SLU Connections: Students Network With Alumni Across the Country

By Margaret Dener Last updated Jan 29, 2020

Students enjoyed hearing from various alumni during their visit to Curley Company in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jeff Mauritzen)

Over winter break, St. Lawrence students were able to meet with alumni all over the country. There were two Career Service-led networking trips to Washington, D.C. and Montana, where attendees visited different work spaces and various talks.

Students on the DC trip spent four days in the city. Sites they visited included the World Bank, the FBI, a PR firm and Capitol Hill.

In Montana, students went to a fishing warehouse and has multiple cross industry panels. There were many chances for students to ask questions about different career options and other aspects of life after college.

Marrissa Allen ’20 attended SLU Connect DC because of her interest in law school.

To prepare for networking, she did some research on LinkedIn to see where panelists worked. “This helped me know who I should look for at the different events based on what their career paths were,” Allen said.

A highlight of the trip for Allen were the panels with younger alums. “They’re closer in age to me so it gives me hope that I can find something quickly after college, something secure,” she said.

Allen was able to hear about working on Capitol Hill, which she learned was an important work experience for people who want careers in DC.

It was also helpful for here to learn what is was like to move to DC. “It was reassuring to hear there were places to live and people who would help you find a place and make it work,” Allen said.

Alix DiOrio ’21 went to the Mountain States and also found the alumni on LinkedIn before actually meeting them. “I also looked for connections that I would have with them based on what they were a part of at SLU,” she said.

The best moment of the trip for DiOrio was skiing with Bob Bauerle ’76. “He showed us around Big Sky and told us the history of the mountain and have us advice for our future,” she said.

Connect trips are open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors.

In the fall, there is one in New York and Burlington. SLU Connect San Francisco and Boston are in the spring.

Applications for the Boston program are due to Career Services March 2. DiOrio says any student who can should do a trip.

Allen also encourages students to take advantage of this opportunity. “It’s so extensively helpful,” she said. “I made some LinkedIn connections, and connections that are going to help me on my journey to a successful career.”