CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Connect with Wesleyan alumnae to...
...learn more about specific career paths.
...get industry-specific feedback about your resume.
...practice interview skills.
...build your network & discover internship/job opportunities.
Wesleyan alumnae are wonderful resources for students navigating career decisions. Many have signed up to connect with YOU through the Purple Briefcase Mentor Platform.

Don't let the term "mentor" scare you.

You might develop a mentoring relationship with an alumna, but you could also simply ask a few questions via email, or schedule a one-time conversation to get advice.

Want to create a connection, but not sure how? Start by scheduling an informational interview with an alumna in an industry that interests you!

Job search experts across the country (and CCD staff!) always recommend conducting informational interviews: informal conversations with professionals, in which you discuss their experience, their industry, their insights, and tips for success. Think of it like asking for directions.
Connect with Wesleyan Alumnae in 4 Steps
  1. Go to the home page of your Purple Briefcase Account
  2. Click on "Mentor Program" on the left menu bar.
  3. Find an alumna that you're interested in contacting and click "Connect Now."
  4. Send a message and wait for her response! Your message will be sent to her personal email, and her response will come to your Wesleyan email.
What Should I Say In My Message?
Make a specific request. Do you want to schedule a phone call to learn more about her career path? Do you just have an email question? Do you want to ask her to review your resume? You don't have to write a long email! Just send a concise message with a direct request, allowing her to easily respond.

In your message, open by addressing the person you are contacting (e.g. Dear ___).
Identify who you are and why you are contacting her, then conclude your message with your name and contact information. Remember to check your spelling and grammar!
Get to Know a Few of Our Alumnae Mentors!
Pragna Halder

Current Job: Director of Clinical Operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

What aspects of your career do you enjoy the most?
I work in a cross-functional organization, where I get to collaborate with and learn from folks from all kinds of areas of expertise. More importantly, I enjoy the impact of my work, as I work for an organization that manages the health of millions of our members and shapes the healthcare landscape of the country.

What led you to your current position?
I started my career as a healthcare data analyst, which led me to management consulting. The desire to satisfy my interest on population health, analytics, and strategy led me to my current role.

What is one piece of career advice you think every student should know?
No task is too small or beneath us. Offer to help (if you have the bandwidth) a colleague. You will learn something new. Also, people remember kindness. This can potentially open exciting opportunities. It surely did for me!

What are some ways you're able to connect with students?
Available for conversations or long-term mentoring.
Parrish Jenkins

Current Job: Financial Advisor at Edward Jones

What aspects of your career do you enjoy the most?
Serving clients, problem solving, building close relationships, creating hope for retirement and other financial goals, owning and building a sustainable business

What led you to your current position?
I decided to use my "soft skills" from previous jobs in education and admissions, and learn essential skills in finance to transition to a new career.

What is one piece of career advice you think every student should know?
I've had more than one "5 year plan." I never saw myself working in finance until someone else presented it as a viable option. It's okay if your plan changes! Change is constant, and could be the best thing that happens when it comes along.

What are some ways you're able to connect with students?
I would love to be a strong professional resource for students interested in jobs in my industry, as well as other professional pursuits.
Ashling Thurmond

Current Job: Realtor at Compass

What aspects of your career do you enjoy the most?
Working with lots of different people.

What led you to your current position?
I was tired of the partisanship that I found working in government. In addition, the political climate was such that the trend was to pay Congressional staffers considerably less than in years previous so I was unable to make a lateral move. Therefore, I knew it was time to leave government and find something that actually satisfied me. After buying a home the year previous, I was interested in real estate and thought that my prior skills would help me help others.

What is one piece of career advice you think every student should know?
Let the employer decide if you are or are not qualified. If you want to apply for a job, even if it is a reach, do it. That piece of advice was given to me in 2005 by Dr. M. Taylor and it has served me well!

What are some ways you're able to connect with students?
I'm available to mentor students who have an interest in real estate and/or technology through my job at Compass. I also worked on the Hill for 7 years and did hiring, so open to anything!