By Kimberly Link-Wills

Job seekers were fortified with boxed lunches and words of advice during a workshop before the doors opened to 105 awaiting employers at the 28th annual Alumni Career Fair.

Bob Stargel, EE 83, vice president of Kimberly-Clark Nonwovens, used a Will Rogers quote — “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there” — to encourage Georgia Tech alumni and soon-to-be graduates at his March 29 presentation at the Cobb Galleria Centre to keep learning and leading.

“Leading is a lot more fun than following,” said Stargel, an Alumni Association trustee. Stargel’s other catchphrases included reminders to make an impact, build constituencies and raise the bar.

“If you don’t raise the bar, you get stagnant,” he said, later adding, “It’s important to stretch yourself. … Add new tools to your tool belt.”

Stargel also believes a customer service model is key to success.

“Using a customer service approach in everything that you do is not just treating people like you want to be treated, it’s also anticipating people’s needs,” he said.

Stargel said the learning process can never stop.

“You’ve got to seek and value feedback to get better. … It’s not easy to do, but it’s a key point,” he said.

As he wished the job seekers luck in their career quests, Stargel reminded them that they still needed to work hard to land the ideal opportunity.

“Make your own luck,” he said. “I’m a big believer in the harder you work the luckier you get.”