Sharing the “softer” side of Professionalism

Carol Aranos '88 has learned a lot about professionalism during her career, and has been sharing that wisdom with students since her first alumni panel in 2020. Most recently, Aranos returned to campus as an alumni volunteer for the annual ZIPD Conference to talk about the power of networking and relationships.

"I loved my time at Bloom and believe I got an amazing education there," said Aranos. "So I want others to walk away with the same feeling."

Aranos says that while she felt academically prepared when she graduated, she found out later that the skillset truly necessary for success was more on the "softer side" of business and that skillset was not taught in the classroom. The reputation of her Bloom degree opened the first door, but since that time, Aranos has found all other positions through her professional network. Now the Director of Marketing for 425 Consulting Group, Aranos volunteers to support Professional U, of which the ZIPD Conference is a part, which pulls together alumni, is a concerted effort among alumni, faculty, and employers to expose students to the skills that are so often at the heart of professional success, and which took Aranos decades to perfect.

"I had a huge advantage in that the reputation of the university opened that first door," said Aranos. "But my dad was in sales and he was instrumental in teaching me those soft skills. Someone can graduate magna cum laude but if they can't have a conversation with someone it'll be very difficult to function in the professional world."

While Aranos had the advantage of family experience in professional positions to go with her degree, she is aware that many first-generation college students do not. That's why, when asked to be a panelist at the ZIPD Conference and be part of the effort to manufacture in the college environment the kinds of professional support she had in her family, Aranos couldn't refuse.

"Not every person has that advantage at home," said Aranos. "I firmly believe that Bloomsburg and Professional U give students the opportunity to not only build these skills but practice them at length before graduation [and] I enjoy being part of a team of mentors whose goal is to help them succeed."

While at the ZIPD Conference, Aranos was impressed with the students – not only because they were learning the value of networking, but also because they were putting their knowledge into practice. Many of the students connected with Aranos on LinkedIn and expressed gratitude for her time and attention.

"You could tell they really wanted to be there and were prepared with questions," Aranos recalled. "They really wanted advice and mentorship [and] actually implemented the ideas they learned while there."

Aranos describes the impact of alumni volunteers as ripples in a pond that have a lasting impact.

As professionals we need to invest in the next generations and support the community that supported us," said Aranos. "Every professional has a unique perspective and an inspiring story to tell, and sharing this knowledge with a student may make an impact far beyond what you can imagine."