What began as a simple networking reception has grown into one of �㽶��’s signature career development events.

Now in its 10th year, Mocktails & Mingling brought more than 40 alumni back to the Springs Student Center this week to connect with students exploring their next steps — and to demonstrate how relationships formed at �㽶�� can shape careers in unexpected ways.

For Kim Lane, associate dean and director of career and professional development, the evening represents more than an annual gathering.

“Networking is more than exchanging business cards and connecting on LinkedIn,” Lane told attendees. “It’s about building relationships. It’s about asking thoughtful questions and exploring possibilities.”

Lane, who has led the event for a decade alongside associate director Lynn Downie, said students often misunderstand networking as transactional rather than transformational.

“When I was 18 or 19, my father told me I needed to network,” Lane said. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m an introvert. I don’t want to talk to anyone.’ But I eventually realized what he meant. No matter your career path, relationships matter.”

This year’s milestone event included a new element: a panel discussion featuring three alumni representing marketing, manufacturing and law, each offering candid reflections on how networking shaped their own journeys.

Before the panel began, Dr. Erin McAdams, provost and vice president for academic affairs, emphasized the broader institutional significance of the evening.

“When I first arrived at �㽶��, career and professional development operated somewhat separately from academic affairs,” McAdams said. “One of the most meaningful shifts we’ve made is fully embracing career and professional development as an academic initiative.”

That integration, she said, reinforces classroom learning and experiential opportunities.

“Events like this matter,” McAdams said.

She shared her own story of attending an alumni networking event as a college student — a conversation that influenced her decision to pursue a Ph.D., become a faculty member and eventually enter higher education leadership.

“For the students here tonight, keep your ears open,” McAdams said. “You have no idea how a single conversation might expand your understanding of what is possible.”

Alumni reflect on authentic networking

The alumni panel illustrated those possibilities in real time.

Michele Griggs ’10, vice president and creative director at in Greenville, told students her career path did not follow a straight line from her academic major.

“I never took a marketing class in my life,” Griggs said. “Thank you, liberal arts education.”

A double major in art and English with a minor in art history, Griggs said she once believed networking did not apply to her chosen fields.

“I didn’t know what networking was when I was a student,” she said. “I thought, ‘What do I need networking for?’ Oh my gosh, how wrong was I?”

Through campus employment and connections fostered by Career and Professional Development, Griggs built relationships that helped her secure her first job and advance into leadership.

Today, she says she genuinely enjoys her work.

“I am one of the rare people who will look you in the eye and tell you I love my job,” she said. “I work for the best company with the best people.”

Blake West ’20 offered a more recent perspective. A biochemistry major who graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic, West said networking looked very different in a virtual world.

“Networking is not a personality trait,” West said. “It’s a skill you have to learn.”

Now an account manager in polymer solutions group, West began his career in research and development before moving to the commercial side of the company.

“My job basically is networking,” he said. “It’s about building relationships and understanding what customers need.”

West encouraged students to remain curious and open to opportunities that may not align perfectly with their initial plans.

“I never thought of myself being in sales,” he said. “But building relationships opened that door.”

Joe Wideman ’13 — a former Blue Hose football player, current member of the College’s Board of Trustees and partner at in Columbia — admitted he once resisted networking altogether.

“I was terrible at networking,” Wideman said.

As a law student, he reluctantly attended a dinner with an alumnus whose son was considering �㽶��. Months later, when he walked into a job interview, he found that same attorney sitting across the table.

“That’s when I realized networking could be beneficial,” Wideman said.

Now approaching a decade in practice and serving as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Wideman said honesty remains his guiding principle.

“Even if you don’t know what you’re talking about, sometimes honesty can get you in the door,” he said.

A shared message: Be authentic

Despite their varied industries and graduation years, all three alumni offered similar advice.

“Be yourself,” West said. “People can tell when you’re faking.”

“Be authentic,” Griggs added. “People can see right through it.”

Wideman agreed, noting that authenticity builds trust — a currency as valuable as any résumé line.

Lane said that message aligns precisely with the purpose of Mocktails & Mingling.

“This is a comfortable, supportive environment,” she told students. “Practice introducing yourself with confidence and authenticity.”

More than 40 alumni attended the event, representing diverse industries and career paths. Many once sat in the same chairs as the students they met this week.

“Every conversation can offer clarity about your own journey,” Lane said. “And that journey doesn’t end at graduation.”

As the structured portion of the evening concluded, students rotated tables, continuing conversations that may one day shape internships, job offers — or even entirely new career trajectories.

For McAdams, the event’s 10-year milestone reflects not just longevity but cultural change.

