The Gustavus Center for Career Development hosted a reception with alumni mentors last fall.
Over 250 people crowded into Gustavus Adolphus College’s Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall on Thursday, September 27 for the Gustie Career Reception. The networking event, which was held as part of Gustie Career Week hosted by the Center for Career Development, welcomed 53 companies to campus.
Of the over 100 professional attendees, over 90 percent were Gustavus alums, ranging in graduation years from 1973 to 2018. Almost 150 students attended the event, representing a wide variety of majors and departments. Even better? Of the 53 companies represented at the event, 31 have hired at least one Gustavus graduate in the last two years.
Jason Pruitt (center) visits with alumni employers at the Gustie Career Reception.
“The Gustie Career Reception is designed to connect students with alumni and employers in an engaging way,” Executive Director of the Center for Career Development Jason Pruitt said. “This is an opportunity for students to ask questions regarding career paths, learn about networking, and begin to form relationships that will have a profound impact on their careers for years to come.”
At the reception, students talked to representatives from graduate schools and companies that might interest students in the areas of accounting, business, and law. The event resonated with students and alumni alike.
“Events like this help me to do more networking and know what other Gusties are doing after graduation,” junior management major Jessica Le said.
The reception served as the capstone of Gustie Career Week. Held each year, the week is intended to engage students at any stage of their career development process and to provide professional development opportunities as students move forward with their career preparation. With a series of workshops, employer panels, networking opportunities, and other events, Career Week allows students to explore multiple industries, organizations, and seminars for personal and professional development
“The purpose of Career Week is to bring awareness to the importance of career,” Pruitt explained. “From the moment a student sets foot on campus, we want that to resonate with them.”
What’s that look like to the students who take advantage of the resources during their time on campus?
“It’s like coming full circle,” said Paulina Son ’15, who was representing Target Corporation at the Career Reception. “I got my internship through Gustie Career Week and interned for two years while I was still in school. I owe my career to Gustavus.”
The Gustavus Center for Career Development assists students as they gain self-understanding, explore careers, and have opportunity to couple academics with experience. The Center supports all students in their career journeys by providing resources, connections, and communities to make informed transitions through explorations and experiences.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510