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Meet Alum Sean Callahan ’89, Mission Director for USAID/Afghanistan

Name: Sean E Callahan 

Class Year: 1989

Title: Mission Director for USAID/Afghanistan 

Organization Name: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I am responsible for creating, implementing and leading US foreign assistance programs based on sound development principles for the Afghan people including promoting human rights, democracy, and human rights; supporting Afghan women and girls; and mitigating the effects of the humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

My Holy Cross semester in Washington DC exposed me to so many different international organizations, think tanks, issues and views that were part of the policy and legislative making process related to international affairs that I was unaware of until then. That semester made me more interested in international issues. My job after Holy Cross was as a legal assistant at a Wall Street law firm. While I thought about law school then and the lawyers there impressed me, I wasn’t interested in a corporate law job nor going to law school just yet. It took 6 years and deferring admission three times before I went to grad school for a joint JD/MPA. Instead, I moved to Southeast Asia first as a Princeton-In-Asia fellow and then with the International Catholic Migration Commission working on refugee matters. 

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

 I was on the varsity swim team and started the water polo club. I hope it is still going. I was also part of the Film club where we picked and showed independent and foreign “films” in Hogan and then more Hollywood style movies in lower Kimball on the weekends. 

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

My major was political science. Courses in political theory, comparative systems, political economy, history and even the classics made me interested in how the US and other countries analyze and address serious issues such as refugees, sovereign debt, humanitarian crises and the other development challenges. This led to looking for work and experiences overseas. 

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?  

First and foremost, the strong belief – that the Cross instilled in me – of service for others. Even after 20+ years in development work and despite the bureaucracy of the US government, I still strongly believe in the USAID’s mission to help others which I credit to Holy Cross. The most used skill that HC taught me was inquisitiveness. To understand people and problems in order to get to a solution – whether how to unlock financial liquidity in the Afghanistan or create space for civil society in Afghanistan – one needs to understand the underlying reasons and problems. However, the only way to get there is to ask questions and lots of them.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today? 

Get out of your comfort zone. Travel. Meet new people. Be patient. No one lands their dream job right out of school or even after several different jobs. I would also advise against faking it. Trust your heart and look at what motivates you whether it’s public service; the private sector; a religious calling; academia or the fine arts. It all falls in place eventually if you stay true to yourself. 
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Meet Alumna Cynthia White ’95, President at Ceatro Group

Name: Cynthia White

Class Year: 1995

Title: President

Organization Name: Ceatro Group

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

Founding, managing, and growing a consulting and research firm that helps organizations design better experiences and deliver more and different value to the humans that matter to them – customers, employees, suppliers, etc.
 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

Immediately after Holy Cross, I was a Fulbright Scholar in Ghana, West Africa – which was amazing. When I hit the job market a year later, it was a recruiting firm who introduced me to the idea of going into business at an intellectual technology company that was looking for unique candidates.

Add in a very helpful Holy Cross alum in that company’s HR department, and I felt right at home. The culture and purpose at that company helped me see that I could find a fit for many of my interests and talents in the business world. I hadn’t thought of business as an avenue I would consider until then.

 

3. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

Studio Art and Sociology/Anthropology with a focus on African Studies. My work at Holy Cross – academically, socially, and in partnership with professors – helped me created a solid platform from which I can choose my own adventure. The  combination of my undergrade studies and experiences, a master’s in foreign policy and conflict resolution, the job, career, and life choices I’ve made, and opportunities earned and given have created a very exciting path. So far. I’m not done and I’m excited to see what comes next.

 

4. What were you involved with on campus?

Going to class. Studying. Creating art in the art studio. Work study in Kimball and the photo studio. Time with friends. Getting to know professors. Sleeping. Exercising. Eating. Studying abroad. The unground pro-choice group. Student government. Curating art shows. Advocacy groups. Big Brothers/Big Sisters. 

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Curiosity and an interest in working with people.

