Instead of a typical spring break, ten first-generation students from Kalamazoo College packed their bags for New York City as part of the K to NYC Trek, led by CCPD Assistant Director Alejandro Alaniz. Over five days, students shadowed alumni in workplaces ranging from finance and nonprofit work to media and theater. The goal? To give them a real-world glimpse into different careers while connecting with alumni who’ve walked a similar path.

“Meeting alumni who shared my background and had taken nontraditional paths reminded me that my journey doesn’t need to be linear,” said Jay Hernandez ’28. “There are so many ways to be successful, and I feel more confident now that I’ll find a path that works for me.”

For Anahi Barajas ’26, the experience led to a surprising shift in perspective. “Talking with Camila Trefftz ’17 made me realize I want to shift my focus from business to nonprofit work,” she said after shadowing at the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. “Her advice helped me see new possibilities for my future.”

Throughout the week, students moved from job shadows to small group coffee chats with alumni working in policy, diversity and inclusion, and community development. “I used to think networking was about being polished and perfect,” said Sarah Guerrero Gorostieta ’28.  “But during this trip, I learned that being genuinely curious and asking honest questions can be just as powerful.”

For Ash Rodriguez ’27, the experience was a reminder to dream big. “This experience showed me that being first-gen doesn’t mean I have to play small. I’ve learned that I belong in professional spaces, and I want to take up space.”

The range of career paths showcased on the Trek emphasized that success can look different for everyone, a takeaway that resonated with Jason Morales ’27. “I didn’t know what to expect going into this, but I left with real connections and a better understanding of what I want,” he said. “Now I know that soft skills, and showing up authentically, can be just as important as technical knowledge.”

The Trek also highlighted how career paths don’t always unfold in a straight line. “Shadowing my alum taught me that career paths can be unpredictable, but that’s okay,” said Liuba Silva ’27. “I don’t need to have it all figured out right now. I just need to stay open and keep building relationships.”

By the end of the week, students left New York City with fresh insights, new connections, and a better sense of what might come next. “Our alumni opened their networks, their stories, and their time. That’s what made this Trek so impactful,” said Alaniz, who expressed gratitude for the job shadow hosts, including Amanda Johnson ’17 (Director, Waterfall Asset Management LLC), Kirsten Cieslar ‘04 (Executive Director, FreeWheel), Maya Banks ’21 (Field Trip Coordinator, The New York Public Library), Kate Kreiss ‘19 (Director of Auxiliary Programming, The Churchill School and Center), Kriti Singh ‘17 (Associate, RMI), Tom Beck ‘07 (CRM Platform Manager, AILEY), Carrie Heitman ‘98 (Producing Artist Director, Hook & Eye Theater Company), and Katherine Wegert ‘06 (Corporate Credit Research, Franklin Templeton).

Reflecting on the week, Alaniz said, “The students stepped up, asked great questions, and really leaned into the experience. It’s clear that the connections they made—and the stories they heard—will stick with them as they continue to explore what’s possible after K. I’m already thinking about what’s next; more opportunities for career exploration, more spaces for first-gen students to thrive, and more stories of transformation.” 

On Friday, April 25, the Kalamazoo College Senior Reception with Alumni brought together more than 60 students and nearly all members of the Alumni Association Engagement Board (AAEB) for connection, celebration, and reflection.

Held in the Light Fine Arts Lobby, this annual event offers graduating seniors a chance to engage in meaningful, informal conversations with alumni who span industries and decades but all share a common commitment to supporting future K grads.

Board member Milo R. Madole ’12 captured the spirit of the event well:

“The AAEB had a phenomenal time getting to chat with this year’s graduating class. The student attendees were highly engaging, accomplished, and well-rounded. Already, I know of a number of meaningful connections that arose from the event, and I am excited to hear what comes out of those connections in the years to come!”

The event included remarks from Michelle Fanroy ’88, whose words reminded attendees of the power of community, resilience, and the importance of staying connected— to each other and to Kalamazoo College.

Board member Jason Wright ’02 said “I thought the event was fantastic. As in years past, I always enjoy meeting the seniors as they embark on the next exciting adventure. I met one student debating whether to attend law school, and he then reached out and we had a zoom call to discuss law school and a legal career. I encourage all K students to reach out to alumni for advice and help in that same manner!”

The Center for Career and Professional Development extends our thanks to the AAEB, the Office of Alumni Engagement, all who attended to make this event a success.

Students who would like to follow up with alumni they met at the event can find AAEB bios and contact information here.

Each year, the CCPD collects information from graduating seniors through the First Destination Survey (FDS). The FDS is a brief questionnaire that captures what’s next for you after Kalamazoo College. Whether you’re heading into a job, graduate school, service program, or still exploring your options, your response matters.

Why take it? Because this survey isn’t just about numbers. It is about you. Your input helps future students see what’s possible after graduation. It allows us to create tools like our Life After K dashboard, where current students can explore where alumni have landed by major, industry, and more. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you’re giving back valuable insight that can guide others navigating their own career paths.

Let’s celebrate while we’re at it!

Root Beer Floats & Totes
Wednesday, May 14
Red Square | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Stop by our First Destination Survey celebration! Seniors who complete the survey will receive a free Kalamazoo College tote and a root beer float as a thank-you for sharing your plans and helping us celebrate this milestone.

Completing the survey is also part of your graduation checklist. Knock it out early and enjoy your float with peace of mind.

Your next step matters, and so does sharing it. Thank you for helping us shape the story of Life After K!

“Working with resumes and job hunting wasn’t a new endeavor to me when I got to college, seeing as I stepped on campus already having gotten an on-campus job but I saw the whole process as rather tedious and yet anxiety inducing. Then, when preparing to apply for the Career Advisory (CA) position, I entered the CCPD and was greeted with an open and playful community, entirely different from what I had experienced prior. I’m still grateful for how the CA who supported me that day (and in the months following my employment as a co-CA) for how their interaction shifted my perspective on the professional world.

When I interviewed and started, I was nervous, thinking I couldn’t possibly be personable enough to help mold and prepare someone for pursuing or planning their future. After observing other CAs though, I soon found an easy groove to teasing out what people felt most proud of; what they could easily speak to as a part of their skill set. I soon realized that, learning all the platforms, tools, and tasks of the job (Handshake, VMock, LinkedIn, etc.) only made be better able to understand and make the world of professionalism more digestible and accessible for myself and others. I ended up finding joy in approaching, understandings, and rephrasing new activities in words that’d made students laugh once they were in the studio, giving them the same relief and support that I got when I first stepped into the studio.” – Leslie Santos ’25

Applications are open now for next year’s Career Advisor position. They are due April 25. Have questions? Please reach out to career@kzoo.edu!