2025 International Business Career Conference
This year’s conference theme: “Beyond Borders: Expanding Possibilities”
Conference Timeline:
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8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Registration |
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9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. |
Welcome & Keynote Introduction |
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9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
Keynote |
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10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. |
Break |
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10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. |
Executive Panel Five panelists will discuss their path to success in this segment: “Learn from the Best: How to Become Successful IB Professionals" |
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11:10 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. |
Introduction to Workshop and Speakers |
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11:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
Break |
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11:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. |
Workshops – Session I |
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12:10 p.m. – 12:20 p.m. |
Break |
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12:20 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Workshops – Session II |
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1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Networking Lunch |
Keynote Speaker:
Workshops:
Executive Panel
Basics of teamwork with people from different cultures and how to communicate effectively across borders. The panel will explore the unique dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of working in cross-cultural teams. Panel leaders will ideally have been in different departments of a global team ie Marketing , Manufacturing, Sales, Etc. Individual backgrounds will represent the collaboration aspect of being apart of a global team; different departments, different inputs. Each panelist will discuss how to effectively communicate and complete tasks with individuals beyond our own borders. Panelists will provide tips, tools, and share their experiences.
Presenters:
- Timothy Nowak (Moderator)
Executive Director at World Trade Center St. Louis
Former Vice President of Global Sales Operations at Siemens
President, US International Foods, LLC
International Business Development Director; Red Spider Consulting, LLC
Vice President; Global Franchise Support Enterprise Holdings
Workshops
Global Citizenship: Making a Difference Beyond Borders
This workshop is designed to inspire and equip students to engage as global citizens by fostering collaboration, empathy, and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.
Presenter:
World Affairs St. Louis
Infinite Horizons: Exploring Global Learning Opportunities
This workshop will introduce study abroad programs and explore the opportunities they offer for students to gain valuable international experience. It will include information on accessing funding and scholarships to support participation in these programs. Additionally, the importance of researching programs through global institutions will be highlighted, emphasizing how such experiences can foster global networking and provide a broader perspective.
Presenter:
UMSL Global
Adapting Abroad: Culture Connection and Change
This interactive session will focus on practical strategies for adapting to new cultural environments, building meaningful connections in diverse settings, and navigating the challenges of change while working internationally.
Presenters:
- Michael Costello (Moderator)
Teaching Professor & Academic Liaison for International Partnerships
- Special Guest
- Special Guest
Speaking the World's Language: Cross-Cultural Communication
Explore how collaboration across cultural and geographical borders enhances creativity and innovation. Include strategies for effective cross-cultural communication and leveraging diverse perspectives.
- Utilizing technology to communicate
- Verbal and nonverbal communication, language differences.
- Societal norms. i.e. formalities, time differences, respectful practices
Presenters:
USAKO Group
Motorparts Nation
Nooter/Erksen, Inc.
Alumni Panel: "Unlocking Opportunities; Unleash Your Global Potential”
UMSL alumni give helpful hints of how to get your foot in the door. Young professionals talk about what strategies worked for them, their work experiences, and how they got to where they are today. They will also share their thoughts on new and changing workforce dynamics in the wake of the pandemic and an ever-evolving virtual era.
Presenters:
- Shena Morgan (Moderator)
Global Enterprise Sustainability at Boeing
Enterprise Holdings
World Trade Center St. Louis
World Wide Technology