Holy Cross allowed me to ask all and any question in as many topics as I could handle, and learn how to find answers or pathways to answers. This is the foundation of my career pursuits. Next, my job is about people –  interacting, listening, hearing, communicating, influencing, coaching, partnering, teaching, understanding, researching, analyzing. All the opportunities I had at Holy Cross – in the classroom, in my work study jobs, running clubs, speaking in public, negotiating with roommates, dealing with challenges with friends, navigating course scheduling, studying abroad, etc. helped build these interests and abilities

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Focus on building you, not your resume

Be open to what may come, now and in the future

Be honest with yourself about what you need and want, and also about what you don’t yet know that you need or want.
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Meet Alumna Meghan Shaffer ’20, Associate for Executive Storytelling

 

Name: Meghan Shaffer

Class Year: 2020

Title: Associate for Executive Storytelling

Organization Name: Manhattan Strategies

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

Manhattan Strategies is a leading independent consulting firm for the world’s leading and emerging brands and voices, and I lead out social media and communications consultation and strategy for a group of executives at a Fortune 100 tech company that specializes in the future of work and sustainability innovation.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

My first job after Holy Cross was doing marketing content and strategy at an interior design firm in New York City. The job involved a lot of content creation and networking, something the Holy Cross Career Center prepared me well for. Although that job wasn’t the best fit for me, it gave me valuable experience that was an important part of my path to my current job. The agency side that I work on now is very collaborative, which reminds me a lot of my experience at Holy Cross. I work with a small, incredibly talented team who are constantly challenging and supporting me, championing the unique skills I bring to the table and inspiring me to improve wherever I can. It reminds me a lot of the small class experience at Holy Cross, where we were always encouraged to consider the different perspectives of everyone in the room and come together to find solutions.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was a stage manager for the theatre department and ACT, and worked backstage or in the booth for a lot of the shows during my time on campus. I was also a Features editor for The Spire, worked as a study abroad ambassador after studying abroad in Galway, Ireland my junior year, and performed in the Vagina Monologues my senior year.

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a double major in English and history. Most of my day is spent writing in various formats, everything from social media posts to longer thought leadership articles to strategy decks, so I feel like I truly use my English major everyday. I always wanted to pursue a career where I would be able to write and be creative, and I’m grateful to have found a job in an industry that I was less familiar with (tech) where I felt I could bring a lot of value as a strong writer. I picked up a history major in college because I was passionate about it, but I learned incredibly strong research skills that I use often as I learn about new innovations in my industry and look for creative storytelling opportunities.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

First and foremost, I received a stellar education in English and language that I use everyday as a writer. But besides that, I always saw Holy Cross as a place that gives you back as much as you take, which challenged me to take initiative and seek out the things I was interested in and wanted. I try to keep that mindset at work and be proactive in my problem solving and take initiative to grow as a professional. Every professor at Holy Cross encouraged thoughtful questioning, which is a great tool for anyone just starting out in their career. I don’t stress over not knowing the answer 100% of the time, because I know that I have the tools to find the answer.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Get involved with what you’re passionate about, and if you can’t find it on campus, find it somewhere else. Holy Cross has so many great opportunities and connections, both on campus and off. Take advantage of them while you can!
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Meet Alumna Paige Cohen ’21, Junior Consultant – Human Services

Name: Paige Cohen

Class Year: 2021

Title: Junior Consultant – Human Services

Organization Name: Public Consulting Group

 

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?
 
In my role, I support projects with state human services agencies, helping agencies design and evaluate programs (examples might be TANF, SNAP, or workforce development programs), increase revenue/cut costs, and ensure regulatory compliance.

 

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  
 
I first learned about Public Consulting Group (PCG) through a simple LinkedIn job search in the fall of my junior year at Holy Cross, when I saw their posting for a summer internship. After going to the PCG website, I became really intrigued by the concept of public sector consulting and how private businesses can help support state and local governments. I applied, and through more LinkedIn networking, realized that Stephen Skinner, their Director of Marketing, is an HC alum. I connected with Stephen, and he supported me through the interview process and helped me secure my internship with the PCG Marketing team in summer 2020.

