“Speed DANE-ING” Connects Students with Recent Graduates

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 16, 2018) – UAlbany’s “Winning Wednesdays” series turned toward the future with its recent alumni “Speed DANE-ing” networking social.

The event, led by the Orientation and Transition program, Office of Career and Professional Development, and the Alumni Association on Wednesday, Oct. 3, connected current students with recent UAlbany graduates. The alumni were available for two hours in the Campus Center Student Success Center, a brand new collaborative space that opened this semester, to offer advice, network, and discuss life after college.

Students had the opportunity to sit at tables with the alumni in a "speed dating" setting.

“The goal of this program is to connect our current students with UAlbany alums from the last decade,” said Sari Khatib, the Assistant Director for Orientation and Transition programs. “It’s an opportunity for students to hear about the alum’s UAlbany experience, get tips on things to get involved with on campus, and how to prepare for graduation. We want to bridge the connection.”

The alumni at the event went in different directions after graduation, finding success in unexpected places.

Hae Rim Lee, who graduated in 2012 with a B.A. in Economics and Biology, now works as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Eli Lilly.

“I’m local and I figured I should come and try to give back and provide any direction that I could for students who are interested in my line of work,” Lee said.

The sentiment of giving back was strong amongst all returning alumni.

Adam Fahrenkopf, who received his B.A. in Information Science in 2011 and his MBA in 2017,now works for Google.

“I like being able to give back and give other people advice and network with people,” he said. “There’s a lot of people who have helped me with my career, so being able to give back and help others out is something that’s important to me.”

He also drew upon his own experience as a student to give advice.

“I would say take advantage of your time and whatever it is you’re looking to do, try and get involved any way that you can. If you’re interested in different areas, start doing it now to build that up and it will help you get into that field.”

Other alumni at the event included:

• Tim Curran ‘14, ‘16 – New York State Division of the Budget
• John Lullen, ‘11 – Teksystem
• Jared Newman, ‘13 – Democratic Conference Internship Program (NYS Senate)
• Mike Nolan, ‘12, ‘17 – University at Albany
• Jillian Pasco, ‘10, ‘12 – Bank of America 
• Lauren Valentine, ‘10 – Sandler Training

The “Winning Wednesday” series is held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of the “Prepare 4 Success” initiative to help students prepare for life after graduation. Other upcoming events include a, post-graduation service employment opportunities informational, health and medical school expo, commuter and international student appreciation days, and therapy dogs.

Photos: Elijah Guerrero

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