It’s been three months since the class of 2017 has thrown maroon caps into the air, leaving professors and students eagerly awaiting to hear of their success.

Not a moment too soon, Elon graduates have wasted no time in jumpstarting their futures, some landing positions as early as May of 2017.

Jessica Womack ‘17 has begun working with Capital One in the Management Rotation Program (MRP).

“