More than 500 Barnard students, alumnae, and employers came together for the 2025 Opportunities Conference on Sept. 26 with one overarching mission — to forge an accessible path for the next generation of Barnard leaders. Students met with recruiters and successful alumnae for support and connections as they prepare to enter the workforce.
During a time when job searching is often dominated by virtual meetings and online applications, the conference offered Barnard students the opportunity to meet with professionals face-to-face.
“The Opportunities Conference centers inclusive, meaningful conversations as a way of initiating real connections that students and our partners can foster over time,” said Amanda Dye, Executive Director of Beyond Barnard. “This event displays the strength and vibrancy of Barnard's community, reminding all participants that the support of the Barnard network is a distinctive, truly unique facet of a Barnard education.”
The event kicked off in the Ethel LeFrak Theatre with a keynote discussion on the future of work and well-being. Speakers included Maria Ryan ’85, and Laila Worrell P'29'27’25. The discussion introduced the question of how Generation Z’s modern-day ideas of well-being influence their decisions in the workplace, and the overall role that higher education institutions like Barnard can play in readying these respective new workers for success.
Worrell, both a speaker and potential employer at the event, noted the passion and rigor of attending Barnard students. “There is something truly unique about Barnard students — they are smart, curious, bold and determined to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.”
The Conference boasted various recruiters from organizations such as New York State Department of Civil Service, Girls Who Invest, and Veeva Systems, as well as a handful of graduate schools, such as Touro College of Pharmacy and Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy, in order for students to successfully expand their professional networks. Students had the opportunity to engage in critical conversations with these employers, and ask for any advice relevant to their career endeavors.
“I had the chance to meet several alumnae and connect with them afterward. Some even introduced me to friends outside the Barnard network who work in fields I’m interested in,” said Tenzing Chosang ‘26, a political science major.
In addition, the Conference offered workshops designed for Barnard students at any point of their educational journey, from first-years to seniors, to ease anxiety related to job hunting and future planning. First-years and seniors attended a workshop together that focused on new beginnings, while sophomores and juniors collectively learned helpful tips on how to navigate the middle years of higher education.
The Conference notably shed light on the enduring support from Barnard alumnae and how their devotion shapes the community as a whole.
Dozens of alumnae volunteered their time to attend the event to uplift future women leaders from their alma mater. One such alumna, Maria Ryan, commended Barnard students for their unyielding presence and engagement throughout the course of the day. “I was so pleased to see how engaged the Barnard students were in conversations regarding mentorship and sponsorship which are critical to a successful career trajectory,” said Ryan.
Students were able to speak with alumnae and recruiters about their modern skillsets that give them a competitive edge in an ever-changing workforce. “At our round table we were also able to talk about how valuable the student’s newly acquired skills are to companies as they can now use AI to be more efficient than ever in their jobs and based on their learnings and new technical expertise they can serve as reverse mentors to employees of different generations in their companies,” Ryan stated.
Students, like Jessica Sun ‘26, noted how efficient Barnard’s career fair was in comparison to others.
“It was the best career fair and opportunities conference I’ve ever attended,” said Jessica. “At previous ones, I often had to stand in line for at least 30 minutes just to speak with a recruiter, and during that time, I would hear the same questions being asked repeatedly by the people ahead of me.”
Beyond Barnard’s 2025 Opportunities Conference gave approximately 400 undergraduate students and 115 employers and alumnae an undeniable opportunity to connect in person during a time when virtual meetings seem to endure. The event gave Barnard students a competitive edge — positioning them as future women leaders in the modern workforce.