Waldron Connections Program offers guidance and connects Weinberg students with alumni professionals
April 28, 2021
Austin J. Waldron graduated in 1978, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northwestern University. Because of his experience, Waldron partnered with the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences to create and endow the Austin J. Waldron Student-Alumni Connections Program, which connects undergraduates with alumni in various fields and across different stages of their careers.
“So many students get wrapped up in choosing a major, laying out a life plan and thinking it can’t change,” Waldron says. “My journey, and that of many other alumni, is proof that pivoting to a new path can lead to much more satisfaction.”
My goal is to encourage more students to realize that if their plans change, that’s OK,” says Waldron. “With a liberal arts degree, you can always pivot to pursue a new path. The goal is to pursue something that you are going to be happy with.”
The Waldron Connections Program helps students explore career possibilities, hone their networking abilities, and learn how to communicate the value of their arts and sciences degrees. Moreover, the opportunity to engage with already-established alumni helps students envision their professional futures, alleviating concerns about life after graduation.
“What’s really great about the Waldron Connections Program is that it has different programming for wherever you are on your career journey,” says Madelyn Moy ’22, a Weinberg College junior majoring in biology, anthropology, and integrated science.
The many ways the Waldron Student-Alumni Connections Program helps undergraduate students connect with alumni for career exploration include:
- Hosting panels in which alumni discuss how their arts and sciences background informed their career.
- Hosting industry-specific conversations.
- Offering professional skill development workshops.
- Hosting on-site treks to Chicago businesses so students can experience a particular industry first-hand.
Learn more about the Waldron Student-Alumni Connections Program.
Related: Connecting Students with Alumni Professionals – Northwestern Magazine
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