Career Panels
Connect with Bears across industries and gain career insight through the UNC Bear Network
Learn, Network and Grow
Explore career connections and gain valuable professional insight through alumni career panels and networking events. These programs bring together UNC graduates from a variety of industries to share experiences, offer advice and support students and fellow alumni as they navigate their career journeys.
Sessions may focus on specific industries, professional interests or career readiness topics such as leadership development, graduate school and emerging career fields. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities, expanding your network or sharing your expertise, these events provide meaningful ways to connect with fellow Bears.
Most career panels are hosted virtually, making it easy to participate from anywhere. Browse upcoming sessions and explore recordings of past events to continue learning from the Bear Network.
Spring 2026 Alumni Career Panels
Careers in Healthcare Services
Tuesday, January 27 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Via Zoom
Healthcare is a rapidly growing field with diverse career options. Meet alumni working in clinical care, health administration, mental health, community wellness and more, as they talk about their roles, challenges in the field, and advice for preparing now.
Alumni in Global Careers
Thursday, February 19 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Via Zoom
Interested in working internationally or with global organizations? Connect with alumni who have lived, studied, or worked abroad and are building careers in global education, diplomacy, development, and beyond. Learn how they’ve navigated global opportunities and cultural differences.
Recent Graduate Insights
Wednesday, March 11 | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Columbine Suite B, University Center
Wondering what life after college really looks like? This panel brings together recent grads to reflect on their transitions into work, grad school, and adulting. Get candid advice and encouragement from those who were in your shoes not too long ago.
This event has passed!
Careers in Publishing, Writing and Editing
Wednesday, April 15 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Via Zoom
For those with a love of words and storytelling, this panel is for you. Meet alumni working in book publishing, journalism, content creation, and editorial roles. Learn how they’ve built careers through writing and editing, and what keeps them inspired.
Fall 2025 Alumni Career Panels
Careers in Community and Social Services
Careers in Admin and Operations Roles
Careers in Law, Policy & Justice
Careers in Creative Professions
Alumni Insights Across Industries and Identities
UNC entrepreneurs walk through how they launched – validating ideas, landing first customers, funding the early days – and the missteps they’d avoid, plus what the day-to-day actually looks like when you’re the whole team.
Alumni in recruiting, HRBP, and comp/benefits explain hiring cycles, handling employee relations, and how certifications and internships help, along with straight talk on HR tech, compliance, and earning manager trust.
Alumni share how they broke into finance and corporate roles, navigated bias, found mentors, and turned early analyst/associate jobs into leadership opportunities, plus which credentials and networks opened doors.
Grads working in campus, city, and corporate sustainability describe real project work (energy audits, waste diversion, policy), how GIS/data skills translate, and realistic entry paths from internships to coordinator roles.
From college athletics to pro teams, alumni talk internships, event ops, and the travel grind—where degrees like sport admin, marketing, or athletic training actually lead – and how to turn game-day roles into full-time jobs.
Curious what it’s really like to work in hospitality? Hear UNC alumni talk about breaking into the field, the must-have skills they use every day, and what makes a career in hotels, tourism, and events both challenging and rewarding.
Alumni in city, state, and federal roles cover hiring timelines, civil-service exams, grant and policy work, and why networking still matters – plus tips for tailoring résumés to government postings and navigating budgets.
Candid stories about belonging at work: how alumni have navigated identity, advocated for themselves and others, chosen employers with real inclusion, and used peers, mentors, and managers to grow.
Contact us
Teresa Castro
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
- alumni@unco.edu
- 970-351-2551
- Carter Hall, Suite 1002A