have to be that way. WashU Olin’s Career Boot Camp is here to support alumni—and it’s free.

We’re excited to offer the virtual Fall 2024 Career Boot Camp, where career coaches will assist Olin alumni with navigating opportunities and transitions.

The bi-weekly, seven-session series is designed to enhance fundamental career development and transition skills. Course leaders will provide content at each session. In addition, the sessions will be interactive and provide an opportunity for participants to share and ask questions, as well as get connected with other EMBAs, PMBAs, OMBAs and Olin alums.

You can sign up for the entire series or for individual sessions, depending on your interest. The series runs every other Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. from September 11 through December 4. When you register, you’ll be able to select the sessions you plan to attend. If you want to attend the entire series, select all sessions.

To maintain the confidentiality of attendees, the sessions will not be recorded.

“I would give it my highest endorsement,” said Tim Zuerlein, MBA 1989, a Career Boot Camp alum who 10 months ago became director of global demand planning at the Lubrizol Corporation in St. Louis.

The series was “extremely useful and applicable to individuals in various stages of their career progressions,” he said. “As a senior leader, I was able to sharpen my market search, polish my personal elevator pitch and make critical network connections.” 

Career Boot Camp alum Matt Zielinski, EMBA 2012, said he felt unprepared and overwhelmed when, in 2023, he suddenly lost his job during a corporate layoff.  It was the first time he was out of work in 25 years. “I needed some help. Then I remembered that WashU had resources that were ready to help. I'm so happy that I made the call.”

Career coaches suggested he attend the Career Boot Camp.

“Over the course of many weeks, I went from the lows of being unemployed to a surge in my confidence,” Zielinski said. 

“I regained the trust in my abilities as I determined the strengths of my brand, what set me apart, the value of my network, and what had made me so successful throughout my career. I was able to really distinguish who I was and what value I brought to the table, and, with that, I was able to identify what I wanted next.”

Today, he is a leader in supply chain operations for an organization in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “I was able to make some very positive changes in my career and life—including a significant change in industry [from manufacturing to healthcare], as well as being elected to a local school board position—all within six months of being laid-off.”

This fall, Olin Career Coaches Mary Houlihan, Don Halpin and Anne Petersen will lead the following sessions:

Sept 11: Taking Charge of Your Career
Learn to set career priorities and objectives, the importance of a positive mindset and using a strategic approach.

Sept 25: Defining Your Personal Brand
Know who you are, your value proposition and how to differentiate yourself.

Oct 9: Communicating Your Brand
Create effective marketing messages and materials including your resume, networking documents and other visuals.

Oct 23: Leveraging LinkedIn
Learn how to use the power of social media, particularly LinkedIn, in communicating your brand. Learn how to be found by recruiters and hiring managers, improve your profile, expand your network and apply for open positions.

Nov 6: Building Your Professional Network
Learn how to use the power of networking to enhance your career transition efforts and create strategies and approaches to build and expand your relationships over time.

Nov 20: Acing the Interview
Prepare for and excel at job interviews, improving your chances of getting an offer.

Dec 4: Negotiating the Offer
Negotiate an offer that works for you and is consistent with your value, ultimately improving your compensation over your career.

“Olin’s Career Boot Camp helped me clarify how to navigate potential careers effectively and in just a few weeks,” said Alison Gozlan, BSBA 2016, a senior proposal developer at Q² Solutions in Atlanta.

“I highly recommend the program for anyone considering a change or looking to clarify what they want in a new role,” she said. “Not only were the instructors excellent and professional, but it was great learning from the other seasoned participants. Thank you, Olin!

Register for the Fall 2024 Career Boot Camp series.