Campion hosts Career Night with Alumni

On Wednesday 19th August, Campion College held its first Career Night with Alumni for 2020. While students and staff gathered in the St Edmund Campion Building Lecture Theatre, alumni presenters joined via Zoom.

The focus of this Career Night was on research, higher education, communications/PR and non-for-profit management, as well as service in religious institutions and the government. Panellists included Siobhan Reeves (Class of 2011) who is currently working in public service for the government, Silvana Scarfe (Class of 2012) who is a research assistant to a Catholic bishop and Bethany Marsh (Class of 2019) who is studying a Master’s degree at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney. Open discussion was followed by engaging presentations from Angela Schumann (Class of 2011) and Michael Mendieta (Class of 2010).

Angela is a PhD Candidate in Literature. Her presentation, titled “8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a PhD,” discussed the myths that PhD programs are ‘purely about the research’ and that a PhD would ‘qualify one to teach in schools.’

Michael works in fundraising and development for an Australian Archdiocese. He spoke about not-for-profit management, communications/PR and working for religious institutions, while discussing the benefits of specialising after completing studies at Campion so students can work towards being the best in their position and field. He also spoke about how working in the non-for-profit sector it is getting more competitive and that in working for religious institutions, it is important to keep up one’s mission zeal.

In addition to the testimonies on career pathways and the challenges faced in the transition to life after Campion, students also heard practical tips about resume writing from Campion College Library, Study Skills Advisor and 2012 alum Keziah Van Aardt.

In the second half of the evening, students had the opportunity to ask questions. A very interesting discussion followed with queries about when to commence further studies and how to apply the skills acquired in Campion’s BA in Liberal Arts to work in business and the public service.

Students appreciated that alumni from various fields and backgrounds had offered to share their experiences:

“The careers night was immensely helpful, largely because the respective professions were both interesting and personally relevant.”

 

“It really opened up my world a little bit to hear from graduates with so much experience. I haven't considered too heavily which direction I might take after Campion, and how it might look. I found the "real talk" approach very honest and helpful...”

Our alumni also benefited from the experience:

“It's so wonderful to have the opportunity to share with current students. We did not have such an opportunity back in the earlier days of Campion to assist us in being aware of the challenges we would face after we graduated - so this is great for the students!”

 

“I really enjoyed it and it was equally great seeing my fellow alumni as well.”

A second career night with alumni is planned for September.

Author: Sr M Luka Juenemann

As Student Life & Alumni Relations Officer, Sr M Luka is responsible for the personal welfare and professional development of students throughout their time at Campion. She also assists students in their transition to life after Campion and facilitates various ways for alumni to stay connected with the college.