Career development at �㽶�� is no longer an auxiliary service, she said. It is woven into the academic experience — reinforced by faculty, administrators, alumni and trustees alike.

For students in the room, the takeaway was simple but profound.

“You have no idea,” McAdams said, “how a single conversation might expand your understanding of what is possible.”

Ten years in, Mocktails & Mingling continues to prove that those conversations matter.

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�㽶��’s Career and Professional Development Office recently hosted the Career Festival on the Lawn, an outdoor event featuring fashion, food, and résumé reviews. 

The Career Festival coincided with both National Career Development Month and National First-Gen Week, making it an event for everyone.

“This event was to prepare students for post-college career success,” said Kim Lane, associate dean for career and professional development. “Students had the opportunity to observe professional attire in the workplace and to have their resume reviewed to be competitive. It also increased the visibility of the office of CPD, while also collaborating with Presby First+ and our employer partners.” 

One of the main attractions for students was the opportunity to speak with recruiters and receive immediate, personalized feedback on their résumés to help them stand out when applying to internships, jobs, or graduate school programs.  

Present at the festival were recruiters from Waffle House and Herc Rentals, as well as career advisors from the  (DEW), who were able to provide students with additional information about employment opportunities in South Carolina.  The , allowed students to use the numerous computer stations to write or make edits to their résumés and apply to jobs or internships on the spot. 

The event drew students in for a variety of reasons, some looking for junior year internship opportunities, and some looking for post-graduation job opportunities.  

“I’m a senior, so I’m really just looking for some insight on my resume, and what the next steps are to build up my confidence when applying for whatever’s next,” said Saniyah Myers ‘26. 

“As someone who has always been academics and sports-focused, I thought I didn’t have much to put on my résumé,” said Kaitlin Marquis ‘26. “After having help revising my résumé, I realized there are things that stand out that I wouldn’t have thought to highlight.”   

“I’m here to look for internships, and I also wanted to come to get feedback on my résumé,” said Omar Diaz Valerdi ‘28. 

Another highlight of the event was a fashion show, in which three students modeled professional business attire provided by Tartan Threads, the free career closet open to all students run by the Career and Professional Development Office.  Over 500 items are available to undergraduate students to select an outfit for career-related activities.

“For approximately 60 students, this event was an opportunity to discover potential career paths, opportunities, and possibilities that they may not have been aware of before,“ said Lane.  

Lucas Mills, the recruiting director at Waffle House, praised the students he worked with at the fair.

“�㽶�� students were highly receptive to feedback on their resumes and asked insightful questions,” he said. “The future is bright with this group of students.”

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�㽶�� recently hosted a Career and Graduate School Fair, a chance for current students to meet employers, learn about internships, and plan for their future. 

“The purpose of this event is to connect students with employers for job and internship opportunities, as well as graduate school options,” said Kim Lane, associate dean for career and professional development. “It helps students learn about different industries, make direct contact with recruiters, and obtain career advice while improving their networking skills.” 

The fair featured representatives from over 30 employers and graduate programs, offering a wide range of options for everyone. Also featured was a LinkedIn photo booth providing free headshots for those interested, sponsored by Enterprise Mobility. 

According to Lane, several students were able to find professional attire for the event through Tartan Threads, the college’s free career closet run by the Career and Professional Development Office.

Among present representatives were several �㽶�� alumni, thrilled at the opportunity to give back to their alma mater and see some familiar faces. For many, the values ingrained in them during their time at �㽶�� were the driving force behind their desire to return and speak with current students. 

“As a Blue Hose, knowing the values that �㽶�� has, and that we really care about ‘While We Live, We Serve,’ I know that �㽶�� students could excel greatly in this program,” said Rafael Guerra, ‘24, representing College of Charleston’s Master of Public Administration program. “I want to give back and ensure that students have the opportunities that I didn’t have when I was a student.” 

Also present at the fair were representatives from the Atlanta Zacchaeus Fellows Program, a nine-month service-oriented leadership development program that walks alongside recent college graduates, offering community, career development opportunities, and access to a wide network of alumni. 

“I think what makes it so special is that there’s something for everyone, which is really beautiful,” said Julia Ringley, ‘25, a current fellow of the Peachtree Presbyterian Church program. 

For students, the fair was a chance to polish their interpersonal skills and practice networking, while also allowing them to make meaningful connections and explore their options, both as current students and post-graduation. 

“I was hoping to get more well-connected with companies that I’m interested in, and potentially find a summer internship,” said sophomore Reagan Myers. “And I feel like the people I’ve talked to today have really encouraged me and shown me what all of my options are.” 

