Career Chats

“The excitement our business alumni feel about the university is inspiring.”
– UMW business student

Each spring semester, College of Business faculty volunteer their class time so that alumni and business friends can visit their classes to share their ‘career paths’ with current business students. Over the past few years, our business alumni have come to campus for this two-day event to speak to classes, meet with students, network with fellow alumni, and – of course – reconnect with favorite professors. The next Career Chats event is scheduled for March 29-30, 2021.  

Targeted to alumni who graduated at least five years ago, we ask speakers to take students on their professional journeys from sitting in class at UMW to where they are today. Along the way, many students realize that career paths are not ‘linear,’ nor are they predictable. Experiences and perspectives as a successful professional are invaluable for our business students as we prepare them for a competitive world that values “real world” learning. You will get a firsthand opportunity to meet with the next generation of potential colleagues and business leaders and shape their outlook and aspirations.

Many alumni find that the brief time spent with the students makes a lasting impression. Below are a few memorable pieces advice that several students shared after attending recent Career Chats:

“Be open to all opportunities/experiences.”

“Use any disadvantages/hardships to become better, leverage those bad times for all you can.”

“Follow your passion, don’t be scared of change.”

“Determination and passion are essential.”

How it works: Upon confirmation of your participation via our easy online form below, we will schedule you to speak in one or two specific business classes within a half-day time frame. Once you let us know a day and block of time, we will schedule you for specific classes. We will then contact you with the courses/faculty whose class(es) you will present in by early March. Unless you indicate otherwise, we will schedule you, if possible, for TWO courses.

Career Chats Registration Form for Alumni

Thank you for participating in Career Chats! We will contact you with the courses/faculty whose class(es) you will present in by early March. Unless you indicate otherwise, we will schedule you, if possible, for TWO courses.

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