How Companies "Work"
Your PACK, Your PATH 2025
Terri Pennypacker, Career Development Professional Zariah Green, Career Development Professional
WTHeck?
What We Will Explore Today:
1. The Big Picture: Why Companies Need Many Roles
2. The Company Map: Key Divisions Explained
3. Roles Within Each Division - Finding Your 'Fit'
Activity: If You Started Your Own Company...
You’re launching your own company tomorrow — you can’t do it all alone. What kinds of roles or team members would you need to make your business run successfully?
INSTRUCTIONS
On Each Table Is A Company Name & Description
Working As A Team - Think about 3–4 roles you’d need to run the company
Companies succeed because every division plays a unique part in creating, delivering, and supporting what they sell, offer and 'do'.
The Data: Job Market RealitiesCurrent trends affecting the Class of 2025Skills employers are seeking Your 'Value Add' As a Career Champion Understanding Gen Z What makes Gen Z not just different, but essential to the future of work?
Operations & Delivery
Customers & Growth
Money & Strategy
People & Experiences
Core Functions In 'Every' Company
CROSS FUNCTIONAL COLLOBORATION AT WORK!
1. Design & Innovation → Create the product - Designers and engineers bring the idea to life.
5. Sales → Get it to customers - Work with retailers and online stores to drive demand.
8. Human Resources → Support the people behind it - Hire, train, and manage corporate expectations
2. Strategy & Product Planning → Decide what to launch - Choose the shoe, timing, and target market.
4. Marketing → Tell the story - Build excitement through campaigns, media, and athletes.
6. IT & Digital → Power the launch online - Run Nike.com, apps, data systems, and digital tools.
3. Operations & Supply Chain → Make and move it - Manage production, materials, and shipping.
7. Finance → Fund and track it all - Budget, forecast, and analyze results.
Activity: NIKE.COM - Careers/Jobs Listings
Review Job Descriptions
The Data: Job Market RealitiesCurrent trends affecting the Class of 2025Skills employers are seeking Your 'Value Add' As a Career Champion Understanding Gen Z What makes Gen Z not just different, but essential to the future of work?
JOB DESCRIPTIONS 101
Qualifications: Read carefully!
Responsibilities: A job description says is rarely 100% of what you’ll do day to day!
"Analyst,” “Coordinator,” or “Associate” mean very different things at different companies.
Look for required vs. preferred skills
Identify transferrable skills
Entry-Level Titles in Common Fields
Business Management/Administration
Operations Coordinator - Operations Assistant - Business Operations Associate - Project Coordinator - Program Assistant - Office Manager - Business Coordinator
Marketing / Communication:
Marketing Coordinator - Social Media Specialist - Content Creator - Communications Assistant - Digital Marketing Associate - Business Development Associate
Marketing / Communication:
Marketing Coordinator - Social Media Specialist - Content Creator - Communications Assistant - Digital Marketing Associate - Business Development Associate
Entry-Level Titles in Common Fields
Finance / Accounting
Financial Analyst - Junior Accountant - Audit Associate - Billing Specialist - Finance Assistant
IT/Technology
IT Support Specialist - Help Desk Technician - QA Tester - Junior Developer - Systems Support Analyst
Marketing / Communication:
Junior Engineer (Mechanical, Electrical, etc.) - Engineering Technician - Manufacturing Engineer I - Quality Engineer I - Product Development Associate
Your first job doesn’t define your whole career!
Many people start in one area and end up somewhere completely different. An internship and 'first job' are starting points — a place to learn, explore, and build skills that can take you anywhere.”
Foster
Where Your First Job Can Lead...
Example 1: Started as a Marketing Assistant → Now in Sales Example 2: Started as a Financial Analyst → Now in Marketing Operations Example 3: Started as a Sales Rep → Now in Corporate Training Example 4: Started as a Business Operations Associate → Now in Human Resources
Foster
Your TURN!
Login: ChatGPT 1) Write this prompt: I am a [MAJOR], what are the entry level job titles that I should be searching for? 2) Write this prompt: What Companies hire for [MAJOR]?
ANY QUESTIONS?
WHAT DO EMPLOYERS REALLY WANT FROM ENTRY LEVEL HIRES?
Foster
Companies want graduates who didn’t just go to class — they want people who got involved, led projects, and worked with others. Being active in clubs, organizations, or teams shows you can communicate, collaborate, and take initiative — skills that matter just as much as your GPA!
Foster
The RULE of 3!
Join a group, club, organization that ...
1. Is something that you used to do!
2. Has to do with your major/s.
3. Takes your out of your 'comfort zone!'
Unexpected Paths: Where College Majors Could Lead
The Numbers...
