Career Panels

Connect with Bears across industries and gain career insight through the UNC Bear Network

Alumni Careers

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.

Fall 2026 Alumni Career Panels

Women in Business
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Via Zoom

Join us for an engaging conversation with UNC alumnae who are making an impact across a variety of industries and business sectors. Whether they are leading organizations, launching businesses, managing teams, driving innovation, or creating change within their communities, these professionals will share their unique career journeys, lessons learned, and advice for navigating today’s workplace.

Participants will gain insight into different career paths, leadership experiences, workplace challenges, and opportunities for professional growth while learning how UNC prepared these alumni for success.

This panel is ideal for students and recent graduates interested in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Register now.

Graduate School & Further Education
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Columbine B Suites, University Center, UNC

Considering graduate school, professional certifications, or continuing your education but unsure where to begin?

This interactive workshop will help students and recent graduates explore graduate degrees, professional certifications, licensure programs, and other continuing education opportunities while learning how to determine which path best aligns with their personal and professional goals.

Hear firsthand experiences from UNC alumni who have pursued advanced education at different stages of their careers and gain practical guidance on researching programs, navigating the application process, financing your education, and making informed decisions about your future.

Whether you are planning for next year or simply exploring your options, this workshop is designed to help you take the next step with confidence.

Registration link coming soon!

Careers in Nursing
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Via Zoom

Explore the many career opportunities available within the nursing profession through conversations with UNC alumni working across healthcare settings and specialties.

From bedside care to leadership, education, research, and public health, nursing offers countless pathways to make a meaningful impact. Alumni panelists will share their career journeys, discuss the realities of working in healthcare, and provide insights into professional growth, continuing education, and navigating an everchanging healthcare landscape.

Whether you are preparing for nursing school, entering clinical practice, or exploring future specialties, this panel offers valuable advice and networking opportunities.

Register now.

Alumni Working in Education
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Via Zoom

Education careers extend far beyond the traditional classroom. Join UNC alumni who are shaping learning experiences in schools, colleges, nonprofit organizations, and educational leadership roles as they share their professional journeys and insights.

Panelists will discuss classroom teaching, student support, educational leadership, higher education, and other careers dedicated to helping learners succeed. Participants will gain valuable perspective on career preparation, professional growth, and the evolving landscape of education.

Whether you are considering teaching, administration, student affairs, or another education-related career, this panel will provide practical advice and meaningful connections.

Register now.

Alumni Insights Across Industries and Identities

Explore recordings of the most popular alumni career panels from across the years.

Looking for more content? Visit the UNC Alumni YouTube channel to access recordings of alumni career panels, career readiness workshops and professional development resources you can watch anytime, anywhere.

Alumni in Global Careers | Thursday, February 19, 2026

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.

Careers in Admin and Operations Roles | October 15, 2025

Alumni in Human Resources | September 25, 2024

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 of Color in Business and Finance | September 28, 2023

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.

Entrepreneurship | September 27, 2021

Careers in Publishing, Writing and Editing | Wednesday, April 15, 2026

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. 

Careers in Creative Professions | November 21, 2025

Alumni Working in K-12 Education | October 27, 2022

Careers in Healthcare Services | Tuesday, January 27, 2026

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 Working in Sustainability | October 12, 2022

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.

Diverse Identities in the Workplace | November 13, 2024

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.

Careers in Law, Policy & Justice | October 31, 2025

Careers in Community and Social Services | September 30, 2025

Careers in the Public Sector | February 21, 2025

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.

Careers in Hospitality & Tourism | October 25, 2023

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.

Careers in Athletics & Sports Management | October 7, 2020

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.

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