Paladin Career Trek discovers opportunities in Atlanta

Lauren Payne, Furman’s assistant vice president of career and professional development (second from right) joins (from left) Jack Reiser ’24, Kylie Gambrill ’23, Emma Brandt ’23, Ephrata Mebrat Tadesse ’25, Stephanie Trame ’24, Zane Newell ’24, Charles Miles II ’23, Roger Abim-Karmon ’26, David Lash ‘25, Jalen Clark ’23, Jack Sinex ’25, career advisor Lauren Willis and Drew McDowell ’24 on a tour of the Pricewaterhouse Coopers office in Atlanta.

Last updated January 12, 2023

By Jerry Salley ’90

A Paladin Career Trek took a dozen Furman students to Atlanta, Georgia, for a few days in early January. Organized by the Malone Center for Career Engagement, the Career Trek program offers students the chance to visit employers in other cities to learn about potential career opportunities and connect with local alumni.

Each employer spends a couple of hours with the group, presenting their businesses and sharing insight into the recruiting and hiring processes, said Jennifer Stoner, assistant director of employer engagement. Each visit also typically includes a tour of the employer’s site, allowing the students to see different workplace alternatives they might find themselves in after graduation, she said.

Students on a Career Trek also get a taste of culture to get a full picture of what non-work life would be like in that city. In Atlanta, the students visited the Georgia Aquarium and legendary diner The Varsity before touring consumer goods company Newell Brands, professional services firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers and HR consultants Mercer.

The students were also welcomed at a reception at Eclipse di Luna, a tapas restaurant, where they networked with alumni, including a few members of Furman’s Board of Trustees.

The next Paladin Career Trek will be to Washington, D.C., in May. Interested students should visit the Malone Center for more details.