29%
indicated they would have liked more resources on “exploring careers and majors” during the first weeks of classes– the highest response in this category.
NCSU QEP First Term Survey Fall 2024
Foster
The Numbers...
49.6%
of students reported being “very confident” in their ability to choose the right major.
Foster
The Numbers...
52.6%
student respondents reported never participating in a paid internship.
NC State University's 2021-2022 Graduating Senior Survey
Foster
Advancing Career Readiness Through NACE-Aligned Programming
Foster
7 Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce
Career & Self Development
Leadership
Communication
Teamwork
March 2024
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Digital Technology
Written and Verbal Communication
Employers rate the IMPORTANCE of the 7 Career Readiness Competencies
Employers rate recent GRADUATES on the 7 Career Competencies
Career Action Plan
Explore
Prepare
Participate
Foster
Career Development Center PROGRAMS
Co-op
Career Identity Program
Career Champions
OnePack Empowered
Career Ambassadors
Rural Works!
Career Development Center Services
Job Search Assistance
Pre-Professional Services
Clothing Closet
Career Counseling
Professional Photo Booth
Career Fair Events
PackPros
Tools/ReSOURCES
Focus 2
Occupational Outlook Handbook
O*Net Online
First Years
EX P L O R E
Create/Use ePack Account
Meet with Career Center Team
Explore - Career Identity Program
-Focus2
-Occupational Outlook Handbook
-O*Net Online
-CareerShift
Create/Update LinkedIn Profile
Foster
Career Identity Program Overview
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
OnePack Empowered
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
OTHER? What Else?
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
EX P L O R E
Second Years
Complete All First Year Tasks
Attend Career Fairs on campus
Learn How To Network
Create/Edit/Update Resume & LinkedIn Profile
Get Involved! Find your Community!
Foster
Career Fairs, Networking, LinkedIn...
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
Third Years
PREPARE
Complete First & Second Year Tasks
Update & Edit -Targeted Résumé & Cover Letter
Practice Interviewing Skills with a Career Counselor
Request Letters of Recommendation
Attend Career Fairs, Employer Information Sessions etc.
Foster
Career Fairs, Networking, LinkedIn...
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
Career Development Center Services
Before You Go
Net Promoter Score
Your Pack, Your Path November
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Transcript
How Companies "Work"
Your PACK, Your PATH 2025
Terri Pennypacker, Career Development Professional Zariah Green, Career Development Professional
WTHeck?
What We Will Explore Today:
1. The Big Picture: Why Companies Need Many Roles
2. The Company Map: Key Divisions Explained
3. Roles Within Each Division - Finding Your 'Fit'
Activity: If You Started Your Own Company...
You’re launching your own company tomorrow — you can’t do it all alone. What kinds of roles or team members would you need to make your business run successfully?
INSTRUCTIONS
On Each Table Is A Company Name & Description
Working As A Team - Think about 3–4 roles you’d need to run the company
Companies succeed because every division plays a unique part in creating, delivering, and supporting what they sell, offer and 'do'.
The Data: Job Market RealitiesCurrent trends affecting the Class of 2025Skills employers are seeking Your 'Value Add' As a Career Champion Understanding Gen Z What makes Gen Z not just different, but essential to the future of work?
Operations & Delivery
Customers & Growth
Money & Strategy
People & Experiences
Core Functions In 'Every' Company
CROSS FUNCTIONAL COLLOBORATION AT WORK!
1. Design & Innovation → Create the product - Designers and engineers bring the idea to life.
5. Sales → Get it to customers - Work with retailers and online stores to drive demand.
8. Human Resources → Support the people behind it - Hire, train, and manage corporate expectations
2. Strategy & Product Planning → Decide what to launch - Choose the shoe, timing, and target market.
4. Marketing → Tell the story - Build excitement through campaigns, media, and athletes.
6. IT & Digital → Power the launch online - Run Nike.com, apps, data systems, and digital tools.
3. Operations & Supply Chain → Make and move it - Manage production, materials, and shipping.
7. Finance → Fund and track it all - Budget, forecast, and analyze results.
Activity: NIKE.COM - Careers/Jobs Listings
Review Job Descriptions
The Data: Job Market RealitiesCurrent trends affecting the Class of 2025Skills employers are seeking Your 'Value Add' As a Career Champion Understanding Gen Z What makes Gen Z not just different, but essential to the future of work?
JOB DESCRIPTIONS 101
Qualifications: Read carefully!
Responsibilities: A job description says is rarely 100% of what you’ll do day to day!
"Analyst,” “Coordinator,” or “Associate” mean very different things at different companies.
