Gettysburg prepares students for career success through exploration, leadership, and mentorship. Students learn to build confidence, enduring skills, and the ability to tell a compelling story as their career paths evolve.
Careers rarely follow straight lines—just ask any Gettysburgian. Through leadership opportunities, academic exploration, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, students learn how to adapt, reflect, and grow as their interests evolve.
The alumni featured here represent diverse industries, including cybersecurity, health care consulting, law, government, and technology, yet they all share a common foundation shaped during their time at Gettysburg. Their stories demonstrate how engagement inside and outside the classroom builds transferable skills, confidence, and clarity—preparing graduates not just for their first job, but for every job throughout their careers.
Ryan Ahern ’20
Biology major, Spanish minor
Senior enterprise account executive at CyberArk
“I didn’t come to Gettysburg just for the academics. I wanted a college experience that was more than just memorizing facts and taking exams. I was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, worked for Athletic Communications doing play-by-play commentary, and worked at the Garthwait Leadership Center (GLC) as a leadership mentor.”
“Each of my roles at Gettysburg involved peers with different working styles and required adaptation to those styles and various skillsets. The ability to work with people from different backgrounds with various skills is incredibly important in my career, and that is absolutely something Gettysburg helped me hone.”
“CyberArk has been a great home for me. I’ve been able to learn a ton about the technology, as well as how to build strategic partnerships with customers. I have been fortunate enough to be promoted here twice, and I now get to partner with several multibillion-dollar corporations to help them build more secure foundations for their business.”
Callie Fucarino ’20
Political science major, philosophy minor
J.D. candidate at American University Washington College of Law
“Like many Gettysburg students, I was overly involved. I was a leadership mentor with the GLC, class president all four years, in Alpha Delta Pi, and served as Panhellenic president. Being a leadership mentor and holding leadership positions made me marketable and confident as I interviewed for post-graduate positions. Those experiences helped me feel prepared to step into professional environments right after graduation.”
“I also stayed connected with my mentors—[GLC Executive Director] Andy Hughes and Prof. Scott Boddery—who directed me as I navigated life after college. Gettysburg really teaches you how to connect with people and maintain connections, and that will help you forever.”
“I graduated in 2020, and with guidance from an alumni connection, I served as a paralegal at the Department of Justice for three years. I then resigned to start law school full time and have been a student at American University Washington College of Law. My first job was not my dream job, and that was OK. It helped me learn what I liked and didn’t like before deciding to go to law school.”
Samir Lalvani ’13
Computer science major, chemistry and mathematics minors
Security engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
“I arrived at Gettysburg College with my sights set on a career as a neurosurgeon, but a single Computer Science elective changed my trajectory. That pivot eventually led me to my current role in cybersecurity at AWS, but my path was defined by more than just a change in majors.”
“At Gettysburg, I explored every facet of campus life—a level of opportunity that wasn't available to me back in India. I served as a founding leadership mentor with the Gettysburg Leadership Center and spent four years choreographing Bollywood for the Dance Ensemble. Whether I was teaching algorithms as a Computer Science teaching assistant, spreading cultural awareness in the International Club, or diving into student life through the Center for Public Service (CPS) and the Office of Student Activities and Greek Life (OSAGL), I used every role to understand how complex organizations operate and function.”
“The skills I developed while building programs and leading these teams were pivotal in shaping the non-analytical side of my professional identity. I learned—and eventually taught—public speaking, communication, and conflict resolution. These interpersonal strengths, paired with my technical education, have been the true drivers of my career journey through consulting and big tech.”
Meghan Royer ’15
Organization and management studies major, peace and justice studies minor
Customer strategy and design manager at Deloitte Consulting
“Gettysburg provided a vibrant environment that encouraged me to explore a wide range of subjects, both academically and through extracurricular activities. This culture of curiosity inspired me to remain open-minded and engaged with the world around me. I was heavily involved in the GLC as a leadership mentor, served on the Honor Committee, was a member of Chi Omega and Panhellenic Council president, and worked as an Admissions tour guide. I also studied abroad in Jaipur, India. ”
“Throughout my time at Gettysburg, I developed strong critical thinking and active listening skills. I learned to approach challenges thoughtfully rather than rushing to conclusions, which has made me adaptable and effective in my professional life.”
“In 2018, I joined Deloitte’s Government and Public Sector practice, focusing on our customer market offering. Since then, I’ve advanced from analyst to manager, working closely with federal government clients to help them better understand and respond to the needs of their customers. For the past four years, my work has centered on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where I am passionate about helping veterans access the services and get the support they deserve.”
Logan Sangree-Hills ’18
Economics major, business minor
Associate principal at Whitecap Health Advisors
“Gettysburg provided me with the foundational skills to succeed following graduation. I was a leadership mentor at the GLC, participated in two immersion trips to New Orleans and Puerto Rico with CPS, was a Siegfried Fellow, participated in externship and job shadowing opportunities, and studied abroad at Lancaster University.”
“My liberal arts background taught me to think critically and connect the dots between complex topics, which has served me especially well in the health care industry. I also worked closely with the Center for Career Engagement (CCE) to ensure my resume was polished and I was prepared for interviews.”
“I’d tell current students not to be afraid to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone early on in your career. Those college experiences helped me feel comfortable stepping into unfamiliar environments early in my career and prepared me to work with executive-level leaders. While it was intimidating going into a role in which I’d be interfacing with physicians and hospital leaders, I knew Gettysburg prepared me to take on those challenges.”
Start your story at Gettysburg and shape a career that grows with you.
By Corey Jewart
Photos by Alyssa Riegel and provided by subjects
Posted: 01/29/26