Reimagined Networking Mixer Connects Students and Alumni

Each year, the Stony Brook Alumni Association and the Career Center come together to host the Annual Students and Alumni Networking Mixer, an opportunity for students and alumni to get together to receive career advice or share their own professional experiences. Despite new challenges, this year was no different.
When the pandemic halted in-person programs, faculty and staff worked hard to find creative ways to continue to support students and alumni. Through the use of Remo, a fun and interactive platform, over 120 alumni and students came together.  Alumni mentors shared their career experiences and student mentees received career advice in a virtual format on March 18th.
The mixer began with inspiring words from guest speakers Michael Mennella ’00, Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual and Sabrina Thompson ‘07, Navigation and Mission Design Engineer at NASA.
“Sabrina and Michael’s styles beautifully complimented each other while authentically connecting to both students and alum. The stories they shared were both real and relatable which made them even   more inspiring. We received such great feedback from so many that attended.” A big thank you to both of them for helping us to create such a successful event.” Marie Parziale, ‘10 , Sr. Alumni Career Coach
Following the program, the platform was opened up for three rounds of open networking. Mentees had the opportunity to freely move from one virtual table to another to hear from mentors in their chosen areas. Virtual networking tables were organized by seven Career Communities ranging from Arts & Communications to IT & Engineering. Matthew Lee,’ 22, SBU Career Center intern said it best: “Whether it be finding a mentor or just someone you can ask for advice, these networking events are crucial in establishing a professional presence and putting your best foot forward.”
“What a great event the networking mixer was! I’m always so surprised to learn what Seawolves have accomplished past their time at SBU. I’ve connected with a few other alumni, so this was incredibly helpful to me as well.” -April Miao, ‘19
If you missed the mixer and would like to like to learn more about how to connect with a mentor or if you are an alum that is interested in getting involved as a mentor or volunteering in other ways, please see more below:
Mentee and Recent Grad Opportunities
Micro-Mentoring Program 
If you would like to have a 1:1 conversation with an alumnus who is working in your preferred career field, please join Marie for our last mico-mentoring workshop for the spring semester. Please be sure to fill out this Google Form with your information and sign up below:
April 12 at 2 PM. Sign up »

I’m Graduating – Now What?
Marie is offering a workshop designed for graduating seniors and recent grads who are unsure of their career path looking for their first full-time job. Join us to learn how to clarify your career interests and create a solid job search plan!
April 13th-2 PM-3 PM. Sign up »

Looking to become a Mentor?
2020-2021 SBU Career Volunteering | Mentor Sign-up
The Alumni Association and the Career Center offer a variety of ways for alumni and friends to give back to Stony Brook University. In addition, the Career Center offers ways that faculty and staff can be more involved in our Career Communities framework.
Career volunteer opportunities include: being a mentor, hosting a site visit, providing a job shadow, hiring interns, mentoring or participating in our educational workshops. Sign up to become a mentor »

About Marie Parziale, Sr. Alumni Career Coach
“My calling is to help others find their calling.” 
Working with Stony Brook students and alumni to create a meaningful life and a purposeful career brings meaning to my life. The best part of coaching is helping my clients see what they have instead of what they don’t. I empower them to dream big and recognize their strengths, interests, and gifts while helping them to see a clear path and create the necessary steps to make their dream a reality while making a living too. If you are interested in working with Marie, please come to a career chat, workshop, or appointment to get started. Contact Marie Parziale at marie.parziale@stonybrook.edu.