First-Time at #FloridaACE17

“I am immensely grateful to FloridaACE and the FSU Career Center for providing a burgeoning young professional and student with the opportunity to both attend and present at this year’s conference.”

FloridaACE created a welcoming environment to not only meet like-minded career service professionals eager to share their experiences, but to also learn from each other about best practices and innovative ideas trending in the field that we could take back with us. It was inspiring to see the collaborative energy placed by all in events geared toward improving and providing opportunities for students to reach their professional goals during and after their college experience.

First-Time at #FloridaACE17

FloridaAce was such a wonderful conference, as a career service professional it is always invigorating listening to other institutions and learning about the programs and initiatives that they’re implementing to help students.

I received so many takeaways and cool ideas that I plan on using at Florida International University. I valued meeting colleagues from other institutions as well as hearing from employers/ recruiters on ways we can work better together.

Why FloridaACE is for YOU!

Megan Hollis, Florida Association of College and Employers

The FloridaACE membership renewal period is now open for 2017! Current members can renew their membership by logging on to their FloridaACE Account, powered by MemberClicks (2016 memberships expire January 1, 2017). In addition to membership management, MemberClicks also offers features such as exclusive members-only content, discussion boards, email listservs and a social networking platform to enhance your membership experience.

FloridaACE provides professional networking with Florida-wide visibility, enhances professional development through leadership opportunities, delivers updates on Florida workforce initiatives and trends, and promotes recruitment resources and strategies. Some other advantages include:

FloridaACE was My Rocket Fuel

Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Program Manager, Career Services, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
As I prepared for my first FloridaACE Conference, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I assumed there would be the constant chance to network. I knew there would be great opportunities for professional development. However, I couldn’t have possibly imagined the overwhelming air of enthusiasm and energy that radiated throughout the duration of the conference.

Several of my coworkers (and my boss—Alicia) were heavily involved in planning the conference and I was encouraged to get involved, which absolutely influenced my first conference experience. The opportunity to serve on the registration committee and host a roundtable made me feel instantly connected to the event. This allowed me to meet colleagues from across the state and share my knowledge and experiences as a career advisor.

What was so amazing about my experience at FloridaACE was how inspired I felt when I left.  Who knew that spending a few days in Miami could motivate a person even more to want to get up and go to work every day?! We all do what we do for a reason—we are passionate in some way, shape, or form about helping, supporting, challenging, and encouraging our students in reaching their professional goals. As we learned during the FloridaACE conference, especially from our tour of the University of Miami Toppel Career Center, our mission as career advisors is to provide ‘rocket fuel’ to our students’ dreams.

On a personal note, during the conference I realized I
needed a little rocket fuel myself! Attending the FloridaACE Conference was my rocket fuel. It served as a friendly reminder of why I love my profession and it connected me to like minded individuals whose experiences and contagious passions reminded me of my purpose as a career advisor. I left the FloridaACE conference feeling so professionally rejuvenated—and maybe a little tired due to excessive dancing at the after party! I cannot wait to return to the FloridaACE conference for round two next year!

My first, but definitely not last FloridaACE Conference

Jennifer Utroska- Assistant Director of Career Planning

 ‘FloridaACE’… I had heard of it, but I had never experienced it; that is until this past June, when I attended the 2016 Annual FloridaACE Conference in Miami, FL!  The conference had a lot of hype leading up to it- and as I sit here today typing at my desk on yet another Monday morning (with my coffee of course), I am realizing how it completely exceeded my expectations as a new member.

My conference experience began well before June 22^nd.  With the support and encouragement from my colleagues, I quickly began to serve as a member of the Communications & Outreach Committee.  I had the pleasure of supporting a great group of career professionals who are so passionate about their membership and work collaboratively to spread the word about FloridaACE and its benefits.  Through the power of the internet and advanced technology, I started to form a relationship with these individuals and began to understand what FloridaACE meant to them and now means to me.

The Conference…

This three-day event was executed beautifully from start to finish.  As a new member and first-time attendee, there was never a time where I felt lost or unwelcomed.  Each member I interacted with, including the leadership, were nothing short of friendly, professional, and courteous.

Being a young professional, I understand there is a wealth of knowledge out there in the field, from both industry employers and career services’ representatives.  Attending the FloridaACE Conference was a professional development opportunity that allowed me to openly brainstorm, network, and connect with professionals from all over the state.  With such a variety of engagements offered, like the Breakout Sessions, Round-Tables and Closing Ceremony, I was able to make the most of my experience!

Now it would be awful of me to conclude this note right here without mentioning how fun the conference was! The FloridaACE leadership and its committees did an amazing job of balancing work & play.  The food was delicious, the venue was outstanding, and I think everyone appreciated the awesome photo booth and red carpet that proceeded the after party filled with great music and good times. (Superlative for ‘Dancing Queen’ goes to Alicia Smyth – Hands Down.)

So, FloridaACE is now something I will begin to look forward to each summer.  I now view it as an opportunity to get out there, to get thinking, and to get energized for the upcoming academic year!  I came to FloridaACE with an open mind, and left with so much more… new connections, amazing programming ideas, employer relations strategies, and a more meaningful sense of my ‘WHY’ (shout out to Closing Keynote Molly Nece)!

After such a positive experience, I encourage any and all career services professionals, as well as industry employers within the state to become involved with FloridaACE. If you are looking to build your professional network, spark collaboration, and create meaningful partnerships- this is the organization for you.

I hope to meet you at events to come!