TIAA Hosts 2nd Annual HBCU Early Career Insights Program Virtually for Students

October 28, 2020: In these challenging times, TIAA remains steadfastly committed to supporting its historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) clients in fulfilling their inspiring missions. Students from 10 HBCUs participated in TIAA's second annual HBCU Early Career Insights Program held virtually this year on October 6 – 8.

During the three-day program, students interacted with TIAA executives and HBCU alumni to uncover more career possibilities within their current major and learn how their course of study aligns with internship opportunities at TIAA, Nuveen and TIAA Bank. They also attended skill-building workshops and competed in an innovation challenge.

During the program's virtual fireside chat with TIAA CEO and President Roger Ferguson, he shared insights with the students about his academic and career journey, and reflections on the challenges he has faced. "You should look at your career as more of a rock climbing wall as opposed to a ladder," Ferguson shared. "You will have to make adjustments and be willing to adapt."

Ferguson's words resonated with many of the students.

"Thank you for your transparency and honesty, Mr. Ferguson," remarked a Fayetteville State University Student.

A Florida A&M University student commented, "The fact we can see qualities of ourselves within Mr. Ferguson means a lot!"

The keynote speaker was Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., Former New Jersey Secretary of State and author of Say Yes to No Debt: 12 Steps to Financial Freedom. Additional speakers included Chief Human Resources Officer Sean Woodroffe, Chief Inclusion & Diversity and Corporate Responsibility Officer Corie Pauling, Institutional Retirement Regional GM Craig Parkin, Chief Talent Acquisition Officer Angie Wesley and many others at TIAA.

"Last year we had to work through disruption caused by Hurricane Dorian and this year we had the pandemic; I’m thrilled we did not let these obstacles stop us from providing the program to these impressive students," said Shea Howell, Manager of Diversity Talent Acquisition Programs at TIAA.

In 2019, the HBCU Early Career Insights Program was held at TIAA's Charlotte headquarters, and this 2020 virtual program was another excellent opportunity to help promising students begin preparing for rewarding careers.

TIAA deeply values its longstanding partnership with HBCUs, and has admiration for the history, mission, and values of the nation’s HBCU community.