Break Through, Susquehanna’s annual student-alumni networking conference, connect you to alumni who have been exactly where you are and who want to help you as you move toward graduation and beyond. Take a Career Trek to visit alumni working in major cities, or let them come to you during the conference held on campus each year.
Either way, you’ll get tips on everything from how to make the most of your college experience to making friends after graduation and landing your first job. Whether you are in your first or last year at Susquehanna — or somewhere in between — Break Through has something for you.
Take advantage of these FREE networking opportunities, open to all majors in all class years. And who knows? It might lead to an internship or even a job!
To view a full list of this year’s panelists and company affiliations, click here (PDF).
Break Through 2022: February 14 -19, 2022
Careers in Sales
8:45 a.m.
Most students have an image of what a career in sales entails and usually this is based upon stereotypes of the profession, such as a car or door-to-door salesman. These alumni are here to bust this myth and demonstrate the reality of a sales career, which is a fun and exciting option post-graduation.
Careers in Accounting
12:30 p.m.
Which provides a better working environment, a Big 4 accounting firm or a smaller, regional office? Alumni panelists will discuss the benefits of both and answer questions to help you decide.
Careers in Public Policy
12:30 p.m.
Public policy makers change the world through promoting public well-being by considering the key issues of our time and by creating and enacting policy. Learn how these alumni panelists are changing the world through their jobs
Telling Your Brand’s Story Through Public Relations and Advertising
12:30 p.m.
Gain a behind-the-scenes look at the communications industry from professionals working in the field. From marketable skills like copywriting and creativity to standing out in a crowded field, communications specialists offer their advice on how to succeed in a competitive job market.
Careers in Politics
7 p.m.
Regardless of political affiliation, there is a wide assortment of important and rewarding positions available in the government. Learn from alumni who work in politics in various levels about how to find and excel in government jobs.
SU FACT Networking for Female Student-Athletes
8 p.m.
Alumnae-athletes will discuss their Susquehanna experiences, offer a historical perspective of women’s sports at the university, and discuss how they’ve leveraged team skills in the workplace.
Careers in Biology Related Majors
Anytime
Enjoy a series of recorded interviews between biology faculty and alumni on Kaltura.
Working with Luxury Brands
8:15 a.m.
From high fashion to luxury hotels, learn from panelists about their paths to careers in this increasingly competitive field. Also, obtain recommendations for how to market yourself as a strong candidate in a field that ranges from industries in sumptuous edibles to extravagant cars, clothing, and jewelry.
Ethics in Human Rights
10 a.m.
Learn more about possible career pathways that have the opportunity to impact human rights issues. Determine how political, domestic, and international policy intersect with this work and ask your questions.
Careers in Music
3 p.m.
If you have a love of music you may be curious about all the ways in which you can leverage your degree in the workplace. Come learn more about what it’s like working in the field of music and adjacent industries and ways to prepare for and begin such a career.
Fellowships and Post-Graduate Opportunities
6:30 p.m.
Fellowships and scholarships provide outstanding opportunities to expand your horizons, broaden your knowledge and serve as a stepping stone to a successful career or an advanced degree. These alumni are here to help you navigate this process.
Greek Life Networking
7:15 p.m.
Greek alumni will discuss their fraternity, sorority and service organization experience, marketing your Greek experience, as well as life after college and how to stay involved in your chapter.
Careers in Biology Related Majors
Anytime
Enjoy a series of recorded interviews between biology faculty and alumni on Kaltura.
Careers in Management
11:15 a.m.
With a management degree, the possibilities are endless. Learn from alumni who leveraged this major to find the intersection of their passions and their place in the business world.
Beyond These Borders: Working Internationally
11:30 a.m.
Learn how these alumni have successfully navigated searching for international opportunities, how application process differs, and how you can be a competitive candidate for global roles, both with domestically based and international companies.
Careers in Marketing
1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Marketing is not a one-size-fits-all career path, as there are many different aspects to marketing from building strategy, leveraging social media, and evaluating metrics. This panel will introduce you to career opportunities in marketing and provide information that can aid you in your job search .
Rocking Your Humanities Degree
7 p.m.
The humanities - including history, international studies, languages, philosophy, and religion - tell us where we have been and help us envision where we are going. Alumni panelists from diverse career fields will show that you can go anywhere by marketing the skills gained in the humanities, including critical thinking, writing, research and cultural competency.
Women in STEM Careers: Managing Work and Family Life
8 p.m.
Meet alumnae who role-model positive work-life balance in their respective STEM careers and get advice about how you can successfully do the same.
Careers in Biology Related Majors
Anytime
Enjoy a series of recorded interviews between biology faculty and alumni on Kaltura.
Careers for Earth and Environmental Science Majors
10 a.m.
Earth and environmental majors at SU prepare graduates for futures leveraging their scientific and environmental knowledge and soft skills to land jobs and graduate programs in a variety of fields. Learn about the possibilities in this panel.
Careers in Finance
10 a.m.
From Wall Street to hedge funds to nonprofits, this panel will help you get a better idea of the many practical jobs that align with a degree in finance. Also, our alumni will help you understand the qualifications you’ll need to land one of these competitive roles.
Podcast to Print: Careers in Digital Content Creation
12:35 p.m.
Digital content creation has become one of the most important aspects of marketing and communications. Hear from a panel of content creators who specialize in everything from podcasting and blogging to videography and digital storytelling.