 

I really enjoyed my internship, but I was hoping to transition to the consulting side of the business, as I wanted to dig more into policy work. The more limited job market of early 2021 and my lack of quantitative skills made it challenging to land that consulting job right out of Holy Cross. I ended up taking another job doing internal strategy and operations at L.E.K. Consulting for a year after graduation. While at L.E.K., I focused on learning as much as I could about the consulting industry and building up my quantitative/analytical skills. I always kept an eye out for PCG job postings, and in April, I saw an opening for a Junior Consultant role. I emailed Stephen right away to let him know I was applying, and I was delighted to accept a job offer in May. I’ve been in my role for about 6 weeks now and am having a great experience so far.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?
 
While I was on campus, I was a member of the Varsity Rowing team. I was also a Community-Based Learning Intern, an SGA Cabinet member, and Political Science Student Advisory Committee member.

 

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
 
I was an English and Political Science double major. I’ve always loved Literature, and the English major gave me a foundational skillset in good writing, reading, and communication. Political Science offered me an application for that skillset, as I thought through and wrote about issues of public policy. My interest in this intersection of policy and communications led me first to an internship at the State Department in the summer of 2019 and then to PCG as both an intern and now a full-time employee.

 

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
 
Critical thinking and policy analysis are two skills that I developed at Holy Cross that I use often in my work at PCG. Throughout classes at Holy Cross, we were called to “ask more”— to not just memorize information but to think critically about what we were learning. I have to do this sort of critical thinking often at work, as we think about how to make state programs operate more efficiently. I also took several public policy classes at Holy Cross, where I studied and debated many of the government policies that I work with now at PCG.

 

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Be patient! Even if your first job or your first internship isn’t what you wanted, there are many paths to take in your career and your first job is just a first step. Try to make the most of any opportunity you are given at work to build up your skills, so that you are prepared for your next move.
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Meet Alum Eric Butler ’06, Director of Development at 2U / edX

Name: Eric Butler

Class Year: 2006

Title: Director of Development

Organization Name: 2U / edX

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I work with directly with partners interested in fueling innovation and increasing accessibility on a global scale as it relates to the future of education and workforce development.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you? 

Over the years, I have worked in education (secondary education and higher education), but also received my MBA in graduate school. In many ways, my work at 2U/edX, as a global education technology company, combines my passion for education with my interest in business and corporate strategy and engagement. My first job out of college was actually in the Holy Cross Development Office as a Research Analyst where I worked for Holy Cross alumna, Roseann Fitzerald ’78. In this role I was able to work with the Holy Cross Fund staff, major gift officers, planned giving and parent giving team members and the President’s Office. It was a great crash course in advancement work in higher education.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was an Admissions Tour Guide, active with Fenwick Theatre and Alternate College Theatre (ACT), and I was a member of the Honors Program and Alpha Sigma Nu. I also was involved with some of Campus Ministry’s retreats and service programs.

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a double major in Psychology and Theater. I think the liberal arts in general help make you a more thoughtful, well-rounded, empathetic leader and manager. Also, I expanded my love and knowledge of theater at Holy Cross. To this day, I have stayed involved with the arts by directing local theater, investing and producing commercial Broadway and international shows (An American in Paris, Kinky Boots, On Your Feet, Moulin Rouge), and founding Broadway in Worcester, an initiative that brings A-List Broadway talent to Central MA to perform and work with local students and arts educators.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Critical thinking. It was a skill that was required through out the curriculum and a skill that is used every day across every professional scenario.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Take advantage of the opportunities you have through Holy Cross and the career network. Use this time to explore interests on campus and through internships.
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Meet Alumna Allie Silge ’20, Wealth Strategy Associate

Allie Silge

Class Year: 2020

Title: Wealth Strategy Associate

Organization Name:  UBS Private Wealth Management

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I work on a team that serves Ultra High Net Worth Clients by managing their investments and providing them with holistic wealth management advice and services.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

I participated in the Global Wealth Management Internship at UBS the summer before my senior year.  This program was great for getting my foot in the door and leveraging the Holy Cross network at the firm, which ultimately led for me to receive a full time offer at the bank.  Over the course of the summer I was able to learn more about Wealth Management and realized it was the perfect fit for me.  This industry specifically requires a unique skillset that is a cross between technical/analytical skills and social/people skills.  I loved how these two skillsets could be blended into a job that felt right for me. 

