The inside scoop on future careers

By Maddie Marriott ’24

Dozens of Lafayette students used their winter breaks to explore potential career paths through the Career Tracks program.

Students in the 2026 New York City Finance Career Track program. | Photo courtesy of Gateway Career Center

The program, hosted by Gateway Career Center, spans three weeks, with each experience one to two days in length, and offers students a glimpse into the day-to-day work lives of alumni, parents, and friends of the college. This year, 139 students participated, hearing from 132 hosts. The eight tracks included everything from Arts and Humanities, to Engineering and Manufacturing, to Finance. 

“With very few exceptions, most folks will spend many years exploring careers before finding the perfect fit,” explains Josh Walker, a senior associate director of employer relations and outreach at Gateway. “When we create opportunities like Career Tracks for Lafayette students to gain exposure in a variety of fields early in their college careers, they stand a better chance of finding fulfillment in their internships, early careers, and, hopefully, long into their professional journeys.”

Students gained important insight into their fields of interest.

“One moment that shifted my career exploration was realizing that I could use my psychology degree as a pathway into consulting, something I hadn’t previously considered,” says Naomi George ’27, a psychology student in both the Arts and Humanities and Finance and Consulting tracks. “That realization opened a door I hadn’t thought was possible and encouraged me to explore consulting more seriously.”

Hearing from alumni showed some students new possibilities for their own futures.

“Seeing so many examples of successful artists in different ways motivated me to believe in myself, my passion in art, and whatever career I pursue,” says Maya Regenstreif ’28, an art student who attended the Arts and Humanities track and the Film, Media, Theater, and Arts Exploration Day.

“I loved the wide variety of experiences,” adds Paul Redfern ’29 of the Engineering and Manufacturing track. “A biology and English major had started as a high school biology teacher, and then she found the bio-pharma field interesting and dove right in. I felt this reflected the Lafayette message and culture so well, and was inspirational.”

Alumni such as Amy Emerick Clerkin ’03, chief of staff for Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, return year after year to host students, fostering what Holly Akers, senior associate director of employer relations at Gateway, calls “a continuous cycle of mentorship and opportunity for new cohorts.” 

DC Center of Government, Policy and Law Career Track | Photo courtesy of Gateway Career Center

“I’ve been especially impressed by how thoughtfully the program is structured,” Clerkin says of the D.C. track. “Students are exposed to a wide range of paths, and this kind of learning experience is critical to helping students navigate the many career potentials and possibilities that D.C. can offer.”

“I like to imagine hosting students creates a really positive ripple effect, inspiring and mobilizing others to continue investing in their communities as well,” adds Erik Mathews ’22, an associate producer at WWE who hosted students in the Film, Media, Theater, and Arts track. “Especially when it comes to the relationship-heavy film industry. If there’s anything I can do to help someone else find and live their dream, it’s a very easy decision for me to make.” 

Alumni hope the connections made during the program will flourish into long-term relationships. 

“Even down the line, in a year or at a second job, I hope people don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the amazing network at Lafayette that I’m proud to still be a part of,” says Larissa Bellamy ’05, a senior scientist at Merck. “I haven’t had a linear career in the sciences, and I’m happy to answer any questions for the next generation of Lafayette students.”