IGNITE
IGNITE Spring 2026 Schedule
Economic Development Panel
Friday, January 23
12:30-1:30 pm
BAS S328
How does our region attract big business and create jobs? Join us for an exclusive panel featuring the leaders driving economic growth across Middle Tennessee.
Light lunch provided for those who register here by 1/21.
LinkedIn Introduction
January 29
3:30-4:30 p.m.
This event will now be held via Teams.
JOIN HERE!
Kickstart your professional brand! Learn how to create a LinkedIn profile that stands out to recruiters and employers. This interactive session will demonstrate how to effectively showcase your skills, build meaningful connections, and open doors to new career opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to start networking like a pro!
Hosted by Thom Coats
Super Bowl Ads Discussion with USA Today
Monday, February 9
12:40-2:05 p.m.
State Farm Room, BAS S102/204
Join MTSU Marketing Professors and Students in conversation with representatives from USA Today as they dive into this year’s Super Bowl commercials. You can weigh in on the hits and misses this year!
Hosted by Dr. Gaia Rancati
Financial Planning Basics
Tuesday, February 10
4:45-5:45 pm
Join in to learn from Financial Advisor Allison Davidson about savings strategies to help you reach your financial goals and how to build your own financial plan.
Hosted by Dr. Keith Jacks Gamble and Allison Davidson, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Morning Networking Event
Tuesday, February 17
7:30-9 a.m.
SunTrust Room, BAS S326
Start your day with connections that matter! Enjoy coffee and conversation with industry professionals and alumni who can help shape your career path. This is your opportunity to practice networking in a welcoming environment, gain insider tips on what employers value, and build meaningful relationships.
Bring your best smile—and your curiosity!
Hosted by Thom Coats
Building Credit Responsibly
Wednesday, February 18
4:45-5:45 pm
Join us to learn how to build credit without getting into debt, learn more about your credit reports, and how to get out of debt. Led by Nancy Gastelum of Redstone
Hosted by Keith Jacks Gamble & Nancy Gastelum
Practicing Your Pitch
Thursday, February 19
9:40-11:05 am
KUC 324
Level Up Your Professional Game!
Got a “dream job” but no idea what to say if you met the CEO in an elevator? Or maybe you have the words, but your wardrobe is still stuck in “8:00 AM Lecture” mode?
We’ve got you covered. Join us for a high-impact session to:
- Master the Pitch: Craft and practice a killer elevator pitch with the experts from Communication Studies.
- Suit Up for Success: Visit the Career Closet and take home FREE professional clothing to nail your next interview.
Hosted by the Career Development Center in collaboration with Communication Studies
Tech Careers with the State of Tennessee
Thursday, February 19
5:30-6:30 pm
BAS S305
Are you looking for a career that combines technical innovation with public impact?
The State of Tennessee is hiring the next generation of tech leaders, and they want business students like you. Join us for an exclusive session to discover in-demand roles and learn how to leverage your degree for a high-growth career in the public sector.
Hosted by the Association for Information Systems Student Organization
Infrastructure & Economic Competitiveness
Friday, February 20
12:30-1:30 pm
BAS S328
Want to know how state-level decisions shape our regional economy? Join us for an engaging session with Cliff Lippard, Executive Director of the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR).
Learn how the systems we build—from transit to tech—drive Tennessee’s economic competitive edge.
Light lunch provided for those who register here by 2/13.
Hosted by BERC
Red Bull National Innovation Competition Info Session
Monday, February 23
12:05-2:05 pm
BAS S102/204 State Farm
Join us for this session on how to hack the selection process and boost your odds of winning. Red Bull is stopping by with free samples and a brief interactive activity to get the ideas flowing.
Hosted by Dr. Gaia Rancati
“If Only I’d Known”-Alumni Real Talk
Thursday, February 26
4:30-5:45 pm
SunTrust Room, BAS S326
Gain honest, unfiltered insights from alumni about life after graduation. They’re sharing what they wish they knew—the career realities, the challenges, and the essential advice—now shared directly with you.
