CATALYST Professional Development Conference
When: Friday, January 31, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Roski Dining Hall, University Hall
CATALYST offers a dynamic opportunity for Lions to develop professionally in a conference-style setting. Explore topics and themes critical to the transition from student to full-fledged professional, ready to take on the world of work post-LMU. Gain insight on how to show up in professional settings with confidence and a deep sense of purpose.
This conference will feature engaging panels, skills development workshops, and networking opportunities with employers, alumni, staff, and faculty.
Jump start your career with confidence using strategies and ideas from professionals in the know. Whether you are a student just starting to think about your career, are on the cusp of entering the workforce, or an alum considering a career transition, CATALYST promises ways to level up and stand out.
Check-in opens at 10 a.m. and lasts all day.
Conference Schedule
10:00 a.m. | Check-In Opens
10:15 a.m. | Opening Keynote by Audra Verrier, Associate Vice Provost, LMU Career and Professional Development (CPD)
10:40 a.m. | Workshop: Leadership 101 — Envision the Leader in You by Simone Jackson, CPD Associate Director, Graduate Career Education
11:35 a.m. | Presentation: Financial Literacy — Money Concepts and Budgeting by Katie Lopez, UCU Growth Officer
12:30 p.m. | Lunch, free for all attendees
1:20 p.m. | Afternoon Welcome by Lauren Daniels, Director of Student Employment Services
1:50 p.m. | Breakout Sessions
Panel: Authenticity in the Workplace
Moderated by Kwyn Townsend Riley, Director, Office of Black Student Services
Panel: International Edition: Authenticity in the Workplace
Moderated by Denise Folga, Director, Office of International Student Services
2:50 p.m. | Breakout Sessions
Presentation: Making the Most of Your Gap Year
Presenter Steven Neal, Director, Academic Community of Excellence
Panel: Breaking In: Young Alumni Share Their Journeys to Career Success
Moderated by Samantha Zinn, Talent Acquisition Partner, Algolia
3:50 p.m. | Panel: Insider’s Look at Recruiting moderated by Justin Li ’25
4:40 p.m. | Closing: Student Career Success and Tips on Networking by Thuy Le, CPD Associate Director, Career Education
5:00 p.m. | Mocktail Networking Reception
FAQs
When and where is the CATALYST Professional Development Conference?
CATALYST will begin on Friday, January 31, 2024 at 10:00am and ends at 6:00pm. The main venue is Roski Dining Hall in University Hall. Some sessions will be held in nearby classrooms such as 1858 and 1859.
What time is check-in?
Check-in starts at 10am and will be held all day in the West Atrium, the area outside Roski.
I have a class at 10am, can I join CATALYST after class?
Absolutely, please build the conference around your class schedule.
Is CATALYST open to anyone at LMU?
Yes! We encourage all to join, especially those who are undecided, international students, transfer students, student athletes, seniors seeking work upon graduation, students seeking to professionalize, and anyone who would benefit from more intense and specialized programming.
This conference is also for alums. Alums can sign up here.
Is there a cost to attend CATALYST?
CATALYST is a conference that is exclusive to Lions. It is one way that we can provide a competitive edge to you and yes, it is a complimentary event for LMU students and alums.
How should I dress?
We encourage participants to dress in business or business casual attire. Please review business and business casual suggestions.
What meals will be provided at CATALYST?
Lunch and Mocktails will be provided at the event.
What should I do to prepare for the conference?
We encourage participants to go through the program schedule and decide which events to attend. Each session has a brief bio of the panelists and their LinkedIn profile is hyperlinked. Participants should update their own LinkedIn profile and feel free to request a connection to the panelists. Remember to include a short note. Review info about the panelists and come up with any questions.
Should I bring a resume?
Bringing your resume is not mandatory; however, we encourage participants to bring their resume in the event they may wish to share it with other participants for feedback.
Where can I register?
Where can I park?
Please park in University Hall. Parking is $15 a day max for anyone without a monthly parking permit.
I have another question that was not addressed.
Please feel free to contact Thuy Le, Associate Director of Career Education. Her email address is thuy.le@lmu.edu. You may also reach out to Career and Professional Development during business hours at (310) 338.2871.