News Release
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Laurie E. Bick-Jensen
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Opportunity Knocks for Wilmington University Business Students
Good grades and a solid résumé lead to unprecedented face time with JPMorgan Chase executives
A select group of Wilmington University business students enjoyed an exclusive audience with the nation's largest bank when they met with a senior executive from JP Morgan Chase & Co. (JPMC) on January 25.
Dr. Keith Pettiford, vice president and chief of staff for risk management in consumer lending at JPMC, was accompanied by a team of hiring managers, each of whom interacted with small groups of the students following a presentation on career opportunities in the company's Wilmington location.
The discussions may eventually lead to job interviews for some of the 36 students in attendance, who were selected from the University's undergraduate accounting, business, finance and management programs, and the graduate MBA program, based on their academic performance.
In contrast to traditional, open-door career events that welcome all student job candidates, Dr. Robert Rescigno, Dean of the College of Business, stated that this was a unique approach that spoke volumes about the quality of the university's education. For his part, Pettiford, who is also an adjunct professor at the University, has been scouting new talent in the classrooms where he earned both his master and doctor of business administration degrees.
"This is a trifecta," said Rescigno. "Our alumni initiated and developed the event, the students have a tremendous opportunity here, and we're all engaged with one of the largest employers in the state."
Pettiford coordinated the recruiting visit, which took place in the Robert C. and Dorothy M. Peoples Library Building executive boardroom on the New Castle campus, with Dr. Audrey Parajon, the chair of the University's business management program and a former classmate of Pettiford's. The two were among Wilmington University's first doctor of business management graduates in January 2012.
"This sort of opportunity isn't commonplace, and the students presented themselves at their professional best, with résumés and portfolios to showcase the skills they've gained at Wilmington University," Parajon remarked. "While this was not a formal interview, it was a great opportunity for our students to meet with executives from one of country's leading financial service firms and receive real world coaching and guidance.
"They definitely made us proud," she said.
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing nonprofit doctoral institution in America 2004 – 2014 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.
