Alpha Kappa Alpha speaker discusses how to bring swag to the workplace

Swag. On Feb. 22, Rodney S. Jones put his own flavor on the definition by explaining to students how to convey their own swag in the work place by finding their inner-CEO.

Brought to Midwestern by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc’s Rho Nu Chapter and Multicultural Greek Council, Jones told students how May 5, 1998, was a day that changed his life.

Jones said at age 22, and as student at The University of Texas, he took custody of his two younger sisters which propelled him into the workforce earlier than he thought. Jones had no degree or experience in the jobs he pursued, but through his desire to win he got the job.

Jones said he achieved most valuable player honors and with his continuous determination Jones became professionally licensed in several areas of finance.

But, it was when he landed a job in a prestigious Fortune 500 company his mission was realized.

“When I was a recruiter I learned a lot of the do’s and don’ts from an interviewer perspective and I was asking myself that question why they did not know that this is something they should or should not do or say,” Jones said. “Honestly most of them did not know and just out of a passion to give back to people, who are coming behind me, I wanted them to have an easier trip than I did. So, I gave it a catchy name because I know [young people] like swagger, but in all honesty there is a swagger you need in the business world.”

Jones said a series of events led him to dedicating his life to mentoring individuals on his theory of corporate swagger.

Jones contacted La Donna Thompkins, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, to present his theory of corporate swagger.

Thompkins said after her personal research on the theory, it was important her peers understood the importance of finding their inner CEO and improving self-image.

“He told me multiple times via phone interactions and email that it is not about your GPA,” she said. “It’s going to be about what you present to the table and how you sell yourself. A lot of students do not know how to sell themselves.”

According to Jones, a student’s mindset is important and students should know the outcome is in their favor before it even starts.

“People will learn some applicable tools that they could use immediately to see a change in how they present themselves,” Jones said. “I plan on leaving them with the sense that not only do they belong in the business world today, but show them how to excel in the business world today. Using subtleties are often overlooked and those are the subtleties I call corporate swagger.”

Success comes when people are introduced to themselves, Jones said during his presentation.

Jones said he spent years perfecting his platform “corporate swagger” to what it is today.

“Corporate swagger is to know what the other team is thinking before you enter in the situation,” Jones said.

Students should be aware before hiring officials consider a GPA or degree, they are looking at a potential employee’s image, Jones said.

“Most employers’ look for high energy, confident and professional employees,” he said. “Your physical exterior affects your mental interior. CEOs are mentally sharp, have vision, have an eye for talent, ethics, walk with purpose and show up with presence.”

Vertel Scarborough, a senior in management information systems, said he left the presentation better informed on how to approach the job market.

“He was able to catch my attention and there are some of the things he spoke about that I knew about, but hearing about it from a different angle was more informative,” Scarborough said. “He touched on a lot of points. I really like that he talked about the type of image you should project because at times people think it’s just about going to school and getting an education, your image is important.”