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D.C. Career Trek connects students with alumni and opportunities
A group of Furman students, faculty and staff pose in front of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., during a Paladin Career Trek in early May 2023.
In early May, a group of Furman students explored career options, networked with alumni and saw the sights in the nation’s capital during a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C. Organized by the Malone Center for Career Engagement, Furman’s Department of Economics and the Office of Pre-Professional Advising. the Career Trek program provides the opportunity for students to interact with key employers to learn more about their recruiting processes, career paths and working environments, said Jennifer Stoner, assistant director of employer engagement for the Malone Center.
The May 7-9 itinerary included visits to the U.S. Department of State, the American Enterprise Institute, the Brookings Institution, the George Washington University Law School, and consulting firms Whitmer and Worrall and Booz Allen Hamilton. The students also attended a law networking reception, a Paladin Professional Pathways dinner, an alumni panel on Capitol Hill and a panel on careers in research and consulting. The trip also included several Furman faculty and staff members.
A special highlight was an alumni networking reception held at America’s Square near the U.S. Capitol, said Stoner. The reception was a collaborative effort between the Malone Center, the Alumni Office and the Office of Development, she said.
“There were over 100 people in attendance, providing a welcoming atmosphere for students to sharpen their networking skills and connect with alumni in their areas of interest,” Stoner said.
English major Carly Gillis ’25 appreciated the meaningful interactions she had with several alumni, including Chelsea McKelvey ’19, a development associate with the Obama Foundation.
“She was really kind,” said Gillis. “She gave me a lot of very helpful insight into what post-grad life looks like and what it’s like working at a nonprofit.”
Gillis said she might be packing her bags for future Career Treks.
“Now is a perfect time to explore different career paths,” she said. “And this is a really safe way to just figure out what it’s like living in a city. I won’t have these opportunities later in life.”
Gallery: Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
As part of a Paladin Career Trek in May 2023, a group of Furman students visited several sites in Washington, D.C., including Capitol Hill.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
From left: Mark Calvin ’23, Ellis Edinkrah ’25, Clay Wallace ’26 and Noah Chmil ’23 visited Washington, D.C., during a Paladin Career Trek in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Front, from left: Lydia McCarty ’24 and Jaeyden Hill-Mims ’24 visited Washington, D.C., during a Paladin Career Trek in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Ellis Edinkrah ’25 (left) and Mark Calvin ’23 walk toward Washington Union Station during a Paladin Career Trek in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Carly Gillis ’25 speaks during a Paladin Career Trek visit to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
A group from Furman visited the U.S. Department of State during a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C. in May, 2023, where they heard from Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, Foreign Service member and former acting assistant secretary for global public affairs.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
A group from Furman visited the American Enterprise Institute as part of a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C., in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
A group from Furman visited the American Enterprise Institute as part of a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C., in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Ben Saul ’13 (left), a labor and employment attorney, and Chelsea McKelvey ’19, a development associate with the Obama Foundation, talked with students at a Law Networking Reception during a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C. in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Noah Chmil ’23 takes notes at a Law Networking Reception during a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C. in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Fiona Bloom ’12 (far right), principal at consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, talks with Furman students during a Career Trek to Washington, D.C.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Beth Pontari, interim vice president for academic affairs and provost, speaks at an Alumni Networking Reception during a Career Trek to Washington, D.C.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Kenneth Peterson, a professor of economics, joined the Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C. in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
An Alumni Networking Reception was a highlight of a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C., in May 2023.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Todd Elmer ’93, White House advance lead for First Lady Jill Biden, talks with another attendee at an Alumni Networking Event during a Career Trek to Washington, D.C.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Losalini Vodo ’25 talks with other attendees at an alumni networking reception during a Career Trek to Washington, D.C.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Jordan Willis ’20 talks with another attendee at an Alumni Networking Reception during a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Jaeyden Hill-Mims ’24 (right) attended a networking reception during a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C.
Paladin Career Trek – Washington, D.C.
Cabot Fowler ’23 (left) and Noah Chmil ’23 talk during an Alumni Networking Reception during a Paladin Career Trek to Washington, D.C., in May 2023.