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

On campus I was involved in: Finance Club, SPUD, Eucharistic Ministry, and Club Tennis.

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was an Economics Major and Art History Minor.  My economics major largely affected my career decision as I was interested in the broader macro environment and how it affected financial markets.  I was further interested in how this affected someone’s personal financial investments and what types of investments do well in different macro situations.  Overall, I found the interconnectedness of the markets & the economy to be fascinating.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

One of the most important things I learned at Holy Cross was how to write.  I learned this mainly through my history classes, and is truly an invaluable skill that differentiates me from my colleagues.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

  • First, I would say to cherish your time on the Hill – it goes by faster than you think!
  • Second, I would say to keep an open mind when exploring your career options – it is always better to cast a wide net and be open to many different opportunities than to focus on one particular thing.  If anything, I’ve learned that your interests and strengths change as you develop and grow, so remaining open and malleable to this change is so important.
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Meet Alumna Sarah Street ’22, Communications Assistant, Federal Media

Name: Sarah Street

Class Year: 2022

Title: Communications Assistant, Federal Media

Organization Name: Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

Still getting my bearings, but my job essentially entails fielding press requests, sending press releases, and providing support to multiple people on NRDC’s vast Media team. I act as a liaison between our experts at NRDC and reporters and help make sure all the work we’re doing is publicized and framed effectively for the public.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

Originally, my plan was to join the Peace Corps post-grad and do some environmental service abroad in the Philippines. However, with everything going on with COVID, the organization had basically shut down sending volunteers abroad and after not hearing anything for months after applying, I decided to start applying for jobs. I’ve known that I wanted to work for an environmental NGO if I had my choice but I applied for probably 60+ jobs in the environmental field in general. I was thrilled when I heard back from NRDC, both because the position in Federal Media was right up my alley as well as knowing the incredible work that NRDC does, especially in law and policy which is potentially where I see myself ending up! After interviewing, I was really excited about the opportunity, but I didn’t hear back from my first interview for weeks. Just about when I’d given up that I’d be going through to the next round, was scheduled for a panel interview… and got offered the job the next day! I knew from the panel that NRDC was the place for me based on the way they explained the collaborative and fast-paced culture, opportunities for professional development and advancement, their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and just the warm and welcoming attitude they all greeted me with.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

On campus, I was a member of the varsity women’s ice hockey team, I was secretary of Eco-Action, and Senior Editor of the Purple Literary Magazine. I also worked part-time at the Hart Center and participated in Working for Worcester. I also volunteered off-campus at Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook and had two internships while at school with the Humane Society of the US and Dismas House.

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

My major was International Studies and my minor was Environmental Studies. I picked up Environmental Studies my sophomore year after taking Environmental Political Philosophy with Professor Kendy Hess. That’s when I knew that I wanted to commit my life to the environment and since then, I’ve combined the global interdisciplinary knowledge I’ve gained in both my major and minor to look at careers for the planet that take into account our whole world and ways that we can work together to combat the climate crisis.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

During my time at Holy Cross, I developed my ability to be a self-advocate. This has been in school, in sports, and in my professional career. By learning how to advocate effectively for myself with my professors, during internships, and in the community, I was able to graduate with three internships under my belt, my own money in the bank, the ability to time manage with a ton on my plate, a varsity letter, and a 3.8 GPA. Now, I’m using this skill in my career and helped me not only to get the job, but now that I have it. I’m excited to use my self advocacy skills to, ask for help when I need it, network internally, and pursue projects that I’m passionate about.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

My advice for students on campus today is to get as much experience in the things that they are passionate about as they can. My internships have seriously set me up for success and put me ahead of a lot of my peers at NRDC who are starting from scratch. But, my other piece of advice is to just make the most out of your time at Holy Cross even if it doesn’t relate directly to the career you think you want. I am so glad I spent time on the Purple simply because I love poetry and ultimately, it still gave me skills I’m able to apply in my life now. I’m also grateful for all the times that I wasn’t doing work and was just spending time with my friends, because before you know it you’ll be out in the real world and these will be the memories you will most cherish.

