QUEST Corporate hosted the 10th Annual Networking Event on September 30th, just in time for peak recruiting season when students are the most eager to make impactful professional connections. 

Students making connections at QUEST’s 10th Annual Networking Event

This year was a roaring success, with over 140 students and 34 companies attending. The cherry on top of this fantastic turnout was that over 70 of the company representatives were QUEST alumni! With more personalized access to companies ranging from top consulting firms to leaders in tech, this networking event allows students to have one-on-one conversations with working professionals in their industry of interest. 

QUEST Corporate Co-Lead Pranav Dulepet (Cohort 39) spoke highly of the event. Dulepet explained just how influential this event can be. “This networking event is super special because it offers a range of companies who come here just for QUEST students. And, with only 45 students per cohort, around 90 in a year, the event is almost like individual access to recruiters and representatives from these companies.”

Strouse (middle) connects with students at the event

QUEST alumni value their continued contributions to the program and are always eager to continue to positively engage. Missy Grace (Cohort 1) is the Co-Founder and COO of Alpine Rewards, a Life Sciences and Technology compensation consulting firm. Last semester, Grace brought Alpine Rewards to QUEST through their first client project in our capstone course, BMGT 490H. Grace then returned as a recruiter! At the Networking Event, she shared, “QUEST changed my life for the better, and I’m honored to give back. It makes me really excited to do everything we possibly can… this career fair is our first one, and it has so many amazing people. It just feels great!”

As part of the Alpine Rewards team, Allie Strouse (Cohort 33) returned to campus with high spirits and open arms. Grace was Strouse’s mentor through QUEST, and after nurturing a strong connection, Strouse ended up joining Alpine Rewards as an associate. Strouse described her experience at the networking event, saying, “It is very fun being on this side of the table! I have the utmost respect for the QUEST program, and I have so much faith in coming out of this program… I think a lot of the skills I have are from QUEST, like my attention to detail and desire for a good quality end product. And, I feel like I can really connect to students that way by showing them they can really make an impact here [at Alpine Rewards]” 

Ahn (third from left) at the Networking Event

Some of the company representatives were recent graduates who had a great time speaking about their newly joined companies while also reconnecting with some old friends. Will Ahn (Cohort 37) graduated this past May and made his swift return to QUEST as part of the Accenture Federal Services recruiting team. 

Ahn explained his experience as a returning recent graduate. “It’s completely different being on the other side as someone trying to help younger QUESTees trying to figure out their career path and passions. As a Junior, I went to an Accenture Federal Networking Event where I got to meet [QUEST alumna] Olivia Behr. She helped me figure out and navigate how I want to be at Accenture. And, now, I get to do that for other QUESTees. It is amazing!”

At the closing of the 10th Annual QUEST Networking Event, students left with valuable connections, alumni were able to rekindle ties, and companies engaged with the future generation of talent. The event showcased the strength of the QUEST community and its lasting influence on careers and connections. And, with the support and participation of the wonderful company connections, this annual event continues to foster new opportunities and reinforce the lasting bonds that make the QUEST community so special.