Feb. 21, 2024
As a student, making career plans and goals can be daunting. The field of technology has endless career opportunities, which can be overwhelming for students to navigate. However, companies like American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) are making career planning easy and accessible for students. On Jan. 26, AEO hosted a Technology and Professional Headshots Day in their Pittsburgh office. Over 30 sophomores and juniors at Pitt attended the event for a panel with technology professionals at AEO, networking, and professional headshots.
Events like these provide guidance for students in their intended field. AEO helped one student, Allison Briggs, president of the Women in Computer Science Club at Pitt, learn more about opportunities outside the classroom.
“Participating in the AEO Technology and Headshot Day was an amazing experience. It offered a look into the daily operations and projects of American Eagle employees, showcasing the complexities of their work and how they have successfully progressed in their careers,” said Briggs. “The event provided insights into the various opportunities available at AEO and allowed for meaningful networking with experts in the field. Engaging in such events is a great opportunity for students, as it presents a perspective on professional life that classroom learning alone cannot offer.”
AEO also provided Vaageesha Das, secretary of the Minority Association in Computing at Pitt (MAC), with a new perspective on opportunities in her field. Attending the event helped her learn about opportunities she would not have otherwise known about.
“Visiting AEO's building, learning about how they invest in their employees, and seeing how passionate the employees are about the work they do cemented my desire to work within the company. I essentially got a more in-depth look at something I hadn't even thought to consider before and ended up really liking it,” remarked Das. “Students should participate in events like these because not only was there the wonderful opportunity of getting free professional headshots, but there's also the chance to connect with people one-on-one, get to know a few of the employees in a low-stakes environment, and learn more about something that can surprise you with how much it interests you!”
Recruiters Brenna Kennelly and Curleta Harris at AEO organized the event for students to learn more about their company and its workplace environment, culture, and values.
“Students toured our campus and interacted with associates, including those outside the technology organization, so they gained valuable insights into our broader dynamics. Thisoffered a holistic view of how different teams collaborate within the company,” stated Harris. “Exposure to diverse organizations and work environments helps to discern which companies align with their values, goals, and preferences. We’re proud to provide these types of experiences and empower students with firsthand knowledge, enabling them to make more informed choices about their career paths based on real-world knowledge and cultural compatibility.”
--Alyssa Morales
