The College of Arts and Sciences recently held its Career Readiness Academy, an annual event that prepares students for life after graduation. This year’s event included a dozen A&S alumni from a wide range of industries and disciplines to connect with students.
Alumni participated in two panel discussions with Dean Josie Brown about their career paths and experiences, as they shared insights about navigating today’s professional landscape. The conversations give students representing all areas of study, the opportunity to learn how graduates have translated their Arts and Sciences education into careers in fields such as science, business, communication, law, banking, and insurance.
Among the advice given, Marketing Consultant Alicia Graves ’10 told students to “Be bold, call cold,” encouraging them to reach out to hiring managers with solutions to problems they are looking to solve. She recommends students prepare a 30 second elevator pitch that doesn’t solely focus on their personal qualities, but on the qualities needed that will solve the company’s problem.
Attorney and Community Advocate Olaleye Onikuyide ’20, who is also running to for the 19th District State House Seat in Connecticut, told the students, “Seeking out mentors is key,” and he encouraged them to continue to keep and maintain relationships with mentors throughout their careers.
Alumni also lead interactive workshops focused on practical career skills, including sessions titled, Networking Your Way to Success, Creating Your Professional Brand, Jobs Search Etiquette, and Making the Decision to Attend Grad School.
By combining mentorship and hands-on learning, the Career Readiness Academy supports the College’s commitment to helping students build confidence, expand professional networks, and prepare for successful careers.
Thank you to all the alumni who participated:
- Myeisha Boyd '17, Assistant Vice President, Numisma Bank
- Wendy Aarons-Corman '86, M '90, M '20, Chief Executive Officer and President Americas, OWIT GLOBAL
- Sedna Darkey '11, Lead, Quality Control, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
- Nicholas Galluccio '72, President, CEO, & Portfolio Manager, Teton Advisors, Inc.
- Alicia Graves '10, Marketing Consultant
- Lisa Schwartz Lobel '89, Casting Director / Co-Owner, Boston Casting Inc.
- Olaleye Onikuyide '20, Attorney
- Milton Speid '04, Executive Director, VC Include
- John Steniger '99, IT Senior Principal Senior Director, The Cigna Group
- Lee Simmons ’06, Owner and President, Event Resources, Inc.
- Danielle L. Etta Sobocinski '12, Managing Information Account Consultant, Travelers
- Amy B. Goldstein Staub '96, Senior Learning Consultant at Exec-Comm LLC