Fisher Flight Plan Sends Students to the Big Apple

Earlier this month, 12 students engaged in an immersive career networking and exploration experience through St. John Fisher University’s Fisher Flight Plan.

Hosted by the President’s Office and organized by the Center for Career and Academic Planning and the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, the trip was designed to give students the chance to network with alumni, visit employers, and explore careers in one of three tracks: finance and accounting, management and marketing, or sport management. There was also some time to take in the big city sights.

Senior Juli-Ann Miles ’25, a psychology major, was among the students who participated on the trip. She said the conversations with alumni helped illuminate all the career opportunities available to her, and all the ways the psychology concepts she has learned in the classroom can be applied to various roles.

“What I found most beneficial from the Fisher Flight Plan Trip was the chance to connect with alumni and professionals in a genuine, face-to-face way. Hearing their career stories—especially how they transitioned from being students to where they are now—helped me see that there is no one ‘right’ path after graduation,” said Miles. “It was reassuring to learn that many of them have shifted directions in their careers and are still growing and learning in their roles today.”

While in New York, students toured offices for LinkedIn, which are housed in the Empire State Building, watched the closing of the stock market at NASDAQ, and attended a networking reception with alumni at the New York Athletic Club.

On Thursday, the students had the opportunity to meet with alumni Jack Mott ’22, PwC; Phil Brogan ’14, ’16 (MBA), VisioCap; Ashlee Bolton ’09, Goldman Sachs; Jessie Evarts ’13, Google; Ben Conrow ’22, MKTG; and Adam Vogel ’11, Barclays Center. They also participated in a professional development lunch and met with alumnus Michael O’Conor ’78 for dinner.

Melania Mammano ’27, a management and public relations major, said the trip underscored the strong alumni network Fisher affords students. Conversations she had with alumni helped broaden her thinking around organizations that might lead to careers.

“Ashlee also helped me realize that there are so many job opportunities at large companies. I would have never considered a job at somewhere like Goldman Sachs, but Ashlee pointed out all of the different job titles and I realized that multiple fit my talents. As a result, I will choose to stay open minded about opportunities of varying types,” Mammano said.

Both Miles and Mammano said they would encourage students to apply for future Fisher Flight Plans.

“It’s a unique opportunity to explore a new city while building meaningful connections, not only with alumni but also with the incredible faculty and students you travel with,” said Miles. “The experience offers both professional growth and personal connection that will leave a lasting impact.”