{"id":25736,"date":"2023-05-18T08:56:27","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T12:56:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/news\/?p=25736"},"modified":"2023-05-22T15:10:54","modified_gmt":"2023-05-22T19:10:54","slug":"paladins-have-capitol-time-during-career-trek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/news\/paladins-have-capitol-time-during-career-trek\/","title":{"rendered":"D.C. Career Trek connects students with alumni and opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"

In early May, a group of Furman students explored career options, networked with alumni and saw the sights in the nation\u2019s capital during a Paladin Career Trek<\/a> to Washington, D.C. Organized by the Malone Center for Career Engagement<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

The May 7-9 itinerary included visits to the U.S. Department of State<\/a>, the American Enterprise Institute<\/a>, the Brookings Institution<\/a>, the George Washington University Law School<\/a>, and consulting firms Whitmer and Worrall<\/a> and Booz Allen Hamilton<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

A special highlight was an alumni networking reception held at America\u2019s Square near the U.S. Capitol, said Stoner. The reception was a collaborative effort between the Malone Center, the Alumni Office<\/a> and the Office of Development, she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere 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,\u201d Stoner said.<\/p>\n

English major Carly Gillis \u201925 appreciated the meaningful interactions she had with several alumni, including Chelsea McKelvey \u201919<\/a>, a development associate with the Obama Foundation.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was really kind,\u201d said Gillis. \u201cShe gave me a lot of very helpful insight into what post-grad life looks like and what it\u2019s like working at a nonprofit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gillis said she might be packing her bags for future Career Treks.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow is a perfect time to explore different career paths,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd this is a really safe way to just figure out what it\u2019s like living in a city. I won\u2019t have these opportunities later in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gallery: Paladin Career Trek \u2013 Washington, D.C.<\/h3>\n