HERE AT THE EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE FOUNDATION, you might have heard that we rely on charitable contributions from readers like you and the organizations you represent for 100% of our budget. Our fantastic volunteers don’t just donate their money; they donate another precious resource: their time.
Volunteers donated their time delivering 12 guest lectures at colleges and universities across the country in 2022, and many have plans to deliver lectures in 2023. It’s all part of the Foundation’s Guest Lecture Program, inspired by our mission to keep your eye on the future.
What is the Guest Lecture Program, exactly? It’s a way to inspire the next generation by informing students all over the country about the many employment opportunities in the equipment finance industry. Many students are not even aware that a career in our field is possible let alone lucrative, especially compared to starting salaries in many other industries. And who better to share this with them than seasoned industry experts.
The process for delivering a guest lecture could not be easier. First, contact the school you’re interested in working with, focusing on a department chair or course instructor for business and finance programs. If you have any existing contacts, don’t be afraid to reach out to them. If you have any interns, check with them to see if they’ll receive any extra credit for helping to facilitate the lecture. Unsure of how to open that dialogue? The Foundation has a sample letter you can customize.
Once you’ve set a date for your guest lecture, take some time to prepare. Download the slide deck and customize it to your experience and expertise. Tell your personal story and how you ended up in the position you have today to make it relevant and interesting. You don’t have to go it alone, either. Bring along colleagues and industry peers to present your lecture together. If you have interns, invite them to speak directly to students about their experiences at your company.
Finally, hang around and follow up with any interested students. Allow students to ask questions they may have been too shy to ask in front of their group. Offer to connect with students on social media or share your email address. And be sure to encourage students to apply for the Foundation Academic Scholarship! The application opens in February 2023, offering five $5,000 scholarships to qualified students.
Foundation Scholarship applications open in February!
Ready to deliver a guest lecture this spring? Visit the Foundation’s website for our ready-made slide deck, introductory letter, and handy FAQ form for any remaining questions. Already have a guest lecture planned? Let us know!
Industry leaders present the Guest Lecture Program
Volunteers donated their time delivering 12 guest lectures at colleges and universities across the country in 2022, and many have plans to deliver lectures in 2023. It’s all part of the Foundation’s Guest Lecture Program, inspired by our mission to keep your eye on the future.
What is the Guest Lecture Program, exactly? It’s a way to inspire the next generation by informing students all over the country about the many employment opportunities in the equipment finance industry. Many students are not even aware that a career in our field is possible let alone lucrative, especially compared to starting salaries in many other industries. And who better to share this with them than seasoned industry experts.
Listen to Foundation volunteers share their experiences delivering guest lectures on the Foundation Podcast.
The process for delivering a guest lecture could not be easier. First, contact the school you’re interested in working with, focusing on a department chair or course instructor for business and finance programs. If you have any existing contacts, don’t be afraid to reach out to them. If you have any interns, check with them to see if they’ll receive any extra credit for helping to facilitate the lecture. Unsure of how to open that dialogue? The Foundation has a sample letter you can customize.
Once you’ve set a date for your guest lecture, take some time to prepare. Download the slide deck and customize it to your experience and expertise. Tell your personal story and how you ended up in the position you have today to make it relevant and interesting. You don’t have to go it alone, either. Bring along colleagues and industry peers to present your lecture together. If you have interns, invite them to speak directly to students about their experiences at your company.
Finally, hang around and follow up with any interested students. Allow students to ask questions they may have been too shy to ask in front of their group. Offer to connect with students on social media or share your email address. And be sure to encourage students to apply for the Foundation Academic Scholarship! The application opens in February 2023, offering five $5,000 scholarships to qualified students.
Foundation Scholarship applications open in February!
Be sure to share the announcement with any student groups or your alma mater.
Ready to deliver a guest lecture this spring? Visit the Foundation’s website for our ready-made slide deck, introductory letter, and handy FAQ form for any remaining questions. Already have a guest lecture planned? Let us know!
Industry leaders present the Guest Lecture Program
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2023