The alumnae panelists represented diverse paths within psychology. Two are currently advancing their education through graduate programs鈥攐ne pursuing cognitive neuroscience at The City University of New York and another studying mental health counseling at Vanderbilt University. The other two panelists one, a professional in community development and the other a professional in industrial-organizational psychology, shared how they have built fulfilling careers after their Elon degree.

The discussion was rich with wisdom and authenticity. Panelists spoke openly about the emotional intensity that often accompanies psychology work, the challenges of finding balance, and the importance of building supportive professional communities. They also offered practical advice on discerning when, and whether to, pursue graduate school, emphasizing that there is no single 鈥渞ight鈥� path after Elon.

Students left the session energized and inspired by the honesty and encouragement of those who once sat in their same classrooms. Elon alumni continue to demonstrate how varied, meaningful and impactful careers in psychology can be and their stories remind students that there are many ways to live out their purpose.

The SPDC will continue to host alumni career panels throughout the year to help students connect their academic interests with real-world opportunities.

The evening was the result of an intentional and collaborative effort across multiple offices at Elon, including the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC), the Study USA team and National Campus Programs. Together with Faculty in Residence Pamela Winfield, they envisioned a signature experience that would enrich students鈥� time in NYC by deepening their exposure to graduate education and professional development resources. That vision came to life thanks to the extraordinary generosity and engagement of the staff and faculty at Fordham鈥檚 Gabelli School of Business. The agenda included a personalized campus tour, an engaging student panel, a leadership and career development session, and a sample class with a Fordham business professor.

鈥淎t every turn, the team at Fordham offered their time, insight, and energy,鈥� said Collier Lumpkin, associate director of student development for pre-graduate school advising, who led the planning of the event. 鈥淭heir hospitality created space for our students to imagine new possibilities, ask thoughtful questions, and reflect on the type of professionals鈥攁nd people鈥攖hey want to become.鈥�

For Elon students, the evening was a powerful example of experiential learning in action. Not only did it expose them to the world of possibilities within graduate education in New York City, but it also offered a model of what collaborative, student-centered programming can look like when institutions work together with intention. As Elon continues to invest in high-impact learning and career exploration, opportunities like this underscore the university鈥檚 deep commitment to preparing students to lead lives of meaning and purpose鈥攚herever their paths may take them.