Westminster College Department of Economics and Business Hosted Alumni Panel and Networking Session

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College Department of Economics and Business presented an Alumni Network Event in March. The event drew over 120 participants, including nearly 60 Westminster alumni.

The purpose of the event was to promote and encourage relationships and networking between students and alumni. The event included panels and presentations on a variety of topics, including career development for young alumni, resume building and personal branding, entrepreneurship, consulting, and internships. Prior events held by the department have played a significant role in developing these career skills, so this year's event drew a large number of students from a variety of disciplines.

"As a member of the panel, I appreciated being able to provide insight about my internship and help other students in their future decision making," said student David Paladino. "My internship helped me understand what I am going to experience in my career and allowed me to pass this on to others who might benefit. It was nice to have others interested in my experience and how it transitioned into PNC offering me a full-time position upon graduation."

Student Katelyn Epperson attended the event to gain insight into finding an internship.

"I had a few interviews in the fall, and they did not result in any further opportunities. I was interested in tips and suggestions on how to go about finding an internship. I feel like I learned a lot more than I had expected to during the panels. I went solely for internship advice, but what I learned was so much more. I learned all about life after college and what obtaining my first job will be like."

Epperson continued, "I would encourage others to attend because there is opportunity to network as well as a lot of useful information that most people would not know otherwise. Speaking to professionals in the field is a completely different experience than learning basics in class. I would strongly encourage anyone going into the professional world to attend this event."

"I attended the event because I wanted the chance to network with alumni and hear their input on professional life post-college," said Rebecca Mobley. "It gave me some insight, especially into my human resources field, of some things to be mindful of when applying for internships and what to expect. I would definitely encourage others to attend. You need to put yourself out there to move forward in career, and these types of situations force you to put your best foot forward and try to better yourself for your future."

The panels were led by Kyle English, executive director of community connections,  Lee Scott '06, Ben Nelson '06, and professors Russell Martin, Jesse Ligo, and Daniel Fischmar. Dr. Jane Wood, vice president for academic affairs and dean of Westminster College, welcomed the gathering of alumni and current students to the event.

The event was organized by Fischmar, Ben Nelson, Christie Nelson `06, Mark Drabick '10, and Scott. Karen Coulter, departmental coordinator, managed the event.

"The success of the event reflects the loyalty of our alumni and the College's commitment to its students," Fischmar said.

"I am proud to be part of this alumni-driven marquee program that helps students find better internships and jobs. Hearing back from successful students is the most rewarding aspect of the program, far and away," Nelson said.

The alumni in attendance represented a broad spectrum of major organizations including: PNC, Liberty Mutual, General Electric, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Travelers Insurance, IBM, Dollar Bank, Giant Eagle, Ryan Homes, IGS Energy, UPMC, Alcoa, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Chromalox, JWF Industries, Carbis Walker, Key Logic Systems, AD Financial Partners, Ohio Valley General Hospital, New York Upstate Medical University, Wesco, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Pond Lehocky Stern Giordano, Cornerstone Television, Moody's Investor Service, Coalition for Christian Outreach, Hall Industries, Steelite, Consol Energy, Ames True Temper, HJ Heinz, Pittsburgh Life Sciences, Asbury Heights, Mission of Love, Frick Art and Historical Center, Oldfields School, Grossman Yanak and Ford, The Tavern, The Wright Place, LB Foster, Literacy Council of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Merrill Lynch, Ally Financial, Haines Realty, Bank of New York Mellon, and Jones Day.

The event is part of several department initiatives designed to prepare students for challenges that life outside formal academic life. Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to participate in activities that include: modeling and analyzing financial documents under the guidance of professional analysts, preparing tax returns for low income residents of Lawrence County, developing business plans for local businesses, and meeting with senior accountants working in a variety of organizations. This is in addition to the numerous internship opportunities that grow out of these programs.

Contact Fischmar at 724-946-7162 or email for additional information. 

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