Networking & Career Exploration Connect Networking & Career Day Sponsored by the David S. Rocchino Family Foundation in partnership with the Scholar Alumni Society
Connect Networking & Career Day brings more than 50 Scholar alumni to campus for a day of career-related panel discussions and networking. With expertise in a variety of fields, Scholar alumni are ready to share their knowledge and perspectives with current Scholars. Whether you are exploring majors, considering internships, preparing for graduate or professional school, or sending out resumes for employment, this event is for you.
Optional Networking Reception
- 5:30 PM
- Nittany Lion Inn, University Park
Connect 2025
- 1:00 - 5:00 PM
- Forest Resources Building, University Park
Event Schedule
Overview
12:00 - 1:00 PM Free Professional Headshots Atrium
12:30 - 1:30 PM Event Registration & Check-In Atrium
1:00 - 1:40 PM Welcome Remarks & Event Overview Room 112, Auditorium
1:40 - 2:25 PM Session 1 Panels
Panels
Legal Eagles: Navigation Exciting Paths in Law Room 102
Delve into the exciting journeys of legal professionals who have made their mark on the legal field. Gain insights into law school, the legal profession, and its opportunities.
Social Science Safari: Alumni Adventures in Education, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work Room 105
Join us as we showcase alumni in psychology, sociology, social work, and education. Our alumni will share their experiences in helping individuals, communities, and the education sector. Discover how these social sciences and education can be a powerful force for positive change and community betterment.
Innovation & Passion Unite: How Alumni Dared to Follow Their Dreams Room 106
Explore inspiring stories of alumni who followed their passions into careers, started their own ventures, and took risks based on their values. Learn about unconventional career paths and how your major can lead you to unexpected opportunities.
Science & Engineering Innovations: Solving Today's Problems and Creating Tomorrow's Future Room 107
Explore how a STEM degree can propel you into a world of opportunities from engineering to industries like consulting, law, finance, sustainability, and more. Discover the practical applications of STEM degrees as our alumni share their experiences and insights on how they have applied STEM knowledge in diverse career paths.
2:25 - 2:45 PM Networking Session 1 Atrium
Network with panelists from the first session. Scholars will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one or in small groups with the alumni present. Additionally, alumni will be located around the atrium to talk about topics including the job search process, resumes, cover letters, personal statements, elevator pitches, and networking and mentoring, among other subjects.
2:50 - 3:35 PM Session 2 Panels & Table Talks
Panels
The Art & Science of Sustainable Futures: Cross-Disciplinary Approaches to Environmental Stewardship Room 102
Join the conversation about environmental sustainability. Discover how alumni from diverse backgrounds come together to tackle environmental challenges, from engineering to policy development.
BizBuzz: Thriving in the Business World Room 106
This session will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of finance, marketing, management consulting, investment banking, and more job options. Discover how to stand out in the recruitment process and pursue a business career, regardless of your major.
The Data Revolution: Insights into Data Science & Analytics, Ethical and Legal Issues Room 107
Data literacy is essential in today's world. Explore how our alumni utilize data in various fields, from economics to statistics to data analytics. Discover the convergence of skills from computer science, mathematics, and business analytics while considering the ethical and legal implications of data usage.
Even More School? Graduate School (MBA, STEM, Arts & Humanities) Room 112
Are you considering extending your education for a few more years? Attend this panel to gain insights into the decision-making process behind graduate school. Discover the varied career options that await you after completing your advanced education.
Table Talks
Telling Your Story: Verbally Sharing Your Story in Interviews and Networking Interactions 1st Floor Atrium (behind staircase)
Learn how to share your story verbally during an interview or through networking interactions.
Telling Your Story: Sharing Your Story in Writing Through Your Resume, Cover Letter, Personal Statement, and Email 2nd Floor Atrium
Learn how to tell your story through your resume, cover letter, personal statement, or email.
3:35 - 3:55 PM Networking Session 2 Atrium
Network with panelists from the second session. Scholars will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one or in small groups with the alumni present. Additionally, alumni will be located around the atrium to talk about topics including the job search process, resumes, cover letters, personal statements, elevator pitches, and networking and mentoring, among other subjects.
4:00 - 4:45 PM Session 3 Panels & Table Talks
Panels
Telling Your Story: Communicating About You as You Strive to Achieve Your Professional Goals Room 101
The ability to effectively and concisely convey your story is a critical career and life skill. From networking to interviewing, to writing about yourself, you will often be asked, “Tell me about you” and this session will provide an overview of strategies to respond as well as practice generating a response that you will be confident and comfortable sharing.
