Networking – College Admission at Loyola

Coffee on the go

By Stephanie Rodriguez | October 3, 2014

If someone would have told me what a workout it would be to commute from my hometown to Loyola, I would have chosen to commute a long time ago! (jk, living on campus is much more fun!). Apart from the fact that my commute is only a two and a half hour commute, I have to say that I really enjoy it…as long as I have my Starbucks.

Yes, I’m that girl: “May I have a grande green tea latte with nonfat and two pumps of classic.” However, to all of my commuters if you ever catch yourself leaving Union Station or Ogilvie Station you need to stop at THIS particular Starbucks on LaSalle St. right next to the Quincy Stop. I’ve ran into many Loyola Alumni; I have conversed with business women, doctors, and professors. This is networking at its finest! I’ve actually met a professor who teaches at a graduate school I am interested in.

Anyhow, this is not a place to sit and drink your coffee since it gets very crowded from 5-9am. Due to its popularity, mistakes occur but if they mess up your order, you might get a free goodie! If you are ever downtown with friends, check it out! You’ll be amazed at how many people you meet in less than 30 minutes.

Planning for the Future

By | March 27, 2014

As a friend of many a Maroon and Gold member, I was invited to attend the Student Alumni Networking Night on March 26. The event was sponsored by the Gold Board, Maroon and Gold Society, and the Office of Alumni Relations. Juniors and Seniors were invited to talk over complimentary appetizers with various Loyola Alumni, and discuss what comes next after college.

The event featured a panel of three Loyola Alumni, each speaking on their professional experience after finishing college. Kara Hewitt Tolentino from the class of 2004 is a Human Resources Manager at Equity Residential, Katelyn Gibbons from the class of 2006 is Vice President of Product Development at Bank of America, and Chris Swit from the class of 2009 is a Systems Administrator at GTCR, LLC. Each panel member shared their own career path, and gave advice to current students on how to prepare for life after graduation. Though each of the alumni represent different careers, they all agreed that internship experience goes a long way in finding a job.

After the panel, we enjoyed dessert and mingled with the other alumni members who came to the event. I was lucky enough to talk to two recent Loyola graduates – one who is working for a non-profit, and the other who is working as a parole officer. The conversation was comfortable and casual, and I was ready and eager to hear the advice they had to offer.

Even though I have decided to spend the next three years in law school, it was helpful to get a taste of what the future will hold. I feel blessed to be a part of such a supportive network through Loyola, and I am confident that I will be more than prepared to take on the working world when I complete my degrees.