Southeastern Community College hosted its fourth HR Directors’ Breakfast event on March 6 in T-Building, where it featured a student engagement and networking activity between hiring managers and potential employees. Through their Pathway to Employment course, 40 students were equipped with a well-written resume, business attire and professional etiquette to speak with employers in their field of interest at the event.  

Ken Buck, SCC’s Career and Technical Education Coordinator, said that business partners across 14 career fields participated in the student engagement and networking activity. Students interviewed with employers in welding, business administration, information technology, mechatronics, electrical engineering, automotive, construction, agribusiness, HVAC, early childhood/teacher prep, medical office, MLT, phlebotomy and nursing.  

“The student engagement and networking event was designed to connect our soon-to-be graduates with our industry professionals who are looking for good employees,” Buck said. “The event provided a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills and for our business partners to identify potential future employees.” 

Buck explained that the first three HR Directors’ Breakfast events led to holding the student engagement and networking activity at the fourth breakfast event because of the employer feedback they received. At the previous breakfast events, HR directors voiced concerns and issues they have faced during interviews, and SCC implemented solutions to those concerns and issues in the Pathway to Employment course each student takes.  

Buck said he received positive responses and thanks from business partners for hosting them at the HR Directors’ Breakfast. He said the employers were impressed with the students and their interview skills.  

“I think it went very well, and the students were given a good opportunity to see what it’s really like to interview with organizations,” said Amanda Formyduval, Senior Director of Human Resources at Boys and Girls Homes of NC. “We were able to not only ask questions but give them feedback and coaching on appropriate responses or what employers look for.” 

Formyduval said the HR Directors’ Breakfast events have been successful in giving human resource professionals a space to voice the problems they face with applicants. She said she could tell that SCC has already implemented solutions to interview concerns such as dressing appropriately, introducing themselves and giving appropriate responses to questions.  

“I’m hoping that some of these graduates will go and apply where I am or other places in the community and use those same skills they’ve learned today,” Formyduval said.  

SCC will host, in partnership with Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools, a career fair on April 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Click here to see more photos from the breakfast event