Healthcare Horizons: Exploring Careers in Medicine and Beyond Room 102
Explore a wide range of healthcare career options beyond medical school. Learn about nursing, M.D. and D.O. pathways, biobehavioral science, communications science, and healthcare policy from Scholar alumni who have experienced these paths.
Diversity and Inclusion: Alumni Transforming Workplaces Room 105
Join us to discuss how alumni have been at the forefront of championing diversity and inclusion in their respective fields. Explore the compelling business case for diversity and equity, emphasizing their essential role in creating more inclusive workplaces and driving positive change in society.
Navigating the Public Sector: Shaping Policies for a Better Tomorrow Room 106
Join alumni who have pursued careers in government, NGOs, nonprofit organizations, and more, whether at the local, state, or federal levels. This panel will discuss the importance of public service, the various career paths available in these sectors, and the opportunities that drive positive change in communities and the nation as a whole.
Consulting Chronicles: Decoding the Consulting World Room 107
This panel is designed for Scholars from any academic background interested in the world of consulting, whether it is management consulting, economic consulting, CSR consulting, or more. Dive into the unique aspects of each consulting field and gain insights into the work associated with them. Discover how your academic background can be an asset in the consulting world.
Table Talks
Telling Your Story: Verbally Sharing Your Story in Interviews and Networking Interactions 1st Floor Atrium (behind staircase)
Learn how to share your story verbally during an interview or through networking interactions.
Telling Your Story: Sharing Your Story in Writing Through Your Resume, Cover Letter, Personal Statement, and Email 2nd Floor Atrium
Learn how to tell your story through your resume, cover letter, personal statement, or email.
4:45 - 5:00 PM Networking Session 3 Atrium
Network with panelists from the third session. Scholars will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one or in small groups with the alumni present. Additionally, alumni will be located around the atrium to talk about topics including the job search process, resumes, cover letters, personal statements, elevator pitches, and networking and mentoring, among other subjects.
Successful Scholar Alumni Alumni Bios
Learn more about the Scholar alumni attending this year's event.
Robert Anderson Assistant Counsel - Compliance, PSEG Long Island
Samuel Bonsall Deloitte & Touche Teaching Excellence Professor of Accounting, Penn State Smeal College of Business
Charles Burrows Deputy Director of Pro Bono Services, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Alexis Collins Associate Booking Producer, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC)
Rachel Dungan Director, AcademyHealth
Ilya Ekshtut Partner, Avalanche Investments
Atif Ghauri President, UltraViolet Cyber
Keith Graham Advanced Engineering, Codasip
Sean Griffin Humanitarian Program Advisor, US Department of State
Andrew Gutberlet Project Delivery Division Head, Applied Research Lab, Penn Statee
Duncan Hayes Principal, Bates White Economic Consulting
Gabriel Hiestand Staff Engineer, Herbert, Rowland, & Grubic, Inc.
Karah Hughes Administrative and Programs Coordinator, Centre Helps
Nathan Jacobs Patent Agent, Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.
Marvin Johnson Associate Director, Marketing - Scrum Master, Merck
Sue Kelley Associate Teaching Professor of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State College of Health and Human Development
Andrew Kreider Communications Director, Chester County, PA
Catherine Kuhns Senior Research Associate, Urban Institute
Ellie Manca Senior Manager, Global Publications, Aegnus
Ed Marx Vice President, Enterprise Analytics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Krishna Mehta Senior Mechanical Engineer, GFT
Philip Meier Vice President, ZMC
Nicole Miao Manager, Omnichannel Engagement Analytics, Customer Insights & Analytics, Nordstrom
Matthew Popek Transportation Planning Manager, Montgomery County (PA) Planning Commission
Dana Ray language strategist, healthcare justice advocate,
Galen Reeder Senior Vice President, Operations, dormakaba
Luciano Ricondo Partner, Merchant & Gould P.C.
Jeffrey Ruben President, WSFS Home Lending, WSFS Bank
Lisa Ruch Assistant Dean and Professor of Humanities and General Education, Bay Path University (MA)
Sarah Shaffer Rates & Regulatory Director, EQT Corporation
Alysha Ulrich Climate Policy Specialist, State of Delaware
Christopher Wilson Partner, Baker Botts LLP
Logan Wincott Law Student, Penn State Dickinson Law
Jack Yoskowitz Litigation Law Firm Partner, Seward & Kissel LLP