Business students learn professional and networking skills at the International Organization of Black Security Executives Conference
Back in February, the International Organization of Black Security Executives (IOBSE) held a seminar on Alcorn State University's campus to find students interested in attending the organization's conference in April. Two standout students, with one earning a scholarship, were chosen to represent the university.
Wamundila Kwalombota, a senior business administration major and scholarship winner, and Ciera Promprakai, a junior political science major, attended the IOBSE Conference in Boca Raton, Florida in late April.
Kwalombota was one of three students awarded the 2019 IOBSE Student Scholarship. The $1,500 scholarship went to students who showed exemplary leadership skills and community involvement.
An accomplishment such as the scholarship is a testament to Kwalombota's work ethic. He spoke about his serious approach to educational success, and the doors that being a good student could open.
"Education is very important to me and vital to my success," said Kwalombota. "Being awarded this scholarship has motivated me to keep working hard. I am a step closer towards graduating, which will open new doors for learning and continued growth."
The conference offered the students tips that they can apply to their future careers. For Promprakai, soaking in new knowledge was her priority while at the event.
"The conference was very informative on topics such as networking, speeches, etiquette, and much more," said Promprakai. "The information was perfect for working in the business world."
Being amongst professionals in the security industry helped Promprakai to hone her networking skills. She believes her interactions with the experts will help her in the future.
"The most important thing about attending the event was it allowed me to be more social with seasoned professionals," she said. "The comfort I felt will ultimately be vital to how I approach business in the future."
The conference included a student workshop that allowed participants to brush up on their professional skills. Kwalombota took advantage of the opportunity to become sharper in his interviewing skills.
"I was able to refine my interview and professional networking skills," he said. "The conference gave me an inside look into different opportunities in the security industry. The conference was an extraordinary experience."
Both students were pleases with what the event had to offer, and they look forward to similar career enriching conferences in the future.
