Catholic Central’s Career Conference series continued during March with two sets of speakers covering a wide range of exciting career opportunities for students after graduation. 

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Spencer Hicks ‘09 spoke with students at the 2025 Engineering Career Conference, sharing insights into what it takes to succeed in engineering, the various career paths available, and how students can prepare for the field.

Hicks began by explaining the fundamental role engineers play in shaping the world around us. “Everything you have touched has gone through the hands of an engineer,” he told students, emphasizing how engineers invent, design, analyze, and test machines, computer systems, structures, processes, and materials.

Beyond technical skills, Hicks highlighted the importance of collaboration. Engineers don’t work in isolation—they interact with marketing teams, finance departments, and other divisions within a company. According to Hicks, the best engineers aren’t just technically skilled; they also build strong personal connections and communicate complex ideas effectively. 

“The really talented engineers are the ones who can go and engage with people and their leadership. They can take something complex that they’ve spent a lot of time on and explain it to others with different backgrounds,” he explained.

Hicks outlined the many disciplines within engineering, including chemical, civil, computer/software, electrical, industrial, mechanical, and materials science. He also provided practical advice for students interested in pursuing the field.

“CC is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. It’s done more for me in my career than going to a big fancy school,” Hicks shared, encouraging students to take advantage of the school’s STEM resources. “Seek out the STEM Center. You guys have a better STEM Center than most universities. Don’t be a 2:45er. Get involved.”

For students looking to become engineers, Hicks stressed the importance of earning a degree from an accredited program, which their guidance department can help them identify. 

He also urged students to take physics and develop strong communication skills, as explaining complex solutions to non-engineers is a key part of the job. Additionally, he noted that engineers must be able to prioritize work, manage stress, and handle high-intensity environments.

Then, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Jimmy Burns ‘04 and Mitch Eisenstein ‘05 spoke with students about careers in financial planning, accounting, law, and sports agency. 

Jimmy Burns, a CPA specializing in financial planning, reflected on how his time at CC laid the foundation for his business career. He emphasized the competitive edge that comes with strong financial knowledge and how becoming a CPA positioned him for long-term success. 

“The networking opportunities you have because you went to CC are incredible,” he told students. “My career started because of my CC connections.” 

He encouraged students to take advantage of the school’s state-of-the-art facilities and rigorous academic environment, stressing that the habits developed at CC - hard work, discipline, and perseverance - carry into professional life.

Mitch shared his path from law school to founding his own sports agency, where he has represented NFL players, including Barry Sanders. He credited CC with helping him develop his competitive drive, which later propelled him to graduate first in his law school class. Now, as an attorney and sports agent, he manages athletes' sponsorships and business affairs. “You are given an incredible opportunity being here at CC,” he said. “It’s going to set you up for success for years.”

Jimmy and Mitch also highlighted the importance of communication skills, particularly in industries that rely on relationship-building. Jimmy recounted a story about a student who reached out to him solely through text messages instead of making a phone call or meeting in person. He urged students to embrace direct communication, reminding them that strong interpersonal skills are key to professional success. “If you think you’re managing millions of dollars and not communicating well, it’s not going to happen,” he said. “Whatever your career path is, it’s all about relationships and communication.”

Mitch echoed this sentiment, adding that personal branding and professional image - especially in the age of social media - are more critical than ever. “We didn’t have to deal with social media growing up, but you do,” he told students. “Understand that what you put out there, people will see. The way you represent yourself now could affect you in the future.” He emphasized the power of first impressions, encouraging students to take initiative, introduce themselves to new people, and develop their networks.

Both speakers reinforced the unique advantages that Catholic Central students have, urging them to leverage the school’s alumni network and resources. “We had a guest speaker come to one of my journalism classes when I was at CC, and I took the initiative to speak with him,” Mitch recalled. “That conversation led to an entire internship program being created - and that’s how I got connected with the Red Wings.”

Stay tuned for more coverage as our Career Conferences extend into April!