This past month, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a gain of only 49,000 jobs nationwide, nearly 10 million fewer jobs than this time a year ago. Nonetheless, Eastern Connecticut State University students heard good news on Feb. 10, when Anthony LaPia ’03, global sales director of strategic accounts business for LinkedIn, offered guidance on students’ job search opportunities.

A guest speaker at a virtual careers workshop sponsored by the Center for Internships and Career Development (CICD), Lapia said the need for talent is ever present in the workplace. If students learn how to showcase their talent, tell their story and build relationships, they can find employment opportunities even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The days of people looking for jobs has morphed into companies strategically hunting for talent,” said LaPia. “However, to succeed, a candidate must make themselves known to the marketplace, using platforms like LinkedIn, and they must have the ability to quickly summarize their value. It’s how you do it, the way you do it — how your authentic self wants to show up.”

LaPia said students can determine if a company has integrity by examining its etiquette. “Does it make the various types of careers available to everyone? In looking for the best career fit, align your personal values with that of the company you choose to join. In doing so, you enhance your chances of making a career journey worth chasing. A career should align with your personal passions. Find an amazing place to work, a place that will find great work for you to do.”

LaPia says he values his Eastern liberal arts education greatly. “Eastern provided me with life experiences that allowed me to grow and learn well beyond the classroom. I formed relationships that have remained with me for life. In my 20-year career, I’ve had a lifelong passion for solving problems. On the journey, I’ve led high performing teams that build strategic partnerships with the world’s most admired organizations.” LaPia will host another session for Eastern students on March 16.

Students participating in the workshop enjoyed LaPia’s advice: “It was great to hear from a senior manager at LinkedIn, offering ways we can all make our profiles better for connections and employers,” said Drew Ellison ’21, of Ivoryton. “It will help me in creating my own LinkedIn account, which I just set up. I now know how to make it stand out. I recommend the March 16 workshop to other students.”

“The workshop was very helpful,” said Nicole Thomassen ’22, of Woodbury. “Listening to others share their LinkedIn experience helps to understand the process. This motivates me to continue creating my own page/account. Anthony shared very inspirational advice. I really appreciated this meeting.”