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If you’re a student at Bryn Mawr, what better way is there to learn about a potential career than from successful alumnae/i in those fields? That’s the idea behind “Listen, Learn, Connect” (LLC), a program from Career & Civic Engagement. These sessions, held both online and in-person, are informal discussions that provide students with invaluable advice as they begin to explore career paths and build their networks.

"These sessions are inspirational for both the alumnae/i and students," says Katie Krimmel, dean of the Career & Civic Engagement Center. "Creating connections through storytelling is powerful."

On Nov. 15, Career & Civic Engagement brought five women with an array of experience in government and politics back to campus for an LLC session and one-on-one meetings with students.

Gathered for lunch and a Q&A were: Betsy Hodges ’91, the former mayor of Minneapolis; Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Leimaile Ho ’87; Liana Sterling ’03, a former policy analyst for the NYC Mayor’s Office; former grant program director Donna Vogel ’71; and Ronnie Goldberg ’69 of the United States Council for International Business.

They shared how their liberal arts education set them up for success, how the confidence Bryn Mawr instilled in them gave them an edge, and they offered tips and advice for navigating the world of politics, such as learning how budgets work.

Several panelists recommended working in local politics for those who wanted to make a tangible difference. “You’re really seeing how all the different pieces of government come together in a granular way, and you really have the chance to see impact,” Sterling said.

They also shared how often their paths took unexpected turns and advised the students that they might also have meandering paths, but to pursue what they love to do, and work with great people. 

“What I’ve found is one thing leads to another in ways we can’t predict,” Goldberg said.