Look for required vs. preferred skills
Identify transferrable skills
Entry-Level Titles in Common Fields
Business Management/Administration
Operations Coordinator - Operations Assistant - Business Operations Associate - Project Coordinator - Program Assistant - Office Manager - Business Coordinator
Marketing / Communication:
Marketing Coordinator - Social Media Specialist - Content Creator - Communications Assistant - Digital Marketing Associate - Business Development Associate
Marketing / Communication:
Marketing Coordinator - Social Media Specialist - Content Creator - Communications Assistant - Digital Marketing Associate - Business Development Associate
Entry-Level Titles in Common Fields
Finance / Accounting
Financial Analyst - Junior Accountant - Audit Associate - Billing Specialist - Finance Assistant
IT/Technology
IT Support Specialist - Help Desk Technician - QA Tester - Junior Developer - Systems Support Analyst
Marketing / Communication:
Junior Engineer (Mechanical, Electrical, etc.) - Engineering Technician - Manufacturing Engineer I - Quality Engineer I - Product Development Associate
Your first job doesn’t define your whole career!
Many people start in one area and end up somewhere completely different. An internship and 'first job' are starting points — a place to learn, explore, and build skills that can take you anywhere.”
Foster
Where Your First Job Can Lead...
Example 1: Started as a Marketing Assistant → Now in Sales Example 2: Started as a Financial Analyst → Now in Marketing Operations Example 3: Started as a Sales Rep → Now in Corporate Training Example 4: Started as a Business Operations Associate → Now in Human Resources
Foster
Your TURN!
Login: ChatGPT 1) Write this prompt: I am a [MAJOR], what are the entry level job titles that I should be searching for? 2) Write this prompt: What Companies hire for [MAJOR]?
ANY QUESTIONS?
WHAT DO EMPLOYERS REALLY WANT FROM ENTRY LEVEL HIRES?
Foster
Companies want graduates who didn’t just go to class — they want people who got involved, led projects, and worked with others. Being active in clubs, organizations, or teams shows you can communicate, collaborate, and take initiative — skills that matter just as much as your GPA!
Foster
The RULE of 3!
Join a group, club, organization that ...
1. Is something that you used to do!
2. Has to do with your major/s.
3. Takes your out of your 'comfort zone!'
Unexpected Paths: Where College Majors Could Lead
The Numbers...
29%
indicated they would have liked more resources on “exploring careers and majors” during the first weeks of classes– the highest response in this category.
NCSU QEP First Term Survey Fall 2024
Foster
The Numbers...
49.6%
of students reported being “very confident” in their ability to choose the right major.
Foster
The Numbers...
52.6%
student respondents reported never participating in a paid internship.
NC State University's 2021-2022 Graduating Senior Survey
Foster
Advancing Career Readiness Through NACE-Aligned Programming
Foster
7 Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce
Career & Self Development
Leadership
Communication
Teamwork
March 2024
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Digital Technology
Written and Verbal Communication
Employers rate the IMPORTANCE of the 7 Career Readiness Competencies
Employers rate recent GRADUATES on the 7 Career Competencies
Career Action Plan
Explore
Prepare
Participate
Foster
Career Development Center PROGRAMS
Co-op
Career Identity Program
Career Champions
OnePack Empowered
Career Ambassadors
Rural Works!
Career Development Center Services
Job Search Assistance
Pre-Professional Services
Clothing Closet
Career Counseling
Professional Photo Booth
Career Fair Events
PackPros
Tools/ReSOURCES
Focus 2
Occupational Outlook Handbook
O*Net Online
First Years
EX P L O R E
Create/Use ePack Account
Meet with Career Center Team
Explore - Career Identity Program
-Focus2
-Occupational Outlook Handbook
-O*Net Online
-CareerShift
Create/Update LinkedIn Profile
Foster
Career Identity Program Overview
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
OnePack Empowered
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
OTHER? What Else?
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
EX P L O R E
Second Years
Complete All First Year Tasks
Attend Career Fairs on campus
Learn How To Network
Create/Edit/Update Resume & LinkedIn Profile
Get Involved! Find your Community!
Foster
Career Fairs, Networking, LinkedIn...
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
Third Years
PREPARE
Complete First & Second Year Tasks
Update & Edit -Targeted Résumé & Cover Letter
Practice Interviewing Skills with a Career Counselor
Request Letters of Recommendation
Attend Career Fairs, Employer Information Sessions etc.
Foster
Career Fairs, Networking, LinkedIn...
NACE Competency/Competiencies Example, Brief Activity of how a CC would share information
Career Development Center Services
Before You Go
Net Promoter Score