On Nov. 2 in the Molloy room, several MSJ alumni gathered to share their career journey to freshman and sophomore students.

Mount St. Joseph University alumni panel talking to students seated in rows

We understand it may take time to decide on a major, which is why at the Mount, the Career & Experiential Education Center (CEEC) designed CED 150 for undeclared students to broaden their perspectives to understand the process of career decision-making.

On Nov. 2, CEEC partnered with the Office of Alumni Relations to organize a panel together to help showcase career possibilities for these students. Each panelist shared background on their education and career journey before opening the floor to a student Q&A session.

One of the four panelists, Kelsey Carpenter ’15 just recently accepted a new position working for Wasserman on the American Express account where she will be working on brand strategy for golf and tennis sponsorships. Carpenter shared that while it is important to work hard in the sport industry, it also helps having connections.

“It is important to volunteer and have internships to develop the networking and people skills that you learn in the job setting,” she says.

Another panelist, Eric Young ’97 is currently a Marketing Content Developer at Kaivac, Inc. Young says he initially wanted to be a history teacher, but later dropped this major and became undeclared. After a few encouraging words from the Professor of English and Department Chair of Liberal Arts, Elizabeth Barkley regarding Young’s skill as a writer, he decided to pursue writing as a career. “Everyone has a story,” he emphasizes.

Young’s career has hinged on finding what is unique about a person and sharing their story with others.

alumni panelists
In Photo from Left to Right: Jennifer Damiano, Sarah Kent '13, Kelsey Carpenter '15, & Eric Young '97

The Alumni Panelists:

  • Kelsey Carpenter ’15 – Senior Manager of Partnerships for the Western & Southern Open 
  • Sarah Kent ’13 – Outreach Manager for Great Parks Nature Center at The Summit (was named Outstanding New Interpreter of 2021 by the National Association for Interpretation)
  • Jennifer Damiano (Board of Trustee Member) -- Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Strategist at PNC Private Bank
  • Eric Young ’97 (former Alumni Advisory Council President) – Marketing Content Developer at Kaivac, Inc.

Interested in learning more about Career resources? Visit our Career Development page to view our offerings from resume help, job search assistance, interviewing techniques, and more.

Are You an MSJ Alumnus/Alumna Looking to Get Involved?

We would love to hear from you! If you have interest in participating in upcoming alumni events, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@msj.edu