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

Zoom

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

Zoom

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

Zoom

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.

Ask Me Anything with Jones College Young Professionals (Alums)

Wednesday, March 18

4:30-6 p.m.

Zoom

Ever wonder what life is actually like after graduation? Join the Dean’s Jones Young Professional Advisory Council for a candid panel discussion. Whether you’re curious about landing your first job, navigating office politics, or figuring out how to balance life and a 9-to-5, our council members have been in your shoes recently and are ready to share the truth.

Hosted by Brandon Vagner & Jones Young Professional Advisory Council

The 60 Second Spotlight

Thursday, March 19

Reserve your time slot using the links provided.

Compete in The 60-Second Spotlight English 8:15-12 pm in the Sales Lab or Spanish 9-11 a.m. in the Conference Room. Must reserve your time slot.

Hosted by Thom Coats

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.

Headshots & Handshakes

Monday, March 23

4-5 p.m.

BAS S326 SunTrust

Join the Financial Modeling and GIS clubs for Headshots and Handshakes. You are welcome to come by to network and have a professional headshot made for your LinkedIn and other professional needs.

Hosted by Financial Modeling Club, GIS, and Keith Gamble

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.

Required: Professional Dress, Pen, Notebook/Journal, Resumes

Employer List and Map can be found here via Handshake

Hosted by Jean Wilson

The Professional Roundtable

Tuesday, March 24

4:45 pm

BAS N127

Join us for this event featuring Jones College alumni from various fields to help you explore career opportunities and insights.

Hosted by MT Economics Club

Rethinking Marketing & Retailing: The Role of Technology & AI

Wednesday, March 25

12:30-2 p.m.

BAS S102-State Farm Room

Join us for an exclusive session with Dhruv Grewal, a global leader in marketing research, as he explores the intersection of technology and consumer behavior.

Hosted by Dr. Gaia Rancati

Stormwater & Environmental Issues (Lunch & Learn)

Friday, March 27

12:30-1:30 pm

BAS S328

Join us for this lunch & learn opportunity as we look at ways stormwater impacts our environment. Register to attend at https://urp.mtsu.edu/scholars/.

Hosted by Business and Economic Research Center

Ask Me Anything with Jones College Young Professionals (Alums)

Tuesday, March 31

11:20 a.m.-12:50 p.m.

BAS S326/SunTrust Room

Ever wonder what life is actually like after graduation? Join the Dean’s Jones Young Professional Advisory Council for a candid panel discussion. Whether you’re curious about landing your first job, navigating office politics, or figuring out how to balance life and a 9-to-5, our council members have been in your shoes recently and are ready to share the truth.

Light lunch provided for those who register on Handshake by 3/23.

Hosted by Jones Young Professional Advisory Council

Master the Art of the Business Dinner

Thursday, April 2

5-6:30 p.m.

BAS S326-SunTrust Room

Professionalism goes beyond the office. Join us for a Business Etiquette Dinner to learn how to navigate formal dining settings, practice networking over a meal, and polish your professional presence.

Reservation required for this event.

**Prior to reservation, you must be registered for IGNITE and have attended a minimum of one previous IGNITE event.**

Hosted by Jean Wilson

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

Colin Ryan: Humorous Financial & Mental Health Speaker

Wednesday, April 15

4:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m.

BAS S102 State Farm Room

Ready to actually enjoy a conversation about your finances? Join us for an engaging session with Colin Ryan, a renowned speaker who bridges the gap between financial literacy and mental well-being. For more than a decade, Colin has brought a heartfelt, human, and genuinely funny perspective to the world of money. Whether you’re stressed about your bank account or just looking for a fresh take on your future, this talk offers a unique blend of humor and practical wisdom that you won’t want to miss.

Hosted by Dr. Keith Gamble

Certified Financial Planners Panel

Thursday, April 16

4:45-5:45 p.m.

BAS S334

Join us for an engaging discussion with a panel of Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) as they pull back the curtain on the wealth management industry. This session is designed to help students understand the paths in financial planning, how they make money, and skills employers are looking for.

Hosted by Dr. Keith Gamble

Zoning & Economic Competitiveness

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.

Hosted by Berc

Investment Basics Workshop

Tuesday, April 21

4:45-5:45 p.m.

Via Teams

Join us for an investment basics workshop to learn ABCs of personal investing and strategies to set yourself up for success!

Hosted by Dr. Keith Gamble