It wasn’t even the major, geography, that drew her in. She found that later.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she thought “why should things be any different?”

So the junior and vice president of EMS student council got to work with Jeffrey Swab, member of the Graduate of Earth and Mineral Sciences (GEMS) board of directors, to create an experience where students could reach out and connect with EMS alumni. The result, a biweekly virtual coffee chat, has spawned dozens of interactions between students and GEMS board members. It’s led to career advice, professional connections and interpersonal interactions for students.

Changing landscape for careers

In coffee chats, one thing Kevin Cei tells students is that employers are looking for graduates with a broad set of skills who are also great communicators.

That’s great advice that the 2007 meteorology and atmospheric science graduate learned through experience. His degree — and experiences through clubs and campus activities — gave him a solid background in science backed up with the ability to communicate complex concepts to those outside of his field.

Kevin Cei '2007

Read more: Alumni connections help EMS students gain employment edge