CIU Today Spring 2017

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A new group on campus is aiming to help CIU students make
connections in the Columbia area business community. The
Fellowship of Christian Professionals (FCP) was formed at the
end of the Fall semester, mostly by students majoring in Business
& Organizational Leadership, and is on the way to fulfilling its
mission:
To equip CIU students through business to advance the
kingdom of God through education, innovation and connection.
FCP President Jen Sedio, a senior, says the organization will
help students network and make inroads into the business world
before graduation “so they are equipped to take on a job or be
confident to take on an internship in their major.”
The group has already made connections with the South
Carolina Christian Chamber of Commerce and is moving toward
involvement with Enactus, a national collaboration of students,
academic and business leaders who use their entrepreneurial
interests to create a better world.
Meanwhile, Sedio says short-term FCP goals include guest
speaker luncheons, lining up business-oriented Chapel speakers
and inviting alumni who can help students land that important
first job, including how to prepare for a job interview.
“On top of building their resume, we want them skilled and
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confident in doing interviews, what questions to be prepared
for, how they should present themselves, what they should ask
in an interview, (and) what they should investigate before an
interview,” Sedio said.
Sedio is herself in a good position to assist students entering
the business world. At age 39, she is twice the age of most of
her classmates. The mother of two teenage boys is the sports
director at a local YMCA and came to Columbia with her
husband from Massachusetts where they owned a diner.
“I’ve always been in management and have always enjoyed
being in management,” Sedio said. “Just being able to help
others has always been my ultimate life goal in whatever aspect
God has for me to do that … looking at it as a leader with vision
for my department as well as my staff and where they are going
in life.”
That view fits with the Scripture that FCP has adopted as its
guide from 1 Peter 4:8-12, which in part reads:
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good
stewards of God’s varied grace …”
Editor’s note: If you are a business professional or CIU alumnus
who can assist the Fellowship of Christian Professionals, contact
them at .
Fellowship of Christian Professionals Organizes
By Bob Holmes
The Executive Committee of the Fellowship of Christian Professionals meet (left to right)
Cameron Lickliter, treasurer; Jen Sedio, president; Mackenzie Dufries, vice president.
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CIU Today Spring 2017