By Noah Proffitt
Seniors and graduate students from PFW will have the opportunity, tomorrow, to network and prepare for life after college. This Friday, Mar. 28, the “Senior Leadership Experience” will take place at multiple locations in downtown Fort Wayne from noon to 8 p.m.
The annual retreat provides skills and advice as students prepare for the transition from the classroom to the workforce.
Participants meet with local professionals and PFW Alumni to learn about their businesses, while also receiving advice on finances, job search, workplace culture, and housing.
This year, students will meet with local PFW alumni Edwin Chow, who founded Summit City Climbing Co, a local rock-climbing business. They will learn about how Chow runs and creates his business, while also having the chance to test their rock-climbing skills.
After visiting Summit City Climbing Co, students will head back to Parkview Field where the rest of the retreat will take place. They’ll be able to tour the stadium, meet with a fan engagement coordinator and learn about the business of Fort Wayne’s local baseball team.
Among the community speakers scheduled for this daylong event are representatives from the Apartment Association of Fort Wayne, who will give advice on how to prepare and look for apartments to rent.
The retreat will end with a keynote and a video from Deans across colleges giving advice to students.
The event is organized by Student Leadership and will be led by Abbey Wang, assistant director of Student Leadership and Student Government Association.
“I want students to come and have fun,” Wang said. “And leave the event and be like, wow! I learned a lot and also had a great time.”
Wang mentioned several reasons to attend: “Number 1, it’s free; number 2, there’s free food; and number 3, it’s fun.”
Mikayla Hagerty, a senior and previous student body president, now works as a leadership assistant and will help spearhead the event.
“I’m excited to network with other soon-to-be graduates,” Hagerty said. “Looking into the next year, I’m looking at what would help me out as a senior.”
For this retreat, all the 40 spots are filled up. However, the Senior Leadership Experience happens every year, and there are additional opportunities for freshmen, sophomores and juniors too. Be sure to check out next semester for future retreats.