Finding my footing at We Mean Business Day

By Jessicka Alvarado Morales '26

As a college student, stepping into the professional world can feel overwhelming. Questions constantly arise: Who should I reach out to? How do I maintain professional connections? How do I successfully interview for a job? For many students, navigating these uncertainties can make building meaningful relationships and gaining career experience seem intimidating.

That's where We Mean Business Day comes in. By bringing professionals, workshops and hands-on experiences together in one place on March 3, the event created an accessible space for me to connect, ask questions and gain valuable insights about my future career. Instead of trying to figure everything out on my own, I have the opportunity to learn directly from people who have already navigated the path I hope to take.

By the end of the day, I left with not only advice and new perspectives, but also connections and confidence that can help guide me in the professional world.

This event is also an opportunity to explore different career paths and better understand where students might fit within the business world. When I first came to Salve, I was an "undecided" student. I quickly chose business administration as my major, but not long after, I realized accounting was a better fit for me and made the switch. Choosing a major can bring a lot of uncertainty and stress because it feels like such a defining decision in your life. Events such as We Mean Business Day help ease that uncertainty by exposing students to different majors, industries and career paths they may not have previously considered. Hearing professionals talk about their own journeys reminds students that career paths are rarely linear and that there are many ways to reach success.

Another important lesson from the day came through the workshops and speakers who emphasized the importance of always being willing to learn. I realized that one of my strengths is being open to taking advice and learning from those around me. In any career, we will constantly be learning, whether it is a new skill, a new way of approaching a problem or a new tool that makes our work more efficient. Many of the speakers reinforced the idea that staying curious and open to growth is essential for long-term success. Being willing to adapt and learn not only helps us improve professionally but also allows us to grow as individuals.

What stood out to me most about We Mean Business Day was the willingness of professionals to genuinely help students succeed. Every person attending seemed eager to share advice, answer questions and offer guidance. One conversation that particularly stuck with me was with Donald Tropolli, senior managing director at Regional Banking. When I spoke with him, I asked, "In a big company setting, how do I make meaningful connections that will help me grow within the company?" Without hesitation, he handed me his business card and encouraged me to reach out. That same night, I emailed him, and he quickly connected me with someone who works at a "big four" accounting firm.

I was genuinely surprised by his willingness to help someone he had just met. It showed me how invested many professionals are in supporting the next generation and helping students succeed. Moments like that are what make the event so impactful. It reminds students that the professional world is not as distant or intimidating as it may seem. Sometimes all it takes is asking a question, starting a conversation and being open to the opportunities that follow.

One of the biggest takeaways from the day is the reminder that if you put in the work, the right doors will eventually open. As students, it is easy to become frustrated when a certain opportunity doesn't work out. In those moments, it can feel discouraging, but often we don't realize that things happen for a reason. Sometimes a missed opportunity simply means there is a better one waiting ahead. Success cannot be rushed. It comes with time, persistence and trust in the process. If we continue to work hard and remain open to new experiences, the path forward will eventually reveal itself.