College Hosts Series of On-Campus Career Talks

In an effort to assist students in their post-graduation plans, Thomas Aquinas College’s Office of Career Advisement recently hosted a series of professional-development events. “We brought in a number of professionals from throughout Southern California to share their wisdom and experience,” says Director of Student Services Mark Kretschmer. “The idea was to give our students not only a sense of the professional opportunities that are available to them, but also the networking and advice — personal, professional, and spiritual — that will help them in their careers.”

The informal gatherings, which took place over the course of several afternoons this fall, featured the following guests:

The Hon. David L. Belz
Superior Court Judge of the Orange County Superior Court

A co-founder of the St. Thomas More Society of Orange County, Judge Belz offered advice and encouragement to students who are interested in pursuing legal careers. “He stressed that our nation needs good lawyers,” recalls Mr. Kretschmer. “Although there may be many lawyers out there, there is always a need for good ones, and for people who have been well formed and liberally educated to practice law.”

Patrick Six (’09)
Account Executive, DDB

A graduate of the College and the Catholic University of America’s Master’s Degree in Business Analysis Program, Mr. Six took questions from students who are considering applying to business school. He also shared his insights and experiences from working at an international advertising firm in New York City.

Justin Schneir
Partner, SGB•NIA Insurance

A member of the Thomas Aquinas College Greater Los Angeles Board of Regents, Mr. Schneir spoke about the necessity of hard work and developing trust — between employers, employees, and clients alike — for achieving success in business. SGB•NIA, whose founder and director, James Scanlon, is a Thomas Aquinas College Regent and the parent of two alumnae, has helped several students launch their careers with summer internships.

Patrick Laurence (’96)
Senior Associate, Murtaugh Meyer Nelson & Treglia LLP
Sean Murray (’97)
Partner, Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Two young graduates who are successful attorneys, husbands, and fathers in Orange County, Messrs. Laurence and Murray offered their insights into navigating a legal career and balancing the obligations of work and family. They also spoke of the importance of choosing one’s career carefully and maintaining high ethical standards.

Drs. Tracy Muscari and Keith Shonnard

Physicians and the parents of two current Thomas Aquinas College students, the Shonnards met with students who are exploring medical careers. The couple discussed the advantages of attending medical school on a military scholarship and the importance of practicing moral medicine.

“We are so grateful to all of our speakers, who took time away from their busy schedules to be with our students, and who have provided a great guide and example,” says Mr. Kretschmer. “In the classroom our students learn the critical-thinking and analytical skills that will serve them well in any profession, and these talks provide the perfect complement: the hands-on knowledge that comes from years of experience.” He is planning more career talks for next semester, as well as a career-strategies workshop that will focus on job discernment, resume- and cover-letter writing, and interview preparation.