Great insight was shared by our Alumni Fellows at a lunch with students on April 23!
Our thanks to Danielle Cornejo Calhoun ’08 (journalism with Spanish minor), vice president for DEI at Weber Shandwick, and Eric Farmer ’97 (mathematics and computer science), principal staff mathematician at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory!
Danielle and Eric gave the students tips and enjoyed chatting about how circuitous and serendipitous life and career paths can be. They both agreed that the well-roundedness of an Arts and Sciences degree helped them learn lessons they didn’t even know to pursue, and it helps prepare students for professional success, equipped with key communication skills and flexibility.
Tips for students:
- Volunteer and show enthusiasm for things you’re interested in—you never know where it could lead you.
- Don’t be afraid to take a leap instead of the safe path.
- Broaden your knowledge by adding a minor and participating in courses and other activities that aren’t related to your major. Even if you aren’t an expert in them, the added experience will open doors to more and unexpected opportunities.
- Know that not everyone cares about what you care about—so it can be you who leads an initiative you’re passionate about.
- Although the constant changes in industry and tech can be challenging, that is true for most people; so, feel confident in your other, value-added abilities—like communication and analytical skills.