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Alumnae Shine in Career Mingling Event
Students Gain Confidence and Tips
from Experienced Alumnae
and Career Development
On February 15, a panel of alumnae met with interested students to share stuffed mushrooms, artichokes, bruschettas, and advice, courtesy of the Career Development Office.
Great Benefits to Students
'The panel discussion with the alumnae was very helpful," stated WEC student Lynn Wolander. "They had tips on informational interviews and how important they are to get an idea of what can be done with different majors."
A Well-Structured Event
The happy hour event, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., consisted of three parts aimed at acquiring confidence and applicable skills. In the first half hour, the Career Development staff presented information on networking, which they enlivened dramatically, acting out possible scenarios. In the second half hour, students tried networking skills on the alumnae while munching the sumptuous appetizers. Finally, alumnae panelists sat down and shared their personal networking stories and advice on what works and what doesn't.
Wolander gave the whole event a thumbs up: "The event was interesting and helpful. Besides the really good food they served, the role-playing examples were especially helpful. These examples helped to 'allow' us to see what can be said to start up conversations. Sometimes it is necessary to learn that it's acceptable and positive to be assertive and outgoing and that nothing is scripted." | 
“I've learned to take advantage
of any event
St. Kate's puts together.
You never know how much you will learn
or who you may meet,
but it’s always worth it.”
Lynn Wolander WEC Student |
Alumnae Enjoyed Sharing Their Expertise
Alumna Kari Guida '01, who has a masters degree and is a planner/analyst in the Minnesota Department of Public Health, found the event invigorating as well. "I liked mingling with the students, alums, and career development staff. It was refreshing to talk to the students who are at such an exciting point in their lives, finishing school, preparing for that first post-college job!"
Students were eager to hear from her. "I had questions on how I got to where I was, what I did, and what advice I had for someone looking to get into the field." Guida emphasized to them "that time is a precious commodity and to recognize that." That means being aware that you are asking for the gift of time for an interview -- so come early (so as not to be late because of something unexpected), be prepared, and send a thank you afterwards.
Students Carried Away Useful Skills
Lynn Wolander is a returning student who began her career with a B.A. in sociology from Gustavus, which she "never used." While working for a transportation company, she decided to return to St. Catherine's for a degree in Managerial Accounting (which may meld into Business Adminstration). Her job was just downsized, however, so she is in need of networking skills immediately. She learned from this event "that we all know how to network 'informally', we just need a gentle push to acknowledge it, to become conscious of it." But paying attention to nonverbal cues are important. Wolander was particularly interested in the advice on how to do this. "The tips on mentally noting when someone is approachable or not by observing their non-verbal communicators were very helpful. It's a matter of making us aware of signals which all of us know, but sometimes forget."
Success Worth Building Upon
Career Development Director Kimberly Betz assessed that her goals for the event had been met. Thirteen students gained valuable skills, while seven alumnae helped them along.
Like other alumnae, Kari Guida was happy to do so: "I haven't been out of graduate school long enough to be able to give financially to St. Kate's, so I think it is important to give my time. I love coming back to St. Kate's and seeing all of the changes that have revived the campus!
Director Betz plans on sponsoring more such encounters: "This was the first year we held this event, but we plan to make it an annual activity." Many alumnae who are in transition or are "Come Back Moms" in the workforce may find this event profitable as well. | Networking and Interviewing Tips
- Use informational interviews to get a sense of how you can use the skills you have developed in a real job setting.
- Research the organization and industry before conducting any informational interview so your questions are informed ones.
- Never ask for a job in an informational interview.
- When introducing yourself, present a firm handshake, smile, and make eye-contact.
- Be on time!
- Remember all the manners your mothers and grandmothers taught you.
- Don't burn your bridges because you never know who you will work with in the future.
- Always send a thank-you note after meeting with someone.
Alumnae Panelists
Tara Carlson '06 (Dec.), B.A. in Communications (Speech), Business Minor, Communications and Marketing Manager
Kari Guida '01, B.A. in Biology, M.A. in Public Health Administration and Policy, Community Health Planner/Analyst
Mary Kunsesh-Podein '95, B. A. in Education, School Media Specialist
Manisha Patel '00, B. A. in Business Administration, Medical Device Sales Position
Mary Russell '78, B. A. in Political Science, Manager of Organization Effectiveness and Leadership Support in a major health insurance corporation
Ann Treacy '89, B.A. in English, MLIS. in Library/Information Science, Freelance Web Developer and E-marketing Specialist
Georgeann Nickerson Wobschall '71, B. A. in Elementary Education, Special Education Certification, Special Education Teacher |
Related Links:
Career Development
Alumnae NEWS AND FEATURES
Alumnae Home Page
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