BYU Connect July Webinar Blog Post Skip to main content
Alumni
Share Your Story

July Webinar Recap

Click here for the link to the webinar recording!

We were thrilled to see such a fantastic turnout for BYU Connect's July webinar on maximizing your time at BYU! We extend our heartfelt thanks to Todd Russell for sharing his insights on making the most of your college experience.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

  1. GAIN AND RECORD YOUR EXPERIENCE

Todd emphasized the importance of actively engaging in and recording your experiences while a student at BYU. He highlighted that your classes, projects, and extracurricular activities all contribute to your growth and can be leveraged as valuable experience on your resume. Todd's advice: think of every class and project as an opportunity to build your experience portfolio. Document your accomplishments and the skills you acquire, as they will be crucial when you start applying for jobs.

  1. VISIT CAREERS AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING EARLY

Todd discussed the importance of visiting BYU’s Career Services and Experiential Learning centers early in your college journey. He introduced the 5 critical categories for success, which include explore, brand, network, experience, launch. Todd's tip: don’t wait until your senior year to start thinking about your career. Engage with these resources early to set a solid foundation for your future.

  1. ATTEND CAREER FAIRS AND NETWORKING EVENTS

In the webinar, Todd underscored the value of attending career fairs and networking events. He encouraged students to take advantage of these opportunities to connect with recruiters and industry professionals. Todd’s suggestion: be proactive. Ask for advice, chat with representatives, and report back to your mentors or peers. These interactions can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights into your desired field.

  1. SEEK NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH ALUMNI AND PROFESSIONALS

Todd shared that a significant portion of job interviews, approximately 70%, come from networking. He advised students to actively seek connections with BYU alumni and other professionals in their field of interest. Todd’s reminder: your network is your net worth. Start building relationships now to open doors for future opportunities.

Thank you again to everyone who participated. We look forward to seeing you at our next BYU Connect event! Until then, make the most of your time at BYU!

Todd Russell

Todd Russell began his career in the tech industry over 30 years ago, leveraging his degrees in Information Systems and an MBA to excel in various roles. Throughout his career, Todd has connected STEM industries with STEM talent, establishing a strong reputation for helping organizations build their brand on university campuses.

He is highly skilled in Technical Recruiting, University Relations, Internship Program Development, Presentations, Training, and Program Management. His successful history of working with higher education institutions across the country showcases his ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Todd currently utilizes his extensive experience and strong business development insights to support STEM talent and industries, ensuring both students and companies thrive.