University Students Learn to “Start Smart”
The Jane Kopas Women’s Center hosted a salary negotiation workshop that taught the attendees how to: expand the market value of their education, skills and experience; conduct market research and decide a fair salary; create a good pitch; and respond to salary offers. The event featured the curriculum of the American Association of University Women’s “Start Smart” salary workshop.On March 28th, students gathered in a conference room on the fourth floor of the DeNaples Center to not only learn skills that could help with salary negotiation in the future, but also to learn how to better advocate for themselves.
The Jane Kopas Women’s Center hosted the two-hour salary negotiation workshop, which featured the curriculum of a “Start Smart” salary workshop, a program created by the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
According to the Women’s Center, the AAUW’s Start Smart and Work Smart programs are “designed to empower women with the skills and confidence to successfully negotiate their salary and benefits packages. By learning strategies and practicing effective language, participants gain valuable skills they can use throughout their lives – well beyond their next negotiation.”
The workshop was facilitated by Maria Marinucci, director of the Cross Cultural Center, and Lori Moran, career development coordinator.
The workshop included information regarding the gender pay gap and taught the attendees how to: expand the market value of their education, skills and experience; conduct market research and decide a fair salary; create a good pitch; and respond to salary offers.
“We want you to come out of college ready to negotiate your first salary,” Marinucci said.
The attendees included both men and women and ranged from seniors to first-year students. Participants received a workbook that included pertinent information about the workshop and its learning objectives and it also included exercises to help guide the learning experience.
“The very first step,” Moran said, “is knowing your own value.”
The mission of the Jane Kopas Women’s Center is to offer educational programs on topics related to women, gender and feminist theories; to develop women as lifelong learners and confident leaders through skill training, educational opportunities, advocacy training, and a women’s leadership program; and to encourage service through collaborative projects between the campus and Scranton communities.
In correlation with Women’s History Month, throughout March the University, its departments and organizations have hosted events that focus on displaying the University’s commitment to diversity, gender equity and cultural understanding.
