Career Connections is your go-to space for building career momentum. Explore our Career Development Webinar Series, where O∆K members share timely insights and real-world expertise, and take advantage of our partnership with Career.io for personalized job search tools. You’ll also find exclusive opportunities to connect with fellow O∆K members, grow your network, and stay engaged with career-focused events and resources.
2026 Career Development Webinar Series
This webinar series is a benefit of active membership. To register for an upcoming webinar, sign into your MyODK account, navigate to “MyODK Home,” and select the event listed under the “Upcoming Events” tab.
Upcoming webinars
Writing the Next Chapter: Using What You’ve Learned Along the Way to Take the Next Steps in Your Career
June 24, at 3:00 p.m. EST
Michelle Burke (University of South Carolina, 1997), SHRM-CP, Director of Postsecondary Programs and Partnerships for the Michigan Center for Adult College Success, and a multifaceted talent development expert, presents on strategic career navigation and on translating diverse professional experiences into a compelling path forward. Drawing from a career spanning public relations, higher education leadership, consulting, and partnership development – as well as her own recent experience navigating a career break – she guides participants through a practical framework for auditing their lived experiences, leveraging tools like CliftonStrengths™ and True Colors™, and building a personal brand that positions them confidently for what comes next.
From Ledgers to Lived Experience: Turning Professional Skills into Policy Impact
July 30, at 12:00 p.m. EST
Sarah A. Paul, FCA, ACTI (University of North Carolina Charlotte, 2026), a Ph.D. candidate in Public Policy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, presents on navigating career transitions and finding purpose across diverse professional experiences. Drawing from her journey from banking executive to researcher, educator, and policy scholar, Sarah shares insights on embracing change, pursuing new opportunities, and recognizing the value of skills gained along the way. Through lessons learned across finance, higher education, and public policy, she demonstrates how experiences from one field can provide a strong foundation for success in another. Sarah encourages participants to remain open to evolving interests, approach career decisions with curiosity and confidence, and understand that professional growth is often shaped not by a single path, but by a willingness to learn, adapt, and apply one’s talents in new and meaningful ways.
***Registration opens July 20th!***
The Power of Persistence: Building a Meaningful Career
August 26, at 1:00 p.m. EST
Daniel Duran (University of Redlands, 2026), a higher education leader and master’s student, presents on career growth, resilience, and leadership. Drawing from his experience balancing higher education, professional advancement, and personal development, Daniel shares practical insights on navigating uncertainty, embracing lifelong learning, and building success one step at a time. Through lessons learned from his educational journey, from earning an associate degree at San Bernardino Valley College to completing his bachelor’s degree at California State University, San Bernardino, and pursuing graduate studies while advancing professionally, he encourages participants to approach challenges with adaptability, perseverance, and confidence as they chart their own paths toward personal and professional growth.
***Registration opens August 18th!***
Leadership and Character Development through Nutrition
September 16, at 1:00 p.m. EST
Deon Sanders (Loyola University New Orleans, 2026), an educator, mentor, and leadership instructor, presents on building sustainable habits, prioritizing well-being, and creating routines that support personal and professional success. Drawing from more than two decades of experience in the United States Marine Corps, as a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor, and as a licensed plumbing educator, Deon shares practical strategies for developing healthy habits through small, consistent actions. Grounded in the belief that effective leadership begins with self-care, he encourages participants to assess their mental, physical, and emotional well-being, celebrate incremental progress, and embrace routines that foster long-term growth. Through insights on time management, precision scheduling, and healthier life choices, Deon demonstrates how multiple small successes can create meaningful change and provide the foundation needed to better serve, support, and lead others.
***Registration opens September 9th!***
The Art of Agreeing to Disagree
November 10, at 12:00 p.m. EST
Dr. Angela Harrison, DEL, MBA, MLS, FACHDM (University of Lynchburg, 2026), a healthcare leadership professional and expert in organizational communication, presents on civil discourse, respectful disagreement, and effective communication across differences. Drawing from her experience negotiating complex healthcare agreements and collaborating with diverse stakeholders across a multi-state healthcare organization, Dr. Harrison explores how empathy, emotional intelligence, and intellectual humility can transform disagreement into an opportunity for growth and understanding. Through a discussion of the historical role of debate, the impact of polarization and social media on modern communication, and practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations, she encourages participants to engage thoughtfully with differing perspectives while maintaining respect for others. Attendees will gain valuable insights into fostering productive dialogue, building stronger relationships, and developing the communication skills essential for leadership and collaboration.
***Registration opens November 4th!***
Past Webinars
January 21, at 2:00 p.m. EST
Jessica Roffe, MA, CCSP (University of Maryland, College Park, 2019), Founder of Career Beginnings LLC, led a practical and interactive webinar for job seekers at all stages. Participants explored how to identify and apply their personal brand, clearly articulate their value to employers, target the right roles, network with confidence, and show up prepared for interviews. The session provided actionable strategies that attendees could implement immediately as they kicked off their 2026 job search with focus and momentum.
February 24, 2026, at 12 p.m. EST
Chris Dougherty (George Washington University, 2006), a seasoned communications leader, presented on career development tools grounded in his two decades of experience as a hiring manager and career coach. Chris drew from his work advising organizations and supporting early-career professionals, and he shared practical strategies to help individuals stand out, navigate career growth, and advance with confidence.
April 1, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. EST
Michael Preston, Ed.D. (East Carolina University, 1994), senior student success leader and higher education professional, presented on building your network and telling your story through career-ready social capital. He drew from his experience leading student success initiatives and advancing career readiness. Michael shared practical strategies to help individuals translate leadership experiences into meaningful connections, expand their networks, and confidently pursue career opportunities.
April 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EST
Zach Shifflett, Director of Business Solutions at Career.io and Premier Virtual, presented on the intersection of leadership and technology in today’s competitive job market. Zach drew on over 15 years of experience in business strategy, operations, and virtual event innovation, exploring the growing influence of AI on career development and the essential “human-plus” skills that set top candidates apart. Participants gained practical insights on integrating AI tools into their professional toolkit to drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly automated world.
May 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST
Jamie F. Bouldin (Stephen F. Austin State University, 2004), Director for Membership Services at Omicron Delta Kappa and seasoned higher education professional, presented on translating your leadership and involvement experiences into compelling interview narratives and career-ready communication. Drawing from more than a decade of experience in leadership programming, academic advising, and career development, she guided participants through practical strategies to identify transferable skills, connect their ODK experiences to the competencies employers value most, and confidently articulate their strengths in interviews and professional settings.
Career.io
O∆K is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Career.io, a leading job seeker support company. This collaboration unlocks exclusive, discounted access to world- class career tools and services – available only to active O∆K members. Whether you’re actively job hunting, looking for career insurance, or just want to stay ready for what’s next, we’ve got something just for you! Check out more information here.
Networking Resources
Be sure to connect with fellow O∆K members to continue growing your network. Engage with O∆K’s members-only LinkedIn group, explore the member directory, stay up to date on career development webinars and virtual opportunities vetted by O∆K through the events calendar, and join the exclusive Discord community to connect with members in your field or areas of interest.
