Phillip D. Gardner, nationally known researcher and public speaker, will visit Wichita State University on Monday, Oct. 13, to give three lectures.

One hundred area employers are invited to an informational breakfast at which Gardner will deliver the address “Recruiting and Retaining Young Adults…They Are Different!” The event takes place from 7:30-9 a.m. at the WSU Marcus Welcome Center. The event is invitation only.

Wichita State students are invited to Gardner’s lecture, “Preparing for the World of Work: Opportunities and Challenges,” from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in 218 Hubbard Hall.

Among the topics to be discussed: future employment trends, the skills and abilities employers are looking for from today’s students, and tips for making a successful transition from college to the work force. Students who attend will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Best Buy gift card.

Faculty and staff are invited to attend “Understanding Millennials and Preparing Them for a Successful Transition” from 4-5 p.m. Oct. 13 in 231 Hubbard Hall.

Gardner will discuss the characteristics of today’s generation of “millennial students” as learners and workers and will give advice to faculty about how to help students make a successful transition from college to the work force.

Gardner is director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University. He specializes in labor market dynamics and the millennial generation.

His research interests include the transition from college to work, early socialization and career progression in the workplace, workforce readiness and other areas related to college student studies.

Gardner’s visit is co-sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Research Excellence, Career Services and the Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning Department.