Getting It “Write”: Creative Writing, English, Publishing and Editing
4:15 p.m.
Hiring managers report that strong writing and critical thinking skills are a top priority in recruitment of candidates. Our alumni panel will review their academic backgrounds and how their degrees led to their careers. They’ll also offer tips on marketing your degree successfully.
Careers in Biology Related Majors
Anytime
Enjoy a series of recorded interviews between biology faculty and alumni on Kaltura.
Students can register to attend and access Zoom links via Handshake’s event page here. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
Creating Insights from Data—A Cross Industry Perspective
10 a.m.
Numbers don’t lie. That’s why so many businesses and industries rely on data and analytics to make decisions, set goals, and evaluate their success. Hear from a panel of alumni about how research, data science, reporting, coding, search engine optimization, and more play important roles in their professional lives.
Career Expo and Free LinkedIn Headshot Photoshoot
1 - 4 p.m. | Degenstein Campus Center, 2nd floor
The Career Expo is an excellent opportunity for all students to find a job, internship, or explore graduate schools. Sign on to your Handshake account or mobile app to see a list of employers who will be attending. Alumni from various careers will also be present to talk with students about opportunities in their fields. Photoshoot sponsored by PSECU
That Was Your Major? How I Found a Different Path
7 p.m. | Shearer Weber Dining Rooms, Degenstein Campus Center
Hear alumni talk about their nontraditional career paths, how they use their liberal arts education in their daily jobs, and why they decided to pursue alternative career choices.
Careers in Biology Related Majors
Anytime
Enjoy a series of recorded interviews between biology faculty and alumni on Kaltura.
Check-in and Registration
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Check-in and registration is available in Mellon Lounge, Degenstein Campus Center
Panel Sessions #1
11 a.m.
Money Management 101: Saving, Spending and Budgeting for Your Future
Benjamin Apple Meeting Rooms, Degenstein Campus Center
Rent, student loans, utilities and grocery bills add up quickly. Learn how to spend wisely and save money for your future. This session will also touch on budgeting for retirement, beginning with your starting salary.
Fail Forward: When Plan “A” Doesn’t Work Out
Shearer Weber Dining Rooms, Degenstein Campus Center
Everyone fails. It’s what makes us human and allows us to learn from our mistakes. Listen as our alumni panelists talk about the times they’ve stumbled, and how their best laid plans led them down unintended paths that were even better for them in the end.
Maximize Your Summer: Intern, Job Shadow and Volunteer
Apfelbaum 319
Learn how to maximize your summer break with an internship, job shadowing, or volunteer experience that adds value to your résumé and gives you relevant experience in your field. Get tips on how to search for and identify opportunities, as well as apply.
Careers for Psychology Majors
Fisher 223
Understanding human behavior is the cornerstone to many career paths. Psychology is a degree field that offers many potential pathways that expand on this knowledge. Hear from alumni who have leveraged their psychology degree to meet the changing needs of people, organizations, and communities.
Students and Alumni of Color Networking Lunch
12 p.m. | Evert Dining Room
When you think about your future career, what scares you most? Are you okay with failure? Join the Alumni of Color Advisory Council as its members discuss how to face your fears along the journey to success.
Informational Interviews
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Evert Dining Room | Sign Up Required Via Handshake
Visit with alumni 1:1 to receive advice on crafting your resume, their industry, job, career path in a supportive environment.
Panel Sessions #2
2:45 p.m.
Navigating Life After Graduation
Shearer Weber Dining Rooms, Degenstein Campus Center
After the anxiety of finding an internship or job subsides, many people question how to transition from college to working in the professional world while maintaining a balanced personal life. Panelists will discuss finding housing and roommates, adjusting to a new social schedule, and fitting in with company culture. Bring all your “adulting” questions!
Small Talk 101: How to Talk to Someone You Don’t Know
Benjamin Apple Meeting Rooms, Degenstein Campus Center
From a strong handshake, to an elevator pitch, to a connection, the right networking skills can lead you to an internship or job offer! This panel will help you navigate the art of networking and show how connections help you identify and apply for opportunities.
The Possibilities of a Business Degree
Apfelbaum 319
A business degree provides you with skills that are valuable in various types of workplaces, presenting many possible career paths. Topics covered will include the nature of the work in various industries, training and other qualifications needed to succeed, and entry-level salary expectations.
Careers in Sustainability
Fisher 223
Panel Sessions #3
4:30 p.m.
Using LinkedIn and Social Media to Network and Job-Search
Fisher 223
LinkedIn and other social media platforms are becoming hubs for professional networking and the place to be to get the attention of hiring managers. This panel will examine the beneficial uses of these tools, show you how to effectively brand yourself through your online profile, and search for a job.
Graduate and Professional School
Shearer Weber Dining Rooms, Degenstein Campus Center
Roughly 16-20% of our graduates go to graduate or professional school immediately upon graduation and many others choose to take a gap year or wait several years before returning to school. This session will give you a sense of how to make the most of preparing for graduate or professional school during your time at SU and beyond.
Start-Ups: The Culture of Entrepreneurship
Benjamin Apple Meeting Rooms, Degenstein Campus Center
Starting a business from scratch takes more than an idea and a successful plan of implementation. Hear from a panel of alumni who have started their own ventures, or helped grow start-ups from the beginning, talk about everything involved in building a new business.
Careers in Biology Related Majors
Anytime
Enjoy a series of recorded interviews between biology faculty and alumni on Kaltura.
