By Erin Ratigan/reporter

A NW panel during Will I Have a Job When I Get Out of School? Sept. 11 gave advice on applying for jobs, writing resumes and establishing a career.

The eight representatives from different companies, discussed the qualities and skills most desired in today’s workforce.

“We’re not looking for the 4.0 GPA student,” said Chris Dixon of Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP. “Academics are very important to us, but at the same time we want people with leadership skills.”

The importance of having strong leadership skills was brought up by several of the speakers. Kelly Jimenez, human resources manager for BNSF Railroad, said the search for employees with leadership skills has become a noticeable trend in the corporate world and that students applying for corporate jobs should come prepared with an “elevator speech.”

“Have a 30-second plug for what you want to do when you get into the workplace,” she said.

The panel also stressed the importance of developing interpersonal skills when applying for jobs.

Employers today look for applicants who are respectful and willing to work with others. “

Most of the time people lose their job because they aren’t getting along with people,” said Rachel Hale, a local attorney.

NW student Alina Toppa said she attended the lecture so that she could learn and grow as a member of the workforce. 

“Personally, when it comes to yourself, you have an idea of what they want in an employee,” she said. “So it’s useful to see the other side.”

Gabriella Norton was one speaker whose words resonated with Toppa. Norton’s was a story of the American dream and how her ambition drove her to complete her education after living out her childhood in extreme poverty.

“I really liked her speech,” Toppa said. “I thought it was moving.”