The ERP Speaker SeriesProvided by The Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University

By Emily Wcisel ∙ MGT 268-13

What is the ERP Program?

• “The ERP Program at Grand Valley State University is one of the world’s leading programs where students gain an understanding of integrated, cross-functional business process experience using enterprise software SAP® to execute business processes, and to develop proficiency in the use of enterprise systems.”

– Grand Valley State University’s ERP Website

• http://www.gvsu.edu/erp/

• The ERP Program’s Speaker Series gives students an opportunity to hear from business professionals• Advice about life after college

• Personal experiences

• Business connections

Ryan Talbott, Director of IT - Finance and SAP Systems; Industrial Convergence; Organizational Change Management

• Keynote speaker – March 11, 2015 ∙ Seidman ERP Speaker Series

• Works for Chrysler Group LLC

• Great leadership skills:• Advised us to open our minds in different ways and broaden our

perspectives – don’t set barriers

• “Technology is fundamental to everything you do.”• Encouraged students to learn about technology

• Supports ERP Programs• Standardization

• Efficiency

• Instant information

Personal Theory for Career Success

• TERP10 Certification is valuable

• Deliver results

• Develop people• Make hard choices

• Supervise

• Grow yourself too – keep learning

• Take pride in how you act

• Be a leader• Communication

• Listening

• Learning

Communication

• “It doesn’t matter what you say – it matters how people hear it.”

• Make a good impression

• Ask questions to yourself• Think about how you would answer them – self-reflection

• Use “I” or “We” instead of “You”

• Every person needs to feel respected

• Behaviors mimic thoughts

Listening

• Not just words• Non-verbal communication also

• Understand (at least try to)• Be an active listener

• Listen without thinking of how to respond

• Repeat & clarify as needed

Learning

• Be confident• Not too confident – big egos are limiting

• Be humble too

• Set goals and work hard• Don’t be complacent

• Continue to work and grow

Looking Forward

• My plan for the future:• Work on leadership skills

• Continue to learn in other ways – attend more events

• Become more familiar with ERP systems and technology

• Self-reflect – identify strengths & weaknesses

• Future students attending the ERP Speaker Series• Act on encouragement and inspiration from speaker

• Don’t be afraid to take a closer look at your shortcomings

• Bring materials for note-taking

• Have the mindset that this is a valuable experience – get something out of it