Access2Alumni Works For Arhu Students

Hear how Kelsey Shields ’13 connected with Blair Barrett ‘02 to land an internship, and subsequently, her first job.

Access2Alumni: The ARHU Advantage

Looking to gain some insight into the job market for ARHU grads? Perhaps make a few contacts? Or even land your dream internship or job?

Then be sure that Access2Alumni is at the top of your to-do list on April 12.

Kelsey Shields ’13 knows firsthand what a difference Access2Alumni can make in launching a career.

At last year’s event, she connected with Blair Barrett ‘02, senior program analyst and project manager at SENTEL Corporation, and ultimately landed her first job, working on FAA safety policy documents at SENTEL.

“My job is pretty cool,” she says, “because I work with a team of subject matter experts and, as the editor for all of them, get a broad picture of what they do and how it all works together to deliver effective policy.” 

Her experience wasn’t a fluke. “I have actually hired five Maryland graduates in similar fashion,” says Blair, “and they were--or are--great employees.”

Still not convinced about attending Access2Alumni? Then read on for Kelsey and Blair’s take on what you really need to know about the event.

What would you say to a fellow classmate who's on the fence about attending A2A?

Kelsey: I would tell them that they will not regret going! The alumni who attend the event do so because they care about showing students what they can do with their ARHU degree, so they will walk away from this event with anything from an inspirational bit of advice to a very valuable contact.

As an alum, why do you keep coming back to A2A?

Blair: I enjoy participating in A2A because the students really seem to get a lot out of it, both in terms of networking but also in terms of practical advice they can use in their search for a rewarding job and career.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish you had known as an undergrad?

Blair: I wish someone had told me to pursue the career I was passionate about and in which I was truly interested and naturally good at. Fortunately, I sort of fell into it. I think that a lot of students leave college with a liberal arts degree and are not sure what to do with it. They need to realize how versatile the degree can really be and feel some freedom to pursue what they really want to do. It may seem obvious, but genuine interest in a particular field translates into success in the workplace.

You can meet Kelsey and Blair at this year's Access2Alumni event on April 12. Read their profiles here.

Visit the Access2Alumni website here: www.ter.ps/a2a