Last month, Dolan students had the opportunity to learn how five executives from Mastercard started their careers. The Professional Development Series (PDS) event, “Priceless Connections: Speed Learning with Mastercard,” was structured so that Mastercard executives rotated among tables of students , answering their questions and speaking to them in small groups. The event explored the value of networking, potential career paths, techniques to advance up the corporate ladder and other professional development skills.
Jennifer Lowe ’13, manager, co-brand business development, spoke about the benefit of interning to get a foot in the door of a major company. “Between my sophomore and junior years at Fairfield, I went to Career Services to learn about all the internship opportunities, and you should too!” said Lowe, who majored in both international business and marketing. At one of her internships, Lowe had a colleague with a position that intrigued her, so she asked him to grab coffee with her so she could learn more about his work. “His background was impressive and he became my mentor.”
Students also heard from Luke Butcher, manager, product management, who spoke about the power of persistence to find a job he loved. Butcher noted that he taught himself valuable technical skills on his own -- a move, he added, that can attract prospective employers. “Find something that really intrigues you and makes you curious,” he urged students.
Arlette Medina ’20, a management major, appreciated hearing how the Mastercard professionals, despite coming from all different backgrounds, came to the same corporation. “I also learned what types of questions to expect in a job interview and what to highlight on my resume,” she said. Annette Gutnick ’21, a management and international business major, was impressed by Fairfield’s robust alumni network, as well as the value of keeping in touch with former coworkers and bosses because they can serve as mentors, resources, and references.
“We really hope the students learn some terrific advice tonight that helps them achieve their goals and land jobs that fulfill them,” said John E. Neal, visiting assistant professor of marketing.
The Dolan Professional Development Series (PDS) would like to thank the following Mastercard execs for their time and expertise in making the evening a success: Benjamin Berger, senior analyst, advance analytics; Luke Butcher, manager, account management; Jenny Franzese, director, HR business partner, products and innovation; Jennifer Lowe '13, manager, co-brand business development; and Margaret Shine, senior vice president, Mastercard Advisors, retail and commerce vertical, travel sector.
Dolan’s PDS is designed to provide a structured way in which students can gain the knowledge and skills that will complement their coursework and help them find success in their careers.
