University of Richmond Athletics
Men's and Women's Golf Experience Washington D.C. Through the Eyes of Successful Alumni
01/24/2018 | Men's Golf, Women's Golf, Academic Services
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – In November, members of the University of Richmond men's and women's golf teams had the opportunity to take a professional development trip to Washington, D.C. and had the opportunity to meet and interact with alumni that have achieved high-ranking positions at various establishments in the city.
"The employer trip highlights the unique opportunities the University of Richmond offers its student-athletes," women's golf coach Ali Wright said. "We visited the FBI Headquarters, the Washington Post, the White House, and met with alumni who work at E.Y., Deloitte, and Canaccord Genuity. Offering a trip during our off-season is important for our student-athletes and I'm thrilled we are able to do this as a team."
At FBI headquarters the Spiders had the chance to tour the facility then pick the brain of Deputy Assistant Director Matt Desarno, '94 who works in counterterrorism and has spent time as a Section Chief, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Supervisory Special Agent, and an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army. He was able to give the students some insight into his world and the steps he took to achieve his level of success.
While visiting the Washington Post the Spiders connected with Jacquelyn Cameron, '02 who is the V.P. for Client Solutions. She explained the inner workings of one of the world's largest and fastest growing publications and role in that growth. It was an opportunity for the student-athletes to ask questions about the many ways that the Post is innovating the way people consume news daily through the many different forms of media available to us.
Between those two visits the Spiders had a chance to sit down for lunch with men's golf alumni, Jason Park and Austin Romeo. In a relaxed setting those two were able to talk about their many experiences at UR that led to their success in the job market. Both work in Washington, D.C. and earned those opportunities shortly after graduation.
"We had a great day in Washington D.C.," men's golf coach Adam Decker added. "Our student-athletes were exposed to the possibilities of working in different industries and exploring their own professional interests. The trip provided a lot of insight to those who are considering internship and job opportunities, and this aligns with how well the University of Richmond prepares its students for life as professionals."
"This trip was excellent because it introduced us to potential employers and job opportunities," junior women's golfer Annie Collom said. "While also reminding us to fully take advantage of the connections that Richmond creates between students and alumni."Â
Senior Marie Donnici had a chance to visit Fishbowl, Inc. while the rest of the group was touring the FBI. "My shadowing experience with Fishbowl Inc. helped me narrow my focus within the world of marketing. I gained invaluable, first-hand insights from both Alyson McGonigle, '15 and her supervisors. Having the opportunity to speak with Jacquelyn Cameron helped me build an in-depth understanding of marketing operations at a world-class business. Drawing upon this information will help me in both the classroom and in future career development opportunities. This experience has helped me build a strong network within the industry I am pursuing, and has provided context for the concepts I continue to study in class."
The trip would not have been possible without the support of the office of career services and Frank Allen. The Office of Alumni and Career Services creates a Spider Network by cultivating a distinct community of students, alumni, and employers, to make meaningful connections with one another. By combining our alumni and career services, our unique office is better able to foster those relationships, provide comprehensive career development, and deepen Spider pride.
The University of Richmond offers many opportunities to its students, and employer trips such as this one are examples of the support network that is available to student-athletes.
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"The employer trip highlights the unique opportunities the University of Richmond offers its student-athletes," women's golf coach Ali Wright said. "We visited the FBI Headquarters, the Washington Post, the White House, and met with alumni who work at E.Y., Deloitte, and Canaccord Genuity. Offering a trip during our off-season is important for our student-athletes and I'm thrilled we are able to do this as a team."
At FBI headquarters the Spiders had the chance to tour the facility then pick the brain of Deputy Assistant Director Matt Desarno, '94 who works in counterterrorism and has spent time as a Section Chief, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Supervisory Special Agent, and an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army. He was able to give the students some insight into his world and the steps he took to achieve his level of success.
While visiting the Washington Post the Spiders connected with Jacquelyn Cameron, '02 who is the V.P. for Client Solutions. She explained the inner workings of one of the world's largest and fastest growing publications and role in that growth. It was an opportunity for the student-athletes to ask questions about the many ways that the Post is innovating the way people consume news daily through the many different forms of media available to us.
Between those two visits the Spiders had a chance to sit down for lunch with men's golf alumni, Jason Park and Austin Romeo. In a relaxed setting those two were able to talk about their many experiences at UR that led to their success in the job market. Both work in Washington, D.C. and earned those opportunities shortly after graduation.
"We had a great day in Washington D.C.," men's golf coach Adam Decker added. "Our student-athletes were exposed to the possibilities of working in different industries and exploring their own professional interests. The trip provided a lot of insight to those who are considering internship and job opportunities, and this aligns with how well the University of Richmond prepares its students for life as professionals."
"This trip was excellent because it introduced us to potential employers and job opportunities," junior women's golfer Annie Collom said. "While also reminding us to fully take advantage of the connections that Richmond creates between students and alumni."Â
Senior Marie Donnici had a chance to visit Fishbowl, Inc. while the rest of the group was touring the FBI. "My shadowing experience with Fishbowl Inc. helped me narrow my focus within the world of marketing. I gained invaluable, first-hand insights from both Alyson McGonigle, '15 and her supervisors. Having the opportunity to speak with Jacquelyn Cameron helped me build an in-depth understanding of marketing operations at a world-class business. Drawing upon this information will help me in both the classroom and in future career development opportunities. This experience has helped me build a strong network within the industry I am pursuing, and has provided context for the concepts I continue to study in class."
The trip would not have been possible without the support of the office of career services and Frank Allen. The Office of Alumni and Career Services creates a Spider Network by cultivating a distinct community of students, alumni, and employers, to make meaningful connections with one another. By combining our alumni and career services, our unique office is better able to foster those relationships, provide comprehensive career development, and deepen Spider pride.
The University of Richmond offers many opportunities to its students, and employer trips such as this one are examples of the support network that is available to student-athletes.
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Players Mentioned
Men's Basketball Press Conference - November 10th
Monday, November 10
Men's Basketball Highlights vs. ECU
Sunday, November 09
Men's Basketball Postgame - ECU
Sunday, November 09
Football Postgame vs Georgetown
Sunday, November 09