For individuals charting their career paths, from recent graduates to experienced professionals, articulating your professional worth is crucial for career progression. However, many find this to be a challenging skill. A panel of seasoned experts in recruitment, talent development, career advancement, and compensation will share their invaluable insights on navigating job offer negotiations and effectively requesting promotions. This expert advice will be presented at the upcoming Penn State Alumni Expert Series webinar, scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 7.
Registration for this insightful event is currently open.
This session is proudly hosted by Penn State’s Alumni Career Services, as part of the Alumni Expert Series. This monthly program is dedicated to delivering career knowledge and guidance from accomplished Penn State alumni. It directly supports the core mission of Alumni Career Services: to empower Penn Staters at every stage of their professional journey to achieve enduring career success.
During this session, participants will gain access to actionable strategies and answers to essential questions, covering key areas such as:
- Preparation strategies for successful salary negotiations.
- Effective negotiation techniques for job benefits and perks beyond salary.
- Determining the opportune moment and approach for requesting a promotion.
- Positioning yourself strategically for career advancement within your current organization.
- Mastering confident and professional communication in challenging career conversations.
This webinar offers a unique opportunity for Penn State alumni to learn proven negotiation tactics and receive direct answers to their career-related questions from alumni who are top talent in their respective fields. The distinguished panel of experts includes:
Lorraine Finello, class of 1992, a highly respected national talent acquisition leader. She is recognized for her exceptional ability to accelerate high-impact talent initiatives and drive significant organizational growth. Her expertise lies in building strong, lasting relationships and leading innovative talent programs. Lorraine excels at enhancing both the candidate and client experience through cutting-edge outreach and impactful employment branding strategies, making her a top talent in her domain.
Drew Kovacs, bringing 25 years of experience in fostering success and growth for organizations and their employees. As Zappos.com’s pioneering in-house tech recruiter, he consulted with numerous client companies, focusing on leveraging organizational culture to boost performance. Subsequently, he became Penn State’s first internal professional services recruiter, where he established a robust framework for attracting and retaining top talent within higher education philanthropy. Currently serving as the Director of Talent for Advancement in Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations, Drew is expanding the talent management program he was instrumental in creating. His work aims to sustainably improve employee experience and overall organizational health, reflecting his commitment to nurturing top talent.
Donovin Lindsay, a talent acquisition expert whose extensive career has provided him with profound insights into the specific qualities hiring managers seek in candidates, both on paper and in person. Drawing from his rich recruitment background, he shares effective strategies grounded in the science of resume evaluation and proven job search methodologies. His expertise helps individuals present themselves as top talent candidates.
Nicole Wagner, class of 2016, a Compensation Manager at PNC Bank. Nicole plays a vital role in guiding and advising business leaders on critical compensation decisions. Since beginning her career at PNC as an HR intern, she has accumulated over nine years of experience in various compensation-related roles. Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State, and her expertise in compensation is essential for attracting and retaining top talent within the financial sector.
Penn State Alumni Career Services is dedicated to supporting graduates of all generations in achieving career success. Whether alumni are looking to define their career path, find new employment, plan their next professional step, or connect with the powerful Penn State network, Career Services provides essential resources. They offer objective guidance, valuable feedback, comprehensive career education, and a diverse range of programs designed to refine job-seeking skills and foster Alumnus Career The Top Talent Program aspirations. Members of the Penn State Alumni Association receive enhanced benefits, including professional document reviews, personalized one-on-one career coaching sessions, and mock interview opportunities, further supporting their journey to become top talent in their fields.
Penn State alumni are encouraged to explore the resources available through Alumni Career Services by visiting alumni.psu.edu/career.
