Students laughed, chatted and took notes at the Austin Peay State University Mathematics and Statistics Department’s kickoff to its Industry Seminar Series on Feb. 11, 2026. In the opening session, guest speaker John M. Bowman, president of CATD, Inc., shared practical advice on transitioning from book-smart to office-ready.

Bowman reflected on moments from his first job to his experiences as an employer today, providing students with a candid look into the professional world. His talk focused on navigating workplace expectations, creating a personal brand, building a sustainable career and understanding how personal decisions shape long-term success.

Graduate student Alexis Mahar described the speaker as “incredibly knowledgeable,” noting that the seminar introduced ideas she had never fully considered.

“His response to why job applications ask for a salary range was interesting and something I had never thought too deeply about,” Mahar said. “Knowing now that from that question they can determine an applicant’s job expectations is really interesting.”

For Mahar, the seminar’s most impactful themes centered on personal branding and self-presentation.

“The discussion of a person’s brand and the type of employee a person could be stood out to me the most,” she explained. “Those will be the things that I keep in mind when applying for jobs, and even while still in the graduate program.”

Bowman emphasized that career success is more than technical knowledge — it is about how you present yourself, your willingness to learn and the humility to admit what you don’t know while accepting mentorship.

Through Bowman’s presentation, it is clear the APSU Math and Stat department’s industry series is dedicated to connecting students with the workforce.