The 鶹ý Engagement Center, located in the Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, has undergone a significant transformation, now focusing more on creating connections and relationships with alumni, friends and family through phone outreach from current Kent State students.
The center employs student engagement officers (SEOs) who represent Kent State while creating bonds and memorable conversations with alumni and donors. This position not only enhances Kent State students’ communication and active listening skills, but also provides them with meaningful networking opportunities.
Chloe Schultz, a marketing major and healthcare management systems minor student, has been a student engagement officer since August 2023.
The center had launched the Kent Core campaign to follow up with recent graduates and learn about their academic coursework experiences and progress since graduation. Chloe came into work on a Monday afternoon and began her calls about Kent Core. On her list of prospects that day was Adam Haas, ’22.
“My initial impression of Adam was that he seemed really smart and was a serious advocate for helping students within his field,” said Chloe.
As the conversation progressed, Adam explained what he does in his current role as the administrative program coordinator at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The call was based on how my education got me to where I am today and how it created this network for me, and I felt as though I wanted to do the same for Chloe,” said Adam.
Her interest was piqued as she plans to pursue a career in that field. After hearing more about Chloe’s professional aspirations, Adam offered to set up a virtual meeting to talk more in-depth about his career in healthcare administration.
“I could tell that Chloe was a driven individual during our first phone call and healthcare administration is a small industry. I felt like it was not a coincidence that we connected,” said Adam.
Adam then connected Chloe with four other individuals including Sarah Beinkampen who is the president of American College of Healthcare Executives of Northeast Ohio (ACHENO).
Sarah reached out to Chloe about a marketing internship opportunity with the non-profit organization. She has now been the ACHENO marketing intern for about two months and already this opportunity has connected her with new mentors who are committed to helping her plan for her future.
“I feel really lucky that I got to talk to Adam through my SEO position because he has assisted me in multiple ways, guiding me in the right direction toward my future career,” Chloe said.
Adam believes that networking doesn’t just allow you to gain access to potential employment, but teaches you a lot about an industry and enables personal growth and success.
To current students, he says, “Do what Chloe did. Ask the questions and have the confidence to use your network, whether it is an alum or a random person on the street, because it could lead to multiple opportunities,” said Adam.
The Engagement Center serves as a valuable resource for anyone affiliated with the university. Phone calls from its number, 330-672-0202, are not just philanthropic solicitations. SEOs are contacting Kent State alumni and friends to share university updates, gain feedback and seek advice. Don’t hesitate to answer next time you get a call, as our Golden Flashes community has the power to positively impact the future of a student like Chloe.