Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/999236
March/April 2018 35 O n a Thursday in April 2017, students on the campus of Lebanon Valley College gathered in a room with a panel of five employees from Clark Associates, Inc. A small lunch was provided in one corner, and in another sat chairs pointing toward a PowerPoint presentation displayed on a crisp LCD TV screen. The visiting panelists, part of Clark's Alumni Ambassadors program, were all millennials and had come to speak about the foodservice equipment industry. anks to extensive outreach by Clark Associates, the event was coordinated with the Pennsylvania- based college to help both build bridges. Many of the students were juniors or seniors and eagerly searching to find a field that fit their interests. at spring day, I was one of those students looking to engage with alumni. After hearing about Clark Associates through professors who knew former students working there, I wondered if they could help me in my career search. I knew I wanted a job as a content creator after studying both business and English communications but, until that day, I'd never considered the foodservice equipment industry as a path to get me there. Surrounded by my peers, all of us were curious. What connections would this group of alumni make between their majors and careers? e panelists began by introducing their names, current positions at Clark, and what they had studied during college. A short, colorful video offered an eye-opening tour of some of the office spaces and highlighted employee The Great Unifier For many millennials, technology is a huge draw and Clark Associates is using it, along with its Alumni Ambassadors Program, to masterfully recruit. By Contributor Grace Bailey, Webstaurant Content Writer perspectives about the company. Afterwards, panelists described how Clark Associates worked with manufacturers and customers, and what their careers looked like in this field. ey spoke in a genuine manner about their job search, professional development, and how their studies led to their current positions. By the end, it was evident that English majors— and many others with a different educational background—could bring value to this industry. Making Connections Dedicated to helping young professionals make the connection between their individual skill sets and its utility in the E&S industry, Clark Associates has been intentional about recruiting young talent for the last six years. Currently, the Alumni Ambassadors Program is made up of about 93 employees who are grouped into 17 active teams. Each is comprised of employees who attended the same college, university, or trade school, with each person bringing their own set of connections to the school and its staff. e groups also include a diverse pool of Clark's talent, ranging from entry- level to management experience. roughout the year, Ambassadors plan activities and determine their outreach goals based on their connections with their alma mater. Many participate in mock interviews, panel sessions, or classroom visits. CLARK EMPLOYEES USE OCCULUS TECHNOLOGY TO VIEW A 3D VIRTUAL REALITY DESIGN OF A CUSTOM KITCHEN AND ENVISION THE FINAL PRODUCT FOR THE CUSTOMER.