According to Lane, approximately 80 students attended the fair. Of those students, a majority were juniors and seniors, but there were freshmen and sophomores present as well. 

Lane’s hope for the future is that more students will recognize the value of career and graduate school fairs and utilize them to their fullest potential. Events like these are an incredible opportunity to discover interests, make connections with employers, and plan for the future. 

“It can be kind of scary, but recruiters want to engage. They want to meet talent and explain how you can fit into their organization. If you don’t show up, they don’t know you, and you lose out,” said Lane. “Relationship building is an important way to differentiate yourself. If you could say, ‘Hey, I met you at the �㽶�� Fair,’ they’re going to remember you.”

Other Blue Hose alumni present at the fair included:

• James Hyland ’24, with Herc Rentals, Inc. 
• Perrin Tribble Anderson ’11, with Union Presbyterian Seminary
• Edward Snead ’13, with Lonza
• Rafael Guerra ’24, with the College of Charleston
• Julia Ringley ’25, with the Zacchaeus Project at Peachtree Presbyterian Church
• Nicole Sessoms ’20 , with Fastenal
• Bethany Meadors ’24, with Greenwood Rehab 
• Jonathan Lewis ’21, with the Ritedose Corporation

Complete list of employers and graduate programs

• Antioch University 
• College of Charleston 
• Francis Marion University 
• Furman University
• Johnson & Wales University
• �㽶�� Graduate Programs
• Union Presbyterian Seminary 
• Winthrop University 
• ���DzԳ�����
• The Ritedose Corporation 
• Atlanta Zacchaeus Fellows Program 
• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• S.C. Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services
• S.C. Department of Revenue 
• S.C. Law Enforcement Division
• S.C. Department of Public Health
• Spartanburg County
• GoLaurens.com
• ScanSource
• BlueCross BlueShield of S.C.
• Founders Federal Credit Union
• World Finance
• Fastenal Co. 
• Herc Rentals Corp
• Milliken Co. 
• Enterprise Mobility
• Waffle House Inc. 

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From engineering at a bustling international airport to nonprofit service in Charleston and financial analytics in Italy, �㽶�� students have spent their summer gaining real-world experience in fields as diverse as health care, law, sales, and data science.

In total, 35 �㽶�� students participated in internships during the summer of 2025, according to the Office of Career and Professional Development. Their internships reflect a broad range of industries and interests, including allied health, banking, engineering, marketing, nonprofit work, and even professional soccer. While more than half of the interns stayed in South Carolina, students also worked in eight other states—from Florida to New York to Texas—and one intern even crossed the Atlantic to work in Italy.

In honor of National Intern Day, observed on July 31, �㽶�� is celebrating the accomplishments and ambitions of these dedicated students—and the employers who support them.

A Path to Employment

For senior Panos Burlos, a member of the Blue Hose football team, an internship at NBI Financial Group LLC in Charlotte turned into more than just a summer job—it became a stepping stone to a full-time career.

“Panos did an amazing job and received a standing job offer post-graduation,” said Nick Campo ’11, a �㽶�� alumnus and managing partner at NBI. “Our internship program focuses on creating a competitive environment that teaches real-life business skills each intern will be able to apply in their post-college careers.”

Campo emphasized that the company, which is rebranding as Finaya following a merger with a Silicon Valley-based AI firm, has welcomed �㽶�� interns annually since May 2023. He added, “This is not one of those internships where the student runs errands and grabs coffee. The top 10 percent of interns based on our metrics receive a standing offer to come aboard full-time post-graduation with extremely competitive, above-market pay.”

Support from Alumni and Employers

�㽶��’s internship program also benefits from alumni engagement. World Finance, owned by alumni Chad ‘02 and Pam ‘02 Prashad, welcomed Ryan Luna and Vanessa Palisin as interns this summer, continuing the Prashads’ support for current Blue Hose looking to launch their careers.

At BMW, Carlos Mercado Jiminez took on the role of financial controlling intern in the company’s TX-71 department. Carlos worked alongside full-time controllers, contributing to projects and learning valuable analytical tools.

“What I’ve enjoyed about the internship is all the people I have worked with and how they are very welcoming and understanding of me being new and learning,” Carlos said. “I’ve learned a lot of technical skills like Power BI and Excel VBA for automation.”

Growth in Grit and Determination

Not all internships start easy—but some of the most rewarding journeys come from overcoming challenges.

Sydney Lassiter, who interned with Vector Marketing, had to grow into her role. But she did so with determination, ultimately ranking among the best in the nation.

