Career Chats Connect Students and Alumni

More than 20 business alumni returned to the University of Mary Washington for Career Chats on March 24 and 25, 2015. Career Chats, an initiative of the College of Business, connects students with successful alumni professionals to network, share knowledge and experience, and provide students with an opportunity to engage directly with alumni.

Business alumni visited from nearby communities such as Northern Virginia and Richmond. Past participants have traveled from states as far away as Massachusetts, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.  The speakers represented a variety of career fields and professions. Some are entrepreneurs, sales executives, chief financial officers from industries ranging from the federal government to real estate.

Carla Percy '06 MBA

Carla Percy ’06 MBA

Carla Percy ’06 MBA, president of the Mayvin Consulting Group, spoke to Dr. Wei Chen’s Strategic Management class. Percy founded and has owned the company for 6 years. While under her leadership, Mayvin Consulting has grown from just two to over sixty employees. “If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying,” she said. “The key to success is having mentors and a good plan (to include growth goals and and exit strategy). You can’t grow your company without a road map.”

Students later asked questions about professional development and how to prepare for life after graduation. Percy shared advice and lessons from her experience. She first worked at a biotech company, then joined the Air Force before becoming a contractor, which led to her current role as business owner. “You should have a LinkedIn profile and clean up your Facebook page (if needed),” she said. “Google yourself! That’s the first thing recruiters or potential employers will do. And don’t forget about your contacts. Use LinkedIn to research and reach out to mutual connections.”

Gin Brockwell '89

Gin Brockwell ’89

Virginia “Gin” Brockwell ’89 visited with Dean Lynne Richardson’s Professional Selling Class. Brockwell, who owns her own insurance agency, stressed the importance of finding a job early. She reassured the class that it most likely will not be the company they are employed with until retirement. “Your first job is just your first job. It gets your foot in the door and can possibly lead to better opportunities,” she said.

Career Chats is hosted annually during the spring semester by the UMW College of Business. Alumni interested in participating in future Career Chats should visit the Career Chats information page.

 

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