Career Wave highlights post-grad possibilities
About 1,000 undergrads prepare for the job market and hear from over 50 speakers sharing career development insights at the annual Career Wave event on the Tulane University uptown campus. (Photo by Cheryl Gerber)
Josh Richman, a 1999 Tulane University graduate who oversees the North American marketing strategy for MailOnline, the world"s largest English newspaper website, had a clear message for undergraduates: Make yourself stand out.
“Become that invaluable person in the room,” said Richman, one of over 50 speakers, alumni and parents to share career development insights at Career Wave 2015.
“The Tulane alumni network is powerful.”—Chris Esemplare, senior finance major at Tulane University
On Saturday (Feb. 7), about 1,000 undergraduate students crowded the Tulane uptown campus in search of career advice.
Career Wave speakers ranged from executive-level alumni to current students who have landed internships. Included were the chief Washington correspondent for CNBC, a radiation oncologist, the CEO for Kelly Services and the president of Hudson"s Bay.
Undergraduates also had the opportunity to network, learn practical career skills and explore alternative after-graduation options such as fellowships, said Byron Kantrow, Career Wave director.
Career Wave is part of a holistic approach by Newcomb-Tulane undergraduate college to prepare students for life after Tulane.
Chris Esemplare, a senior majoring in finance, has accepted an offer to work for a New York City boutique investment bank. He took away valuable lessons from Career Wave as he prepares for his career.
“The Tulane alumni network is powerful,” he said after attending a panel of executive Tulane graduates.
Esemplare, co-founder of Green Bull Investment Group, a student-run organization, did more than listen. In an afternoon panel he shared his wisdom with liberal arts undergraduates interested in a finance career.
“If you"re prepared for the job search, you stand a better chance,” he said.
Tulane parents Lisa and Cory Rapkin started the program in 2013, which grew out of conversations in Newcomb-Tulane College Dean"s Advisory Council meetings. Now, Career Wave is supported as an annual event by the Rapkins, Jeffrey and Susan Zimmer, and other donors through the Career Services Enhancement Fund.
Mary Sparacello is a communications specialist in the Office of Development Communications.
