Summer Networking Opportunities Connect Smith Students and Alumni with Industry Professionals

While some students spent the summer at the beach or taking some much-deserved time off, these Smith students took advantage of professional development opportunities through the Office of Undergraduate Programs to attend national conferences to network with Smith alumni and other industry professionals.

“Our Smith students are incredibly savvy! Attending professional business conferences is a great way for talented students to connect with industry leaders in their fields,” said Melanie Ashton, associate director of undergraduate programs. “Networking receptions and panel discussions are where many students have made key connections and secured impressive internship offers.”

The Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) National Convention, held in August, is an opportunity for “the Latino community to encounter transformative sessions, dynamic discussions and inspiring speakers with other professionals” according to the organization’s website.

Michelle Castro ’24 attended and helped to secure sponsorship from Smith and regional partners for 10 Smith ALPFA students to attend the conference. She also helped to build connections at the conference between the regional leading chapter and the UMD Chapter.

“I aimed to build a foundation of knowledge and support to enhance the experience for current students. A strong community and network can be transformative for students who are uncertain about their career paths, seeking new opportunities, or most importantly, searching for internships or jobs,” Castro said. 

Finance major Fernanda Vargas Ramirez ’25 agreed the convention was an “invaluable” experience to build connections within the business community.

“This experience strengthened my confidence in pursuing opportunities that align with my passion for finance while also embracing my cultural identity,” said Vargas Ramirez. 

Students and alumni from Smith were also in attendance at the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Conference in July. Finance student Donovan Wayman ’27 was inspired by speaker Ross Mac’s talk about the importance of exposure to financial topics in helping African Americans achieve success in the field. “I plan to carry this insight with me in the future by actively seeking out more information. I believe that information is crucial for development,” he said. 

These experiences not only help the student network, it gives students opportunities to explore new areas and cities as Wayman says it was his first time to Nevada, allowing him to experience “a culture different from my own and meet people from many different backgrounds.”

Smith Alumna Sharita Ray ’18, a Tech Risk Manager, represented KPMG on a panel at NABA and said throughout the week, she was “committed to fostering meaningful connections and providing opportunities for both current and former Smith students.”  Ray helped those from Smith with guidance on how to effectively network and navigate the conference as well as providing other tips on how to engage in conversations or follow-up discussions. Ray said she aims to be a valuable resource and advocate for Smith students and is “driven by a genuine desire to give back to the institution that has significantly contributed to my own success.”