Jim Fessler ’87 P’19 ’22 ’25, professor and clinical vice chair of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine, talked to students about his career in medicine at Career Day.
Pathways and Possibilities
Dozens of Lawrentians returned to campus to share their professional journeys with today’s students at Career Day.
For Scott Aland ’07, being back on campus on a Saturday morning in the spring, “surrounded by the bustle of students, faculty, and peers,” was like a direct shot of nostalgia. Unlike his student days, however, Aland wasn’t dreaming about his future. This time, the Philadelphia-based real estate sales professional was there to share with students where he’s been and the winding road that led back to
Lawrenceville.
More than sixty Lawrentians returned for Career Day, a collaborative event hosted by the School’s Alumni and Development Office and the Dean of Students Office. The program featured six large panel discussions, followed by individual breakout sessions on topics ranging from alumnae success in underrepresented fields and unexpected career paths to practical tips and advice, varying career journeys, tips for securing internships, and perspectives on career success.
Meera Nathan ’90 P’24 ’24 shared how she recently shifted from the pharmaceutical industry to developing a nonprofit for women’s health.
“All the experience I got over these many years, both in my medical education as well as in pharma, is really going to help me develop my organization,” Nathan said. “That’s something that’s really fulfilling and shows you the ebb and flow of your career, and the ability to pivot if you really want to, the opportunities are there.”
Students eagerly absorbed the wisdom their predecessors
imparted.
“Career Day offered valuable insights into fields I’m interested in and gave me the chance to connect with people who were once in my shoes,” said Sofia Swindell ’25, who now attends the University of Pennsylvania. “I’m grateful I had the opportunity to hear advice from alumni and learn about the
paths they took to build their careers.”
Aland, who discussed career pivots and unique career paths, believes he took as much from Career Day as the students did.
“I left feeling enriched not only by being able to reflect and share my story with a burgeoning army of young alumni,” he said, “but by the fellowship felt with faces old and new who have charted parallel paths and painted them with different colors.”
Career Day is an extension of ongoing programming through which alumni regularly return to campus to participate in classroom discussions, student club meetings, Form meetings, and all-school gatherings.
“Alumni are consistently eager to say ‘yes,’ and we’re thrilled to incorporate these moments into our broader alumni engagement efforts,” said Maria Bolis, director of alumni engagement, who added that Lawrenceville launched such career events following a request several years ago from the Student Council. That appeal led to regular alumni career panel events held on topics including STEM, media and entertainment, law and government, real estate, military and first responders, health care, arts and entertainment, and more.
“These interactions are not only valuable for students, but incredibly meaningful for alumni as well,” Bolis said. “They serve as a powerful reminder of what makes Lawrenceville special, offering tangible ways to give back. These opportunities provide alumni with a compelling way to stay connected
– each experience builds stronger ties to the community and reinforces their lifelong bond with the School.”
* * *
See more photos from Career Day here.