Hope for the Future
In January, Sam Kern, C’19, was on campus to talk with students at the annual Beyond the Gates event. A Bonner Leader and a Carey Fellow at Sewanee, Sam donated his travel expenses to Sewanee. His work as a consultant is an example of the kind of public interest technology this issue of Impact has featured. People like Sam give hope for the future.
What you are up to these days?
I live in Washington, D.C. and work as a consultant for Accenture Federal Services. I serve the federal government by transforming government processes through technology implementation.
How did Sewanee prepare you for your life?
Through a Carey Fellowship and the Bonner Leader program, Sewanee developed me professionally, showed me the importance of gaining exposure in a community, and enabled me to develop lasting and meaningful Sewanee friendships. From how I conduct myself at a meeting to my ability to build high-trust working relationships at work, my experiences have shaped me into the person and consultant I am today.
What did you talk about at Beyond the Gates?
I shared some of my experiences interviewing and a couple of tips I have gained either from lessons learned from mentors or my personal interview experience on a panel. In addition, along with the three other young alums, I spoke about my early experiences entering into the (not so scary) ‘real work’. All past Sewanee alums have graduated, have had their first day of work, have figured out housing, and have had to reorient their lives in a working world. I am pumped to see what outcomes and positive impacts the upcoming and future classes of students are about to make on the organizations fortunate enough to land them.
