On Friday, April 3, a panel of alumni gave a presentation titled "Careers, Networking and Employment in the Current Economic Climate," as part of the annual Alumni Council weekend at Hamilton. The panel was comprised of alumni industry experts who gave advice on career searches and transitions as well as offered a broader perspective on possible career paths for current students and alumni. The presentation was moderated by the Director of the Career Center Kino Ruth.
The alumni panel included Alison R. Meyer '00, previous book publisher turned Morgan Stanley financial advisor; Melissa Joyce-Rosen '86, worldwide product manager at Xerox; Warren White '92, a career transition consultant; and Susan Skerritt '77, a Kirkland College alum who currently acts as directing manager for Mellon Corporation Trust.
Throughout the presentation, the alumni continuously underscored the importance and power of the Hamilton network. By using examples from their own career experiences, they encouraged listeners to use the vast Hamilton network of alumni to find careers in their desired field, as Hamilton alumni inherently understand the flexibility and diversity of skills that are exemplified in Hamilton students. Along with making use of connections, the panelists also emphasized the importance of communication skills. Each panelist agreed that being able to handle a great deal of interaction and communicating effectively is essential to excelling in your career. As Warren White '92 remarked, "You can teach technical, but you can't teach smart."
The panelists also addressed candidates for May graduation, urging students to "not think you are this job or that field," but rather to understand that their liberal arts education has taught them a set of skills that can be applied toward any job. It is how they apply these skills that will determine their career path. For example, Melissa Joyce-Rosen stated that candidates for graduation should not worry about finding exactly the job you want to do, because your individual experiences working toward that career goal are what employers tend to pay most attention to. Susan Skerritt also commented by saying "each small job you get working toward your goal will give you an invaluable set of experiences that ultimately will propel you forward."
The alumni concluded the presentation by restating the value of a liberal arts degree, especially a Hamilton degree. Having mastered the skills of writing and speaking by the time they leave Hamilton, the alumni were confident that each student who graduates from Hamilton will be prime candidates for great careers in whatever field they pursue.
-- by Danielle Raulli '10
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The alumni panel included Alison R. Meyer '00, previous book publisher turned Morgan Stanley financial advisor; Melissa Joyce-Rosen '86, worldwide product manager at Xerox; Warren White '92, a career transition consultant; and Susan Skerritt '77, a Kirkland College alum who currently acts as directing manager for Mellon Corporation Trust.
Throughout the presentation, the alumni continuously underscored the importance and power of the Hamilton network. By using examples from their own career experiences, they encouraged listeners to use the vast Hamilton network of alumni to find careers in their desired field, as Hamilton alumni inherently understand the flexibility and diversity of skills that are exemplified in Hamilton students. Along with making use of connections, the panelists also emphasized the importance of communication skills. Each panelist agreed that being able to handle a great deal of interaction and communicating effectively is essential to excelling in your career. As Warren White '92 remarked, "You can teach technical, but you can't teach smart."
The panelists also addressed candidates for May graduation, urging students to "not think you are this job or that field," but rather to understand that their liberal arts education has taught them a set of skills that can be applied toward any job. It is how they apply these skills that will determine their career path. For example, Melissa Joyce-Rosen stated that candidates for graduation should not worry about finding exactly the job you want to do, because your individual experiences working toward that career goal are what employers tend to pay most attention to. Susan Skerritt also commented by saying "each small job you get working toward your goal will give you an invaluable set of experiences that ultimately will propel you forward."
The alumni concluded the presentation by restating the value of a liberal arts degree, especially a Hamilton degree. Having mastered the skills of writing and speaking by the time they leave Hamilton, the alumni were confident that each student who graduates from Hamilton will be prime candidates for great careers in whatever field they pursue.
-- by Danielle Raulli '10
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Volunteer WeekendView photos
