virtual

Meet Alumni. Build Connections. Join a Hornet Huddle.

Posted on by Rachel Wood

What if you could grab coffee with someone who once stood exactly where you are but now works for the Detroit Lions, the U.S. Department of State, or Johnson & Johnson?

KConnect Week (Dec. 2–6) is all about meaningful connections between students and alumni. One of the best ways to get involved is through Hornet Huddles, 20-minute, one-on-one or small-group conversations with K alumni from a wide range of careers.

Alumni hosts have volunteered to share advice, career stories, and insights to help you explore options after K. Huddles happen on Zoom throughout the week.

Before signing up, check your calendar carefully and make sure you can attend. Once you register, show up. Alumni are setting aside time just for you, and it’ll be important not just for you but for future K students to honor your commitment.

How it works

  • Log in to the KConnect Week portal with your KNet ID and password to view all alumni bios and available times.
  • Each Huddle listing includes the alum’s field, interests, and signup link through Bookings.
  • After you reserve a spot, you’ll receive a calendar invite with the Zoom link.

Featured Alumni Snapshots

A few of the many alumni ready to meet with you:

  • Amanda Moss ’19 – Head of International Strategy, Detroit Lions: global sports business and leadership.
  • Dr. Natalie Melnick ’15 – Physician Assistant, Henry Ford Health: liberal arts to medicine.
  • Sarah Glass ’17 – Principal Scientist, Johnson & Johnson: biochemistry to drug discovery.
  • Kyle Hartwell ’07 – Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State: diplomacy and global careers.
  • Mallika Mitra ’16 – Journalist & Editor: business and finance storytelling.
  • Bethany Whitehead ’98 – Director of Operations & Culture, Minnesota Museum of American Art: equity and leadership in the arts.
  • Paul Guenette ’74 – Former CEO & Development Leader: 40 years in global agribusiness; author of From Kalamazoo to Timbuktu.
  • Riya Bhuyan ’20 – Strategy & Operations Lead, Virya Projects: consulting to sustainability.
  • Olivia Nalugya ’16 – Scientist III, Cardinal Health: first-generation international professional in healthcare innovation.
  • Asia Liza Morales ’15 – Regional Vice President, The Posse Foundation: advancing education equity.
  • Michael Zak ’09 – Principal Marketing Manager, Amazon: storytelling and innovation in tech.
  • Daniel Henry ’20 – Associate Attorney, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP: specializing in patent prosecution and AI/machine learning.

And that’s just the beginning! Dozens more alumni are ready to connect (seriously, we have 42!). Log in with your KNet ID to explore the full list and sign up for your Hornet Huddles.

Virtual CCPD

Posted on by Rachel Wood

We have moved to a virtual format due to the spread of COVID-19. CCPD Virtual Office Hours on MS Teams: (Fall Weeks 1-10) Monday through Thursday: 2-3 PM EST. Tuesday evenings 7-8 PM, EST. Our office will be closed for in-person appointments in order to practice social distancing. Our staff will continue to make virtual student and alumni appointments using Handshake.

Virtual career fairs and events will take place throughout the term. For additional help, please contact career@kzoo.edu. 

A message from the CCPD during uncertain times.

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Good morning,

I’m writing to you this morning from my basement bunker, hiding from my small children. I want you to know that the CCPD is not going anywhere. We are here for you, just as we’ve always been. And we have more digital content we’re developing each day.

But more important than any checklist or Zoom call or resume review, we want to ask you to be gentle with yourselves, and give each other grace. This is an overwhelming time for all of us, and so many questions remain, including what kind of an impact this is going to have on the workforce. Sometimes you are going to have bursts of energy and get in your flow, working really hard. Sometimes you’ll feel like I did yesterday, a little worn out, lost, and distracted. Some of you are trying to study at home surrounded by younger siblings. Some of us are working at home with kids that can’t go to school either. Some of you are in a place that feels too quiet right now and you long for human connection. Some are worried about things much bigger than “career”, and others want to get down to business immediately. You may waver in and out through these states. Whatever your reality, we hope you’ll honor it.

Do what you can, when you can, with what you have. We are here to support you through this next chapter. Know that you and your thoughts/ideas are valued and appreciated as we navigate this process together.

We are working on new ways to serve you during these times— stay tuned for those updates as they come. For now, know that career coaching appointments are available via Handshake, and we look forward to talking with you soon. Follow us on Instagram @kzooccpd and Facebook for daily motivation, tips, to-do’s, and more as we work together to Design Your New Normal.

Warmly,
Rachel (on behalf of the CCPD)