Westminster College will host its annual Professional Networking Symposium (PNS) Friday, Sept. 25, bringing students together with alumni, employers, graduate schools and other professionals for a day focused on career exploration, networking and professional development.

Hosted by the Office of Professional Development and Community Engagement (PDCE), the symposium is designed to help students explore career and graduate school opportunities while developing the professional skills and connections that can help them after graduation. The event is open to students in all majors, with no classes scheduled that day so students can participate in the symposium's activities. 

Connecting students with career opportunities

The day begins with check-in and breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the McKelvey Campus Center, followed by a Career and Networking Fair from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Witherspoon Rooms. More than 50 employers, organizations and graduate schools are participating, representing fields ranging from business and finance to healthcare, education, government, law, nonprofit organizations and the military. 

Participating organizations include ADP, Aflac, Baker Tilly US, BNY Mellon, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Highmark Health, PNC, UPMC, the Pennsylvania State Police, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, among others. Graduate schools represented include Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Kent State University College of Aeronautics & Engineering, Saint Francis University Graduate School, Thiel College Graduate School, Widener University Commonwealth Law School and Westminster's Schools of Education and Business. 

Building professional skills and connections

Following the career fair, students can choose from two rounds of professional development sessions. The 10:30 a.m. Professional Perspectives sessions will explore topics including networking and career success, resumes, workplace communications, growth mindset, student involvement and navigating career changes. The 11:10 a.m. Professional Essentials sessions will offer practical strategies for internships, interviews and career success, with sessions on artificial intelligence, LinkedIn, interviewing, employee benefits and compensation, entrepreneurship and more. 

“My hope is that students leave the Professional Networking Symposium with a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them and the confidence to take the next step in their professional journey,” said Justin Gregorich '10, PDCE director. “Whether they are exploring careers, searching for an internship, considering graduate school or simply learning how to communicate with professionals, these experiences help students connect their Westminster education to life beyond campus. Providing students with opportunities to build these skills and make professional connections while they are here helps prepare them for success after graduation.” 

Two rounds of career panels will follow, giving students an opportunity to explore professional pathways related to their academic and career interests. Panel topics include accounting, communication, education, engineering, environmental internships, marketing, music education, psychology, finance, healthcare, law school, local government, management, neuroscience, sociology, sports management and service and protection careers. 

Students also have an opportunity to earn the Dr. Christie and Ben Nelson Award for Student Networking Success. The award recognizes students who demonstrate success in meeting and following up with alumni, employers and other professionals to expand their understanding of career opportunities.

This year, $2,300 will be awarded, with individual awards of $500 or more for students who demonstrate outstanding networking efforts. 
To be considered for the award, students must attend at least two PNS sessions, write a reflection about their experience and submit their reflection by Sunday, Oct. 4. 

The Professional Networking Symposium was founded by Dr. Daniel Fischmar, professor of economics emeritus at Westminster, and alumni Dr. Christie (Grewe Nelson) ’06 and Benjamin Nelson ’06. The annual event brings Westminster alumni and friends back to campus to network with current Titans and connect them with internship and career opportunities. 

The symposium concludes with optional campus tours at 1:15 p.m. Alumni, friends and community members are welcome to attend the event at no cost. 

For more information about the Professional Networking Symposium, visit www.westminster.edu/pns or contact the Office of Professional Development and Community Engagement at pdce@westminster.edu.

More Stories