DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University and Praxair will present “Secrets of Success: the Career Prep” from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017, at Warner Hall on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White Street, Danbury. The conference will focus on empowering a diverse science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce and on career preparation for STEM majors, especially students from the Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Professional Studies and the Ancell School of Business. All WCSU undergraduate and graduate students are welcome, regardless of their major. “Secrets of Success” is free for WCSU students. Registration is on WestConnWorks (wcsu.edu/westconnworks).

Speakers and workshop leaders will include WCSU Director of Career Services Kathleen Lindenmayer; career coach Loren Margolis; Kelley Johnson, founder and president of Doors to Explore Inc.; and WCSU communication major and intern Katie Kelly ’17.

“With Career Services and WCSU Communication Department mentorship,” Kelly explained, “I created a personal branding seminar that guides participants in turning their uniqueness into a competitive edge on the job market. The seminar shows students how to integrate online, resume and in-person presence. Students will leave with an increased self-awareness and an understanding of how to develop a personal brand.”

The day’s events will include communication workshops; career prep and networking presentations; resume revision by Praxair employees, WCSU staff and alumni; and a panel of WCSU alumni now working in STEM careers. The conference ends with a mocktail hour and networking.

“We very much appreciate Praxair’s leadership and support with helping us present this great opportunity for our students,” Lindenmayer said. “All students are welcome! We especially encourage women and other minority students in demanding technical fields to learn how to network and brand themselves in a workplace that may not have a diverse workforce.”

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.