Career success isn’t just about what you know, it’s about how you show up. That message guided Madonna University’s 9th Annual Business Student Conference, The Power of a Professional Mindset, held February 5. More than 150 attendees gathered for a day of career readiness, professional development, and networking, bringing together School of Business students, faculty, alumni, and regional industry leaders.
This year’s theme highlighted an essential truth: long-term career success is shaped not only by skills, but by how individuals show up, adapt, and respond in professional environments. With more than 20 alumni, professionals, and Board members engaging with students throughout the day, the impact extended well beyond the stage.
The conference opened with remarks from Dean of the School of Business Jessica Cummings, University President Chris Dougherty, and Provost Chris Benson, reinforcing Madonna University’s commitment to blending academic excellence with real-world preparation.
“This conference reflects the School of Business mission to blend academic learning with real-world engagement. Hearing directly from professionals helps students see what’s possible and inspires them to take ownership of their career journey,” said Dean Cummings.
Keynote speaker Jeannine Laible, Human Resources Director for the City of Livonia, challenged students to rethink what it means to be career-ready. She emphasized that a professional mindset goes beyond technical skills, it is the energy individuals bring and how they respond to challenges and opportunities.
Encouraging students to move from “potential to professional,” Laible highlighted curiosity, adaptability, accountability, and initiative as pillars of success. “The transition to building a professional mindset doesn’t happen on graduation day, it happens the moment you decide to think differently,” she shared.
Students also gained perspective during a career panel featuring Jeannine Laible; Kimberly Fisher, Managing Partner at New York Life Insurance and NY Life Securities; Jay Glanton, Innovation Buyer at General Motors; Madonna alumnus Brandon Slone, Chief of Staff for North America & Europe at RPM; and fellow alumnus Jeremy Otto, broadcaster with 97.1 The Ticket and WWJ News Radio 950. Panelists shared lessons on adaptability, storytelling, and professional growth, encouraging students to show up consistently, listen actively, and take ownership of their career journeys.
The conference offered hands-on experiences designed to strengthen students’ professional presence, including a networking luncheon with alumni and industry professionals, LinkedIn strategy conversations led by Madonna alumnus Don McLean of McLean Media, professional headshots provided by the University’s Marketing Department, and career-readiness discussions with Career Development Director Jennifer Stokes.
“Our goal is to help students connect mindset with action,” said Stokes. “When students understand their strengths, build professional relationships, and practice showing up with intention, they position themselves to stand out in a competitive marketplace.”
The event reflected strong collaboration across the Madonna University community. Special thanks to Board Members Susan Rokosz and Darrel P. Quinn for their participation, as well as faculty, staff, and the planning committee which included Jessica Cummings, Jennifer Stokes, School of Business staff and faculty Laura Carravallah, Frank Notturno, and Andrew Malec whose support made the conference possible.
Most importantly, recognition goes to the students who attended engaged, curious, and ready to connect — a powerful reminder of the impact of intentional career preparation.
By combining keynote inspiration, real-world insight, experiential learning, and meaningful networking, Madonna University continues to bridge classroom learning with career success.
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