“If there were an award for Most Improved Player, it would go to Sydney,” said district manager Alex Bolles. “She came into the job with incredible personal habits—disciplined, driven, and focused—but initially struggled to translate those strengths into success. What makes Sydney stand out isn’t that things came easy to her, but that she kept showing up, kept pushing, and kept growing. By the end of the summer, she was a top three sales rep in one of the top offices in the nation. Her journey is proof that consistency and grit beat comfort every time.”

Discovering a Career Path

Some internships are transformative in helping students discover their passions. That was certainly the case for Keith Elmore, a junior from Summerville who interned with the engineering department at Charleston International Airport.

“I’ve decided to pursue a career in structural engineering,” he said. “I was able to decipher what I wanted to do with my career due to the internship.”

His supervisor, Nathan Yokoya, praised Elmore’s contributions in a glowing LinkedIn post.

“What stood out most about Keith was his professionalism, enthusiasm, and exceptional people skills—qualities that made him a great fit with staff in all departments,” Yokoya wrote. “He didn’t just observe—he engaged, asked the right questions, and earned the respect of the team. Any organization will be lucky to have him after graduation.”

Yokoya noted that Elmore’s summer experience wasn’t just about blueprints and building materials—it was about seeing how design and engineering connect to safety, operations, and collaboration across airport stakeholders from airlines to TSA and Customs. “Supporting future leaders like Keith isn’t just good for the individual—it strengthens the entire industry.”

Keith returns to �㽶�� this fall as a student-athlete, resuming his role as a safety on the football team.

Finding Confidence and Purpose

For Charleston resident Lauren Smoak, an internship at Charleston Youth Mission (CYM) combined service, leadership, and learning.

“This summer I worked at Charleston Youth Mission … a faith-based organization that invites youth groups from around the country to spend a week in Charleston serving various nonprofits,” she said. “As a CYM intern, I led kids in discussions on how to best see and support the underprivileged neighbors in their communities and advocate for a better, more just society.”

Smoak helped lead service efforts that included harvesting food, preparing meals, cleaning beaches, and assisting with yard work for those in need. The experience left a lasting impression.

“I developed confidence in leadership and decision-making skills and grew in my knowledge of the world, the people in it, and the societal systems we have created,” she said.

Pushing Boundaries, Opening Doors

Lyla Chadd embraced a high-energy role in door-to-door sales as an intern with ClearDefense Pest Control in Charleston. She found the job through �㽶��’s Summer Jobs Fair and the Handshake career platform—a system students can use to search for jobs and schedule coaching sessions with career staff.

“I had the opportunity to challenge myself daily, work alongside an incredible team, and sharpen my communication and leadership skills,” Lyla said. “Grateful for the experience, the growth, and the memories.”

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Spencer Wieters, a senior from Abbeville, spent his summer interning at SouthState Bank, where he gained insight into the breadth of banking and the human connections that fuel it.

“I have truly enjoyed my time at South State Bank,” he said. “I’ve been able to firmly grasp what a bank offers and the different avenues I can pursue. I have realized how important fostering strong relationships with others is in the banking world, and I have been very lucky to meet some amazing individuals along my journey.”

Internships Pay Off

According to Lynn Downie, associate director of career and professional development, most �㽶�� interns this summer were paid $15 an hour or more, a sign of employers investing in meaningful roles—not just menial tasks. As noted in the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) guidelines and U.S. Department of Labor regulations, paid internships are a recognized best practice that improves workplace outcomes and ensures equity and compliance.

For the Class of 2024, that approach paid off: 20 �㽶�� graduates—about 10% of the class—were hired by the same employers who hosted them as interns.

Tools and Guidance for Success

�㽶�� students benefit from a full suite of support services through the Center for Career & Professional Development. Resources include:

• Handshake, a job board and internship search tool.
• One-on-one advising sessions with staff like Downie and Kim Lane, associate dean and director of career and professional development, to help students identify, pursue, and prepare for opportunities that align with their goals.
• Workshops, networking events, and résumé coaching that go beyond simple application advice.

Students who engage with the Career Center early and consistently are shown to have measurably stronger post-graduate outcomes, staff say.

And for those thinking ahead: applications are already open for Summer 2026 internships, especially at top-tier companies with long recruiting cycles. Rising juniors are encouraged to begin the process now.

Investing in the Future

Internships do more than build résumés—they spark passion, clarify career paths, and forge lifelong professional relationships.

Whether they’re analyzing finances at BMW, mentoring youth in Charleston, selling pest control door-to-door, or helping run an international airport, �㽶�� students are making their mark.

As National Intern Day shines a light on the importance of early career experiences, �㽶�� celebrates the curiosity, commitment, and courage of its students—and the dedicated mentors and alumni helping them thrive.

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