By Nate West
News Editor
The Career and Professional Readiness Center (CPRC) plans to hold two events today to help students network with Bonaventure graduates.
The Young Alumni Panel Presentation will begin at 4 p.m. in the Reilly Center Hall of Fame Room, followed immediately an Alumni/Student Networking Reception. It’s open and encouraged for all students to come.
The panel consists of four recent alumni Michelle McKernan,’12, Thomas Socci,’12, Ryan Doberstein, ’12, and Jessica Schiefer, ’10.
“It’s extremely important (for students to network themselves) because these are people who are all but a few years away from being your peers,” Connie Whitcomb, director of the CPRC, said. “They’ve walked through the fire already, and they’ve walked through the fire in a very, very challenging economy, so I think they’re going to be able to provide wonderful insight on going into the job market.”
McKernan currently works as the assistant marketing manager for Godiva Chocolatier, and was SGA president while a student at Bonas. Socci is a middle office analyst for commission management services at Citigroup and was head of SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) while a student, according to Whitcomb.
Doberstein is the operations manager at Eric Malone Enterprises; the owner of FRF photography, a representative and talent scout for Attain Clothing Company, LLC, and the owner of FlyinRyanFreestyle. Schiefer works in public affairs and voluntary services for the Department of Veteran Affairs in Washington D.C. She also volunteers as a big sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.
The panel discussion will begin with the presenters introducing themselves and giving a brief background of their professional careers. It will then open up to the audience for a question and answer segment. The panel discussion will end at 5 p.m. and will be immediately followed by the Alumni/Student Networking Reception. The panel will be at the reception along with other alumni.
“Your professional network will involve career professionals from several different facets of your life,” Whitcomb said. “But what you have with the Bonaventure alumni is a shared passion and love for St. Bonaventure. You already have a tie and a connection, so you have the potential to really build some string professional networks.”
The CPRC is collaborating with Alumni Services to put on the event. The events are falling on Alumni Weekend, which Whitcomb said is intentional.
“We have a strong history with this event,” Whitcomb said. “We partner with Alumni Services, we’re not the sole sponsors of this event. It’s been very well attended in the past, and we want students to really take advantage of this opportunity.”
