YOUNGSTOWN (Ohio) In order to meet new challenges in hiring, Mahoning Valley businesses are adapting to create work environments that are more conducive for current and potential employees as well as applicants.
Ted Schmidt, regional president of PNC bank, stated that they have a very local model that they deliver in the Youngstown area. He stated that one of their primary goals was to identify and encourage talent in the area.
He said that we are really preparing our students for our internship program. We are identifying students from all disciplines. Approximately 95% of our interns are offered full time positions in what we call our developmental program.
PNC was one of the more than 50 companies present Wednesday at the Meet the Employers Day at the Williamson College of Business Administration, Youngstown State University campus. Schmidt said that while the pandemic didn’t significantly impact the number of applicants for PNC, Schmidt stated that the company is adapting in order to better meet the needs of those applicants.
[COVID]It has changed the work environment in every department. Schmidt said that right now we have a flexible arrangement. This arrangement allowed us to determine that there are some positions that can be done remotely. We will be flexible as we continue to be flexible, because that’s what our new hires and our current employees are looking for.Derek Slipkovich, a junior accountant major at YSU said that one of the most important traits he looks for in potential job opportunities was work-life balance. He hopes to find a job that will lead to a full time career after his internship.
That [work-life balance]This is something that I consider very important. Most people want to have families and not be at work all the time. I feel that you shouldn’t be at work more often than you should at home.
Slipkovich and other students interviewed in The Business Journal state that they have enjoyed their time at Youngstown, but are open to exploring other opportunities.
Slipkovich stated, “I will take any opportunity that presents itself.” Although I like living in Youngstown, I would consider moving to another city if I had the chance to find a better opportunity.
Javier Gonzalez Pla is a junior international student at YSU who majors in accounting. He said that he enjoyed being in Youngstown to meet with local businesses.
I spoke to [PNC Bank]He spoke about the future, the banking, investments, and cryptocurrency. Everything is going virtual right now.
Gallery images include an overhead view of the Meet the Employers; Ted Schmidt and Ryan Pastor from PNC meet with YSU junior Javier Gonzalez Pl; Sophia Reider (center), YSU senior, meets with Nick Torres and Reis Zandier of Fitz Frames; Chelsea Zielinski from Penske Truck Leasing talks to a student.
Businesses are also looking to hire graduates from a wider range majors and backgrounds. When appropriate, they also hire juniors and senior employees.
Fitz Frames is seeking applicants with multiple talents and different disciplines, according to Reis Zandier (production manager). The Los Angeles-based additive manufacturer for eyeglass frames is Fitz Frames. In 2019, Youngstown Business Incubator began operations3D printing technology allows for the creation of custom-fit glasses.
We are a start up company and will need everything marketing to succeed. [human resources]She stated that she can sell anything, from sales to a little bit of everything, even STEM careers. It is both business and STEM. It is a bridge between them.
Sophia Reider is a senior at YSU and a major in business administration with a focus in Spanish language, culture and business. She expressed her excitement about Fitz Frames’ integration with modern technology.
Reider stated that as the current generation of professionals ages and companies hire new employees, it is crucial for businesses to be open to new ideas.
She said that many businesses are seeking marketing skills right now and are looking for people who don’t mind communicating. I’m looking for companies that can adapt to changing times and be open to new perspectives.
Penske Truck Leasing is looking for graduates with diverse backgrounds, according to Chelsea Zielinski (district rental manager). Penske Truck Leasing is looking for applicants who are motivated and want to start a career in what they love.
We are seeking people all over the country because there are so many people that can help us grow our business and make a difference in our lives. We offer many different roles, including HR, sales, and maintenance. It’s all about finding your passion and being able do that in the best possible way.
Employers are also encouraged to take advantage of future benefits programs.
Lisa Hird is the human resources manager at AVI Foodsystems Inc. in Warren. She stated that they are looking for employees to fill positions in various departments across the United States. Hird stated that they do not look for certain traits in applicants but are more interested in people who are ambitious and have good people skills. Hird explained that AVI provides the training and support needed to teach such applicants.
She said that we offer exceptional benefits. We are always looking for ways to improve our benefits package. We offer medical, dental and vision benefits, a 401k with a match by the company, paid vacation, paid holidays, sick pay time off, and a flexible work environment.
Above: Michelle Itts (AVI Food Systems Inc. director, accounts receivables and payable) and Lisa Hird (human resources manager at AVI Foods Systems Inc.), take a resume form Derek Slipkovich (YSU junior majoring in accounting).
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