Networking, mentorship, and sponsorship are cited by everyone from university career counseling centers to companies like JP Morgan Chase to a wide variety of professional societies as being key ways to optimize chances for career success.

These terms share some key components but have important distinctions and when combined can be a powerful tools to power your career and professional development.

Join us for a conversation with Penn State Graduate School alumni to explore the various facets of networking, mentorship, and sponsorship. Hear how former graduate students have leveraged these tools for success in their career journeys. Learn how you can build your networking skills and find mentors and sponsors to help you realize your career aspirations.

All attendees are invited to a reception following the fireside chat to engage with the speakers, Penn State Graduate School Alumni Society board members, faculty and other guests to continue the conversation and start building your networking skills.

All graduate students and post-docs are invited to participate in this conversation with Penn State alumni to learn how to harness the power of mentoring, sponsorship and professional networking to amplify your career planning.

The fireside chat begins at 4:30 p.m. followed immediately by a networking reception with alumni from industry, government and academia. Complimentary food and refreshments will be served.