By Rebbecca Sweeney

Students will have the opportunity to learn how and why top companies recruit and retain minority and international students at a three-part diversity connection career event tomorrow night sponsored by the James W. Stuckert Career Center.

“In this ever-changing global world, top companies in the U.S. put their time and energy in diversifying their workforce because they understand the value of diversity of ideas and perspectives,” said Mahjabeen Rafiuddin, director of Student Diversity Engagement.

Successful companies recruit a diverse workforce because they understand that by diversifying their workforce, they will add value to their business, Rafiuddin said.

The event will begin with a diversity panel discussion with company executives from Deloitte, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Lexmark International, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Thomas & King. It will be held tomorrow at 5 p.m. at the Stuckert Career Center.

Then, a “Crash Course Networking Session” will begin at 6 p.m. for students to learn and practice basic networking techniques.

At 6:30, the Diversity Connection Reception will begin, letting students meet with employers from top companies like Clear Channel, Sherwin-Williams, Fifth Third Bank, Frito Lay, The Kroger Co. and Target, all of which will have insight about the global workforce, Rafiuddin said.

“Top companies are also searching for employees who are readily prepared to work with anyone and everyone,” Rafiuddin said.

Rafiuddin said students should attend the events because it is important for them to become culturally competent professionals with global views and knowledge. Students will have the opportunity to gain knowledge about what companies are looking for in employees.

Students are advised to dress professionally and bring several copies of their resumes.