 
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Meet Alumna Kat Rosenthal ’13, Project Manager, John Moriarty & Associates

Name: Kat Rosenthal

Class Year: 2013

Title: Project Manager

Organization: John Moriarty & Associates, DC

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail? 

I manage the financial and manpower requirements to build buildings

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decided it was a good fit for you?    

A series of failed attempts at finding my passion lead me to start throwing darts at the wall to find a career. I wanted something that had a team component, as I missed playing sports so much. I connected with someone from high school who worked for a large general contractor in Boston who then pointed me in the direction of another general contractor. I reached out for an unpaid internship and was hired as a paid intern. Three months of interning lead to a full time job. Six years later, I now run my own project and still love what I do.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?  

Varsity softball, President of ABiGaLe/Allies (now Pride), Physics grading and tutoring, and a Pub Rat 🙂

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions? 

I studied Physics with a Concentration in Women’s and Gender Studies. I knew I did not want to work in a lab forever after a few summer internships. Physics taught me how to collaborate and problem solve; I knew that whatever I did for a living had to let me critically think and work with a team.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Most definitely teamwork and creative problem solving. Construction is a very big field with a lot of different specialties. As a general contractor, we work to learn a little about a lot, working with the experts (designers and engineers) to make a building. It involves working as a team and problem solving as a group. So many times I know only high level details, but my ability to think outside the box to solve a difficult constructability issue is very helpful!

 

6. What advice do you have for students today?

Do as much as you can while you’re still at Holy Cross. Try everything you can. Get outside of your comfort zone. Do not worry so much about your grades. Instead, work hard, maintain a good reputation, and create great and long standing relationships with professors, staff, and classmates; that will pay off so much more in the long run.
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Meet Alum Oswaldo Subillaga ’16, Medical Student, Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Name: Oswaldo Subillaga

Class Year: 2016

Title: Medical Student

Organization:  Alpert Medical School of Brown University

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?  

As a fourth year medical student, I am in the midst of residency interviews (for general surgery!) and completing clinical electives that will help me to become a well-rounded surgical resident.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

I was able to shadow two wonderful surgeons at UMass Memorial Medical Center through the academic internship program at HC. While I already had an interest in medicine, that experience introduced me to the world of surgery which is ultimately the field that I plan on pursuing.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?  

While at HC, I was a RA, peer mentor, admissions interviewer, co-chair of LASO, and SPUD volunteer.

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?  

My major was political science and I also did my premedical requirements knowing that I wanted to go into medical school after college.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work? 

Having to argue for a point of view in a short essay at HC has helped me to convey information accurately and concisely in both clinical and non-clinical scenarios. Surgeons, in particular, like brevity.

 

6. What advice do you have for students today?

Take advantage of the mentorship opportunities at Holy Cross and maintain those connections even after you leave the hill. Oh, and pay it forward.
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Meet Alumna Sabrina Gross ’02, Virginia Department of Education

Name: Sabrina Gross

Class Year: 2002

Title: Coordinator of Complaints and Special Projects in the Office of Dispute Resolution and Administrative Services

Organization Name: Virginia Department of Education

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I oversee the complaint dispute resolution process as required by the Individuals With Disabilities in Education Act and manage many teacher and school administrator professional development projects related to special education laws and regulations. I really enjoy my job.

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

I always knew that I wanted to work in education, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and my father made me complete the teacher certification program at Holy Cross so that I was an employable upon graduation! Ha! I completed the program to teach social studies but began teaching special education because of my degree in psychology. Teaching special education led me to working in children’s mental health for quite a few years. My experiences encouraged me to pursue a law degree so that I could work in children’s policy. Now I work in special education investigations and compliance.

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was on the education student advisory committee, colorguard, and BSU. I also wrote a proposal to reignite the semester away program to an HBCU. I attended Hampton University for a semester.

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

My degree was in psychology. I think working children’s mental health gave me a whole child approach to reviewing many of the complaints we receive and provides me with a unique perspective when working with other government agencies in providing guidance on policy and policy implementation.

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

I think the Holy Cross motto “men and women for others” has led me to understand the importance of public service and giving back.

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

College is an opportunity to explore many varied interests. Take classes that peak your curiosity, join many co-curricular activities, study abroad, and get involved in the Worcester community.