Extending a hand... Zagenomics

Note: This message was originally sent on October 18, 2019

As many of you know, last week over 1170 students participated in Career Week here on campus, which consisted of the All Majors Career Fair, Engineering & Computer Science Fair, Undergraduate Nursing Fair, Speed Mock Interviews and On-Campus Interviews; 150 employers – from across the US were hosted.

Sara Ganzerli Facebook postOver the four day period, 73 Zag Alumni Employers took the time, and in many cases traveled to Spokane, to recruit students for internships and fulltime opportunities with their organizations. Each Alumni Employer proudly donned a Zag sticker with their class year to indicate their affiliation. An easy conversation starter, the stickers instantly break the ice when a student approaches their booth. Gonzaga students are pursuing career development opportunities earlier and earlier, and for many, these events serve as their first time presenting themselves to employers. Our generous Alumni coach students through the process, sharing the details of their own journey and their industry expertise. We are grateful for these Alumni, as well as our key faculty partners such as Civil Engineering Professor Sara Ganzerli (pictured to the left), who nurture these relationships and encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities.

As an extension to Career Week, this week 142 students will have participated in five Career Trek Excursions, visiting organizations in and around Spokane to get an inside look at operations and learn about opportunities. Each Excursion is hosted and organized by Alumni and Friends of the University. In addition to providing an educational experience for students, Trek Excursions give employers exclusive access to talented Zags. Our Career Treks have expanded across the country and abroad (London!) because of our relationships with Alumni Employers who mentor and open up their doors to our students.  On the immediate horizon, our New York Trek takes place next week – special thanks to Trustee family Kevin and Debbie McQuilkin and Regent Rich Shinder for being inaugural volunteers in getting the NYC Trek established and for the ongoing help as hosts, sponsors and mentors. 

  • Zagenomics....as defined by a former GU Trustee….how we constantly focus on helping those that follow us at GU…extend a hand, network, mentor/hire a Zag, then make sure that Zag knows the expectation to do the same……keep the circle going…..repeat!
  • A huge congratulations to our colleagues in Career and Professional Development, Alumni Relations and faculty and staff partners throughout campus that mobilize for these two very packed weeks and for all of their impressive efforts – year round – to facilitate our students’ career and professional goals.  We are blessed by the partnerships these folks have forged and nurture.