Professional Development for choose ohio first scholars
A core component of the Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarship program is professional and personal development. COF scholars engage in a variety of events and other activities to build and gain professional skills to meet employer needs.
upcoming events for the 2024-2025 academic year
understanding and Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace
Workshop description: Designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to foster effective collaboration and communication across multiple generations within a professional setting. Recognizing that today's workplaces often comprise individuals from diverse age groups, this workshop delves into the unique characteristics, values, and communication styles associated with different generations, including Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical scenarios, participants gain insights into how generational differences impact workplace dynamics, productivity, and team cohesion. The workshop aims to promote a deeper understanding of each generation's perspectives, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment that leverages the strengths of all team members.
Fall 2024: Time and Date TBD
Additional professional development events and activities are currently in development. Updates will be posted by August 2024.
past events from the 2023-2024 academic year
STEM Mocktail Mixer
Tuesday March 26, 2024
The inaugural STEM Mocktail Mixer was held in the College of Engineering’s Brady Center and was designed to provide scholars with an environment to cultivate networking abilities, foster meaningful connections and gain valuable insights into professional etiquette and decorum.
Read the full story published in the UToledo News: Inagural STEM Mocktail Mixer Helps Students Develop Professional Skills.
Choose ohio first scholar showcase
Thursday February 29, 2024
The University of Toledo was represented at the 2024 Choose Ohio First Scholar Showcase at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in Columbus.
Students participated in a tour of the statehouse while faculty and staff participated in guided networking with other COF program leaders. In the afternoon, students from across the state presented at the Choose Ohio First Scholar Poster Showcase.
Senior Jake Varner, Information Technology major and scholarship recipient, presented on his co-op experience built into the College of Engineering's program requirements.
Jake gained valuable professional experience and networked with students and leaders from across the state.
stem tales: stories from local leaders
wednesday february 21, 2024
This event hosted local STEM leaders at the Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar, located near campus, who shared thier stories and experiences to COF scholars and other student entrepreneurs.
The professional development opportunity was provided through collaboration with the UToledo Family Business Center and the UToledo Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club.
Students enjoyed a night of free pizza and the opportunity to network with professionals from their discipline and connected with other COF scholars.
cof scholars attend pitch and pour
Thursday November 2, 2023
COF scholars and program leaders attended the Pitch and Pour event hosted by the UToledo Business Incubator at the College of Engineering’s Brady Center at Nitschke.
Faculty and staff helped scholars navigate the professional landscape and offered advice along the way. Together, we watched regional entrepreneurs pitch their start-up business plans to a panel of judges and compete for business funding.
Meet cait kleinfelter
'24, Actuarial Science
"I gained valuable insight by listening to the stories and experiences shared at the STEM Tales event. I was excited that one of the panelists worked at Hylant because I applied for an internship there a few months back.
We had the chance to network at the end and I connected with the panelists. After the event, I received an email from Hylant offering me an internship to work with their sales enablement department this summer! I am grateful that the COF gave me the opportunity to network and grow my career".