Maggie Jackson ’25 wants to be an architect. During the Career Center’s trek to Charleston, South Carolina, she learned more about careers in real estate and development, met with alumni in the field and spent an hour with Wofford trustees James Meadors ’81 and Dr. Blanding Jones ’92 at Meadors Construction.
“I appreciate opportunities like this,” says Jackson, an art history and physics double major from Tallulah Falls, Georgia. “My professors, the staff in the Career Center and Wofford alumni have all been really supportive of my career aspirations and have worked to give me opportunities to learn more and develop a network in the field.”
Other students — with majors ranging from biology to accounting and finance to philosophy — had their reasons for signing up for the Career Center’s first overnight trek.
“I want to find a job in Charleston after I graduate.”
“I’ve never been to Charleston and thought this would be a cool way to see the city.”
“I want to work in sales and marketing, and I was intrigued by the opportunity.”
“Finding a job in Charleston could help me stay in the states after graduation.”
“I always thought I wanted to work in healthcare, but now I’m reconsidering, and I’m open to different options.”
The trip started with a reception, dinner and tour of Commonhouse Aleworks in North Charleston. Owned and operated by Pierce Fleming ’96, who worked in healthcare administration before opening Commonhouse, the experience brought current students together with young alumni.
“Beer is what we make, but we do what we do to build community,” says Fleming, who, in alignment with his philosophy, contributed to the greater Wofford community by working with Curt McPhail ’96, executive director of the Career Center in the Mungo Exchange, to bring the students and young alumni together.
“At Wofford I developed the ethos of community,” says Fleming. “I learned how to learn and to love learning at Wofford. Hosting events like this gives me an opportunity to support Wofford as the college shares that with another generation.”
Students also visited Greystar, where they talked with Sam Moore ’04, Taylor Cullen ’17, Billy McGill ’07 and Matt Warren ’02, and The Beach Co., where Ashley Cantey ’17 gave them a tour and opportunity to meet and learn more about the work of Reid Scharling ’20 and others. They were joined by more young alumni at lunch before learning about a new internship program through the Post & Courier.
“The students returned to the college with leads on internships and career opportunities,” says McPhail. “They made connections with young professionals who make up Wofford’s nationally recognized career network. I’d definitely call our first overnight trek a success.”