First President’s Professional Development Trip a Success

Students participated in the first Westminster College President’s Professional Development Trip on Wednesday, October 26. Approximately 20 students, representing a variety of majors, visited four employers for an inside look into what companies are seeking in new hires and to learn more about the individual organizations.

Companies visited included Mallinckrodt Pharaceuticals, Dowd Bennett Law Firm LLP, Wells Fargo Advisors, and Edward Jones.

Westminster alumni and friends Bill Bennett ’62, Robert Epperson, Brock Ayers ’82, Will Megl ’16, Alicia Gibbs ’11, Marissa Denehy ’08 and Joe Eichacker ’07 contributed greatly towards making the day a success through either speaking to the group or making arrangements. Lunch was held at the St. Louis Club, where students learned the importance of that establishment’s role in the business and social community.

“The professional development trip was a great stepping stone for me because it provided the opportunity to meet recruiters,” says Chansa Kateule ’17. “Their input on what it means to be a part of the business world and what qualities and skills ideal candidates possess was valuable.”

Students at Wells Fargo

Students who participated in the day were Kaely Fitterling ’18, Nick Hardeman ’18, Jacques Erasmus ’18, Mahima Poudel ’17, Jeremy Hill ’17, Kat Cooper ’18, Sam Schumacher ’18, Joseph Opoku ’18, Samuel McHaney ’18, Amelia Knipfel ’18, Ben Davis ’18, Jacob Money ’18, Luciana Fernandez ’19, Sydney Sexton ’18, Sireen Tamrakar ’17, Chansa Kateule ’17, Kyle Kroll ’19, Caleb Herr ’17, Riley Zack ’19. Accompanying the students were President Benjamin Akande, Dr. William Carner, and Meg Langland.

“Such an incredible experience that I got to enjoy with a few of my fellow Westminster brothers and sisters,” says Sam McHaney. “We had the privilege of visiting four highly successful St. Louis based corporations. A significant amount of GRATITUDE is owed to Dr. Benjamin Ola Akande and Mrs. Meg Langland who worked tirelessly to ensure that the day was executed with precision.”

Kyle Kroll (left) with Jacob Money (right)

“Today I had the opportunity to visit four companies in St. Louis through connections that Westminster’s President, Benjamin Ola Akande, has maintained throughout his years as a professional educator,” says Kyle Kroll. “We visited Mallinckrodt, Dowd Bennett, Wells Fargo, Edward Jones, and we were also treated to a great lunch at the exclusive St. Louis Club. All reasons why Westminster College is an excellent place to network and connect with future employers!”