On April 12, five Virginia Tech alumni participated in a career panel sponsored by the Marketing Industry Mentoring Board. PRISM, the American Marketing Association at Virginia Tech, and Pi Sigma Epsilon partnered with the board to host the event.

The panel was comprised of Matt Arden, brand manager of Screenvision Media; Christina Daves, president and CEO of CastMedic Designs and PR For Anyone; Scott Kennedy, segment manager at Microsoft; Angela Lorinchak, president of Jackson Adept Research; and Jay Williams, brand manager at Altria Group.

The panel was moderated by Pamplin’s Director of Marketing, Donna Wertalik, who also played a role in organizing the event.

“Our board is focused on giving back to students and there’s a variety of different things that we do every year,” Wertalik said. “We often feel that the career panel is the most relaxed way to connect with students and engage with them, and give them guidance for the future, which has always been really beneficial.”

Panelists discussed a variety of topics throughout the hour and a half long discussion, including career advice for students and the importance of networking. While answers varied, panelists were in accord about one thing: the positive impact that Virginia Tech has had on their careers.

“As an alum, the biggest and most exciting thing in my career right now is giving back to the university,” Lorinchak said. “I love mentoring students, I love talking to them, I love all the new and exciting things that they’re doing. I learn a lot from them as well, so for me it’s rewarding on both ends.”

Alumni who are interested in participating in student events can visit Pamplin’s website to learn about ways to get involved.