Dialogue Days provides
interaction with seasoned professionals

Students at ease during classroom exchange

For Heather Dawson, the College of Business Administration’s 12th Dialogue Days was a chance to ask business professionals the kind of questions you can’t always ask in the “real world.” What is your salary? What’s the world of commercial lending really like? What is your typical day on the job?

“During Dialogue Days you can ask anything you want in a comfortable environment – the classroom – as opposed to an interview situation,” said Dawson, a senior studying corporate finance.

Pelizzari: Work hard, work together

Following a keynote speech by John Pelizzari, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank Northern Michigan, students interacted with more than 50 business professionals from various sectors and backgrounds.

“It really helped all of us to have these business people be so open about what they do. It’s a great resource to have this huge group of people who come here and love to share their experiences,” Dawson said.

Pelizzari delivered a simple message to CBA students: stick to it, work hard, and connect to your colleagues and customers alike.

“You need to get out and do something, get involved and be a part of helping people work together. If you do that, you can do anything.
The power in a company is when you work together, particularly when you see how different everybody is and recognize the power in those differences,” Pelizzari said.

Charles Dillard: Trust, be confident

Charles Dillard drew on his more than 30 years in the banking industry, both in the United States and abroad. In his discussions with students, the first vice president at Bank One addressed such topics as the importance of understanding the U.S. banking system and monetary policy, the role of management accounting in the current financial environment, and the keys to effective financial analysis.

“I also think it’s important for students to understand the importance of having a strong internal moral compass. Trust and confidence are an important currency in the banking realm,” Dillard said. “Your career is a never-ending process of learning and development, so be receptive to new ideas and continue to educate yourself.”

Dillard, who has been involved in several Dialogue Days, does so because of his admiration and respect for CMU’s business college.

“Many professionals who participate come back to CMU to recruit employees or select students for internships,” said interim dean Daniel Vetter. “This is part of the CBA’s mission to improve the types and numbers of opportunities for students to be placed in the business community.”

During CBA’s 12th Dialogue Days, John Pelizzari, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank Northern Michigan, urges CBA
students to get involved and work as a team.

Charles Dillard, first vice president at Bank One, explains to students the importance of continued education and development for a successful career.