Beyond the degree: Developing a lifelong network for your student
The Parents and Family Newsletter recently caught up with Kelsey Pickering, senior associate director of alumni career engagement, who connects students with alums through the Life and Career Design Institute.
What is your background, and what brought you to Wheaton?
My professional background has centered on the non-profit and higher education world, where I’ve always gravitated toward roles that allow me to build strong and authentic relationships. Whether collaborating with colleagues, engaging alumni, or supporting students, I believe that meaningful connections are what truly elevate the college experience.
Wheaton stood out to me because of its close-knit liberal arts community. There’s something special about a place where people genuinely know and support one another. The vision of the new Life and Career Design Institute also inspired me. It felt like the kind of environment where I could thrive, bring my creativity, collaborate with others, and help build something meaningful from the ground up. I love being a piece of the Wheaton puzzle, creating experiences that deepen alumni connections and empower students to grow, discover who they are, and remain connected to Wheaton long after they graduate.
What excites you about the work you do in the LCDI?
What excites me most about the work I do in the LCDI is being part of a truly dynamite team led by one of the strongest and most inspiring leaders on campus. Each person brings unique strengths, perspectives, and ideas to the table, and our team meetings are genuinely energizing. There’s a sense of shared purpose and creativity that makes our work both meaningful and fun.
Over the last year, since the Life and Career Design Institute was introduced, we’ve launched several impactful experiences for students, alumni, and community members, initiatives that are already proving successful and creating real momentum. Being part of this foundational phase is incredibly rewarding; it’s a privilege to help shape something that will influence the Wheaton experience for years to come.
What inspires me most is our commitment to meeting students and alumni exactly where they are. We’re with them at every step, supporting their journeys, celebrating their growth, and helping them navigate future opportunities. I can’t wait to see how the Institute continues to evolve, and I’m truly excited for what 2026 will bring.
Why is it important for students to create strong connections with Wheaton alumni?
Creating strong connections between students and Wheaton alumni is critical because these relationships provide invaluable guidance, mentorship, and real-world insight. Alumni are eager to share their experiences, helping students navigate career decisions, explore professional paths, and understand the skills and qualities needed to thrive beyond college. These connections also give students a sense of belonging to a broader Wheaton community, reinforcing that their journey doesn’t end at graduation but is part of a lifelong network.
At the LCDI, we’re focused on strengthening both alumni-student and alumni-alumni connections to foster engagement, continuity, and a culture of giving back. The alumni I’ve met are outstanding advocates, mentors, and supporters, creating opportunities that help future generations of Wheaton students succeed. These relationships empower students to grow personally and professionally while strengthening the Wheaton community, creating a ripple effect that will be felt for years to come.
How would you recommend students of each class year engage with the LCDI?
Starting with first-year students, they should start by exploring their interests, values, and strengths through their Experiential Learning Plan, which they work on during their first semester in the First-Year Experience class. I’d also encourage them to meet with our talented Career Navigators to start early conversations about their passions, helping them think intentionally about their academic and personal goals.
By Sophomore year, I recommend they deepen that exploration and start to sprinkle in skill-building experiences, perhaps trying one of our Career Close-Up experiences that are offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters. This is also a great time to join student organizations and seek mentorship through alumni connections.
During their Junior year, students should focus on adding to and refining their skills, seeking additional experiential learning opportunities, and utilizing our alumni networks for career and professional guidance. If they haven’t already, they should pursue internships, research opportunities, and other experiential learning to clarify career interests.
When they are in their Senior year, we hope they are engaging with us in the LCDI to solidify their career path, finalize professional goals, and strengthen relationships with mentors and alumni. It’s all about those connections. This is also a great time to reflect on their Wheaton experience, transition confidently into the next stage of life, and stay connected to the Wheaton community.
Throughout all four years, we support students with guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to explore, experiment, and grow, helping them thrive academically, professionally, and personally. You get out what you put in, so don’t be a stranger to our office or staff; we’re here for you every step of the way!
What is the best part of your job?
I love working across both the Life and Career Design Institute and the Alumni Relations office, serving as a bridge between Advancement and the LCDI. One of the highlights of my role is hosting Zoom calls or meeting with alumni in person, and hearing their stories…why they chose Wheaton, what their post-graduation journey has looked like, and the ways they’ve navigated their careers. Every single person I’ve spoken with is genuinely excited that someone at Wheaton is guiding them through the volunteering process. They are eager to contribute in any way, whether it’s an informational interview with a student, hosting a Career Close-Up where they work, offering an internship, serving as a Weiss Women’s Leadership alumni mentor, or speaking in a classroom.
These conversations are energizing and truly bring me joy. They reinforce how meaningful alumni engagement can be, not just for students but for the community as a whole. I’m excited to see what conversations 2026 will bring and how I can help facilitate many more opportunities and connections that make a real impact. I love being a small piece of the puzzle, helping to create experiences that support both our alumni and students and strengthen the Wheaton community.
What piece of advice would you give your college self?
I would tell my college self that it’s okay not to have a plan. There’s a lot of pressure in college to have it all figured out from day one, but the truth is, it’s a little messy, and that’s okay. College is the perfect time to explore your interests, take risks, and discover what truly energizes you. It’s fine if your path changes along the way; sometimes those detours lead to the most meaningful experiences, ones you never imagined. Focus on learning as much as you can, not just in the classroom but through your extracurriculars, athletic teams, internships, and relationships. Build authentic connections with peers, faculty, staff, mentors, and alumni; they’ll guide you, open doors, and offer perspectives you can’t always find on your own. If you have the chance, definitely study abroad. And if you think it might not be possible, have a conversation, or a few, with our Center for Global Education office; they’ll help point you in the right direction.
Most importantly, remember that growth is a process. I’m 41 and still learning every day. You may not know exactly where you’re headed, but the experiences, relationships, and skills you develop along the way will prepare you for success in ways you can’t yet imagine. It’s cliché, but trust the journey, stay curious, and enjoy the ride!