Conversations and Connections at the Emerging Career Leaders Dinner

By Amelia Yeager ‘20

On September 18th, fifty first-year students converged at the first annual Emerging Career Leaders Dinner for networking, career advice, and a tapas-style meal. Joining them were junior and senior students acting as table leaders, members of the Career Development Office staff, and keynote speaker Rachel Schafer ’18.

The night began with introductions and several pieces of apt career advice from the table leaders, upperclass students who volunteered to dine with first-year attendees and discuss how to make the most out of their time at Kenyon. Rose Paulson ’20, a senior from Columbus, Ohio, advised students not to limit themselves when discussing their futures. “If you want to be a writer, or a doctor, or a scientist, say that,” she shared. “People—especially Kenyon people—are going to be willing to help you.”

The best way to get in contact with those people, as the attendees learned, is through the Kenyon Career Network. Jazz Glastra, Assistant Director for Career Development, gave a presentation of the KCN’s features and how to use them. The KCN already has over 2,700 members, including alumni, students, faculty and staff ready to discuss career experiences and opportunities. 

Attendees had the opportunity to ask table leaders about anything from summer internships to favorite classes. “I’m talking to first-years about what I’ve done, the opportunities they have with the CDO, and tips on how to proceed with their future,” said Scout Wilkins ’20. Attendees at  Scout’s table got to hear about her experience as a Venture Associate Intern at the Ohio Innovation Fund, a position she secured with help from the CDO. 

Alumna Rachel Schafer ’18 also offered career advice in her keynote address. As a biology major, she began the process of applying to medical schools this year, and acted as a role model for Kenyon students in taking advantage of the resources available to them. Her speech was particularly resonant for Ngone Fall ’23: “I’m really inspired to continue what I’m doing. Just to see other people’s similar drive to go to medical school, but also do these amazing things at the same time, I know that I’m not alone in trying to help other people. That’s what we all have in common here.” 

“I’ve been getting to know a lot of like-minded people. It’s been really impactful in building my career network,” said Michelle Lin ’23 of the dinner, where she enjoyed tapas with classmates interested in everything from creative writing to astronomy. Denna Medrano ’23 also made new connections at the dinner: “I’m really enjoying learning new things about my classmates and getting helpful information from the upperclassmen. There’s a lot of value in being in this room.”

At the end of the evening, the CDO’s Jazz Glastra offered words of advice that resonated with everyone in the room:

"As you embrace this path of intellectual curiosity, remember that learning and growth do not stop when you graduate in 2023. Your career is an extension of what you do here and the experiences you have over the next four years. As Rachel showed us, when you start asking questions, Kenyon alumni show up to answer them and many times offer more help than you knew you needed."

Take advantage of Kenyon’s wealth of alumni connections by joining the Kenyon Career Network. Want to talk with someone about how to tap into your career potential? Make an appointment with the CDO.