Hosted by Jean Wilson
How to Draft Your Elevator Pitch
March 3
3:30-4:30 pm
SunTrust Room, BAS S326
Perfect your pitch! Whether you’re at a career fair or meeting a potential employer, your elevator pitch is your first impression. Learn how to craft a concise, compelling introduction that gets attention and opens doors. Walk away ready to impress in 30 seconds or less!
Hosted by Thom Coats
Your BEST Foot Forward: Polish & Power
Tuesday, March 3
4:30-5:45 PM
Stop blending in! Get career-fair ready with essential tips and confidence-boosting strategies. Learn exactly what it takes to impress employers and truly stand out from the crowd.
Hosted by Jean Wilson & Career Development Center
SQL Workshop featuring Dr. Morris
Tuesday, March 17
5:30-6:30 pm
BAS S137E
Join Dr. Morris for a hands-on workshop designed to take you from beginner to confident in SQL fundamentals. In this practical session, you will dive into core queries and real-world examples, learning exactly how to analyze data and strengthen your technical toolkit for the business world.
Hosted by Association for Information Systems student organization.
Business Etiquette Dinner
March 19
5:30-8:30 pm
MEC Atrium
**Reservation Required-Register Here**
Dine like a professional—and network with the best! Join us for an elegant evening where you’ll master the do’s and don’ts of business dining, from table manners to conversation tips. This event will prepare you for interviews, client meetings, and networking dinners.
Over 20 corporate partners will be in attendance, each hosting their own table—giving you an incredible opportunity to connect directly with industry leaders while enjoying a great meal.
Seats are limited—reserve yours today!
Hosted by Thom Coats
Forum on Growth and Regional Challenges
Friday, March 20
11 am-2 pm
Student Union Ballroom
Middle Tennessee is officially one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. But with rapid growth comes big questions: What does our future actually look like?
Join us for a high-level forum where community leaders, government officials, and regional experts break down the impact of this expansion.
Lunch available for those who register here by 3/13.
Hosted by BERC.
BEST Career Fair (Business Exchange for Student Talent)
Tuesday, March 24
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
Network directly with employers and explore the internships and job opportunities that perfectly align with your vision. Stop dreaming, start doing—secure your next professional step today.
Hosted by Jean Wilson
Stormwater and Environmental Issues: Lunch & Learn
Friday, March 27
12:30-1:30 pm
BAS S328
How does infrastructure impact our local ecosystems? Join us for a session with environmental specialist Cynthia Allen to discuss the critical challenges of stormwater and environmental issues in our region.
Lunch available for those who register here by 3/20.
Hosted by BERC.
Breaking into IT Contracting: Recruiter’s Playbook
Tuesday, April 7
5:30-6:30 pm
BAS S326 SunTrust Room
If you’ve considered a career in IT contract work, join us to hear best practices, what gets you noticed, and how to present yourself to meet your goals.
Hosted by AIS, contact stephanie.totty@mtsu.edu for more info.
Tech Vision
Friday, April 10
8:30-4 p.m.
MEC Atrium
Tech Vision 2026 is more than a conference—it’s a platform to ensure technology serves people, purpose, and progress. Join us to explore future readiness, technological acceleration, and the role of AI in shaping the future of work.
Register by 4/3 here.
Hosted by BERC.
Job Searching 101: From the Recruiter’s Perspective
Wednesday, April 15
12:30-1:30 pm
Zoom (link on Handshake)
Crack the Career Code: Insider Secrets from the Pros
Ever wonder what recruiters actually think when they see your resume? Or what makes a candidate stand out in a sea of applications?
Stop guessing and start winning. Join our panel of industry professionals as they pull back the curtain on the modern job market. We’re breaking down the real-world dos and don’ts of the entire hiring process.
Hosted by the Career Development Center
Zoning & Our Economy: How It Shapes Middle Tennessee
Friday, April 17
12:30-1:30 pm
BAS S328
How do the rules of where we build affect our region’s ability to compete and grow? Join us for an insightful session featuring representatives from Greater Nashville Realtors to discuss the direct impact of zoning on economic competitiveness.
Lunch provided for those who register here by 4/10.
Many thanks to our IGNITE sponsor
