Photos from Sunday, January 13, 2013
The Bay Area BLCers—led by alumnae Erna Armeson, Jenny Brandemeuhl, and Leigh Marriner and Sandy Kraft (’84), Vicky Tsai (’00) and Sylvia Kuyel (’06) from the Wellesley Silicon Valley Club—co-sponsored an interactive career event on Sunday, January 13. BLC Co-chair Barbara Creed and Club President Sandy Kraft welcomed more than 80 alumnae and current students and introduced the opening panel on Marketing, which featured:
- Caroline Crothers ’89, Director of Product Management, Salesforce.com
- Erna Arnesen ’74, former VP, Global Services Partners, Cisco
- Leigh Marriner ’72, SVP Added Value, Cheskin
- Marian Kwon ’86, retail brand marketing consultant and former Senior Director, Gap Kids, Gap Baby & Maternity
The panelists provided a comprehensive overview of different marketing functions and their contributions to a business; how they got into their careers and what they like most and least; what a typical day or week is like; the key skills and experience required for success (including the importance of an MBA); and advice for pursuing a career in marketing.
Following the lively Q&A session, the group broke into three discussion groups: two focused on Job Search Strategies, hosted by Leigh and Jenny, with the other addressing Navigating Office Politics and led by Mary Ellen Zellerbach. Many alumnae shared their own experiences and tips, resulting in a rich discussion and valuable learning for all and momentum for further joint events.
-Nancy Murphy