January 08, 2025

Business trek. Industry visit. Workplace tour. There are as many terms for these types of experiences as there are for the benefits they offer — to both college students and the companies who host them.

The Sigmund Weis School of Business has a long-standing tradition of partnering with its alumni to offer on-site networking opportunities to students throughout the year.

Students explore career paths, learn more about industry practices and network with alumni professionals to connect with mentors, experience workplace culture and identify potential employers.

Alumni share their expertise, their companies’ values and industry insights to connect with the next generation of business professionals, identify potential employees and give back to their alma mater.

Here are a few examples of student-alumni networking visits in major cities from the past year, with special thanks to the alumni who organized them.

American Express: Nicole Payne ’99 and Teague Emery ’13

Berkadia: Ed Shields ’19

Cartier: Anonymous alumnus

Jeffries: Bryce Butler ’21 and Jerry Kane ’08

MUFG: Caelan Perez ’15 and Christopher Wilkens ’86

Prudential: Cesaltina Fernandes-Baker ’17 and
Kelly Jockwer ’16

Tishman Speyer: Mike Alderman ’93

ALUMNI VIEWPOINT

Cesaltina Fernandes-Baker ’17
International Reinsurance Product Manager, Prudential

Prior to graduation in 2017, I knew I wanted to give back in some manner to the university that played a pivotal role in shaping my future and jump-starting my career. Over the past seven years, I have made it a priority to participate in at least one SWSB alumni networking event per year, not only because of how rewarding it is for me but also because of the positive impact I know it can have on students.

As a first-generation college student, I remember being extremely nervous attending these types of events with alumni, given they were all working professionals whilst my networking skills and confidence levels were non-existent! What I wish someone had told me back then — and what I eventually learned through continued participation despite my hesitance — is that the school’s alumni are there exclusively to help the students!

As alumni, we aspire to contribute to the success of students, and it becomes increasingly rewarding for us as the impact of our efforts grows. We are here to support, guide and hopefully, inspire the next generation, and seeing students benefit from our advice and experiences makes the engagement all the more fulfilling.