Advance your career with skill-building seminars

By Matthew Biddle

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Presenting a strong résumé, setting long-term goals, navigating social media and networking are essential skills for today’s business professional—and all are topics for this year’s Smart Business Practices seminar series, hosted by the University at Buffalo School of Management Alumni Association (SOMAA).

The four-part series, “Enhance Your Professional Identity,” will kick off Oct. 1 with a session on résumé writing and cover letter preparation and will continue on Dec. 10, Feb. 4 and June 3.

Each seminar begins at 7:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast and runs until 9:30 a.m. at the Center for Tomorrow on UB’s North Campus.

On Oct. 1, individuals at all career levels can learn proven techniques to get their résumé and cover letter noticed when applying for any professional opportunity, including new jobs, promotions, volunteer positions, nonprofit board seats and awards.

The seminar will be led by Michael A. Paolini, senior associate director in the UB School of Management’s Career Resource Center. Paolini teaches the school’s undergraduate career planning course and frequently assists students, recent graduates and alumni on job searches.

John Bourdage, founder of Bourdage Consulting, will deliver the second seminar, “Networking and Business Etiquette,” on Dec. 10. An international expert on etiquette and social skills, Bourdage will discuss the art of conversation, principles of social intelligence and how to build relationships through networking.

The Feb. 4 seminar, “Self-Assessment and Career Goals,” will offer advice on setting long-term professional goals, evaluating personal strengths and abilities, and preparing a personal development plan.

The series will close on June 3 with “Career Skill Building Using Social Media,” during which participants will learn how to effectively manage various social media platforms to boost their careers.

Each seminar costs $30 for members of the School of Management and UB alumni associations and $35 for all others. Those interested in attending all four seminars can purchase a bundle package for $99 for association members and $109 for nonmembers.

Online registration is required by Sept. 29 for “Résumé Writing and Cover Letter Preparation” and the four-seminar package. To register, visit mgt.buffalo.edu/resumeseminar. For more information, contact mgt-alumni@buffalo.edu or call 716-645-3224.

The UB School of Management is recognized for its emphasis on real-world learning, community and economic impact, and the global perspective of its faculty, students and alumni. The school also has been ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, the Financial Times, Forbes and U.S. News & World Report for the quality of its programs and the return on investment it provides its graduates. For more information about the UB School of Management, visit mgt.buffalo.edu.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB’s more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.