As I reflected on IUAA’s inaugural virtual career week that began September 14, focused on helping the newest IU alumni thrive as they kick start their careers, the Career and Professional Development team feels grateful for all of the seasoned alumni who contributed their stories of trials, successes, and unexpected pivots. These stories of tenacity, resilience, and a growth mindset are inspirational for our young alumni as they navigate a tricky job market in 2020.

Seven IU alumni shared two minute video snippets of their career story and a piece of wisdom they wanted to impart. Here are a few highlights:

• IU Bloomington Kelley School of Business alumna Jaymie Wahlen inspired young IU alumni to pursue working for a startup. She shared her powerful story of networking and how she advocated for herself, securing a role with the startup of her choice, even though it did not have a vacancy at the time.
• IUPUI alumna Kristina Steucher shared her story of graduating during a recession, a highly relevant and relatable topic in 2020. With resilience and a little risk taking, Kristina was able to find success after an unexpected layoff.
• IUB School of Education alumna Gretchen Hartke realized a few years into her teaching career that a lifetime in education wasn’t playing to her strengths and interests in the way she thought it would. Her story of career reinvention highlighted how an IU degree combined with skills and interest can lead to many different successful careers.

Check out these and other IU alumni stories in the Career and Professional Development group of the Virtual Alumni Network.

In addition to the video snippets, IU alumni Hannah Horvath (IUB 2007), Ramon Hill (IUB 2006), Jeannie Sager (IUPUI 2003), and Eric Hafner (IUB 2004, IUAA staff) were featured in a virtual panel discussion on how to establish roots and build community, both personally and professionally, after graduation. Here is a sampling of their words of wisdom:

• When networking, know your goal, and have an ask and an offer. Networking is about quality over quantity and is a two directional relationship.
• Have a commitment to curiosity, and be a lifelong learner personally and professionally.
• Wear your IU gear everywhere you go, giving you the opportunity for an instant bond.

Enjoy the presentation and gain all the wisdom the panelists had to offer in building new community.

If you have a career story you would like to share with the IU alumni community, email me at erserwin@iu.edu.