Sri Haritha Deevi, Student Life Editor
Jade Ortiz giving her presentation. Photo//Vedant Soni
On September 24, "Lunch & Learn with Rocket Companies" at the College of Business-Fairlane Center North was not just another typical event, it was an opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Organized by the Graduate International Student Organization (GISO) in collaboration with Career Services, the event welcomed over 40 students. A mix of undergraduate and masters students learned from Jade Ortiz, a Senior Talent Relationship Manager at Rocket Companies.
Thanks to GISO and career Services, the casual atmosphere was made even better by the spread of sandwiches, chips, and lemonade for lunch. It felt more like a relaxed meetup than a formal presentation, which set the perfect tone for students eager to get real-world insights.
Jade Ortiz did a fantastic job introducing Rocket Companies and its wide range of ventures, from finance to real estate. She walked the students through what makes Rocket Companies unique, emphasizing the company’s "ISMs" – a set of ideologies that shape its work culture and day-to-day operations. These "ISMs" are not just corporate jargon, they represent the core values that define how Rocket Companies operates and treats its employees.
For students thinking about their own future careers, hearing about a company’s guiding principles made everything feel a lot more real and accessible. But what really sparked engagement was the Q&A session. For more than 20 minutes, students asked questions about everything from career opportunities at Rocket Companies to its culture and internship openings. Ortiz patiently answered every question, offering thoughtful, detailed responses that showed she was genuinely invested in helping the students understand what it takes to succeed at Rocket Companies.
Students at the event. Photo//Vedant Soni
With GISO and Career Services' thoughtful planning and organization, they had successfully created an experience that helped students bridge the gap between university life and the professional world. It was not just about hearing from a company representative, but about creating an environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and getting real answers.
As the event wrapped up, it was clear that the "Lunch & Learn" had a lasting impact on the students. They left with more than just knowledge about Rocket Companies, they walked away with a better sense of what to expect in the corporate world and how to align their skills with industry demands.
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