Biography
Leaders looking to build a strong workforce are not just looking for new hires to do the work. They are looking for contributors who will bring the energy and innovative thinking necessary to help drive a business or organization toward its goals. With more than 25 years experience in the private sector — nearly half assisting organizations with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring top talent — Summers has an insider’s understanding of what employers are seeking and how to help students and recent grads showcase their academic skills and personal experiences.
Wake Forest’s one, University-wide employer relations team means Summers has experience with and supports the employment search for students in all academic areas – teaching and empowering them to articulate the value of their education for today’s employers. He is committed to creating a first class experience for the employers that recruit Wake Forest students.
Areas of Expertise (9)
Employer Relations
Job Hunting
Networking
Career Development
Personal Development
Employer
Higher Education
Talent Recruitment
Employment/Hiring Trends
Media
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Education (1)
Wake Forest University: B.A., Communication
Media Appearances (2)
US job growth bounces back: 211,000 hired in April, according to federal jobs report
The New York Times
2017-04-05
At Wake Forest University in North Carolina, Mike Summers, director of employer relations, said the number of employers recruiting on campus this year increased by 22 percent. "We are starting to see employers engaging with our students earlier in the recruiting cycle,” he said.
Landing a first job after college
WFMY
2016-05-16
To land the first job after college and beyond, potential hires need to show how their life experience adds value to the workplace. “It's not just about filling out an application. Storytelling is key,” says Mike Summers, director of employer relations. “Candidates must research thoroughly the company where they want to work and be compelling when connecting their strengths to the needs of the organization. Prep is paramount.”