Student Alumni Association hosted their 3rd annual Kat Chats on Thursday, March 24 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center. During the event students were given an opportunity to ask Sam Houston State University alumni questions about entering the workforce after graduation.
The event started with a reception followed by a dinner and a question-and-answer session with the alumni panelists. This event was to give students leadership development, career advice and for them to build a relationship with alumni.
“The purpose is to connect students with alumni,” Student Engagement and Program Coordinator for SHSU Student Alumni Association Teona Hughes stated. “This started out as a sit-down table discussion where students can find a mentor. We wanted to go with a different direction this year and make it more general and do a panel discussion where students can ask any questions.”
The panel consisted of class of 1994 Sam Houston alumni Deirdre Holloway, class of 2002 Brian Starr and class of 1988 Brian Hall. Holloway is currently the Director of Student Affairs in Fort Bend ISD and is receiving her Doctorate at SHSU this May. Starr is a partner at the accounting firm, Whitley Penn LLP and is on the SHSU College of Business Advisory Council. Hall serves as manager and Small Business Liaison Officer for Shell Oil Company.
During the reception, students had the opportunity to get to know their fellow piers and meet the panelist which continued during dinner. After dinner, students were able to ask the alumni about financial advice, resume and interview advice and overall, how the job market works.
“My biggest take away was tips for interviewing,” senior health care administration major Janneaha Woods said. “I’m not a big fan of interviews I stutter a lot especially when I’m talking to a panel so this interview with the Kat Chats was really helpful for me.-”
During the dinner, a few door prizes were given away, such as a speaker, Airpods and a smart TV.
The event concluded and students continued to ask the alumni questions one-on-one and took pictures together. Students were then asked to take an online survey of how the event could improve. Student Alumni Association meets every first Tuesday and every third Wednesday and are planning some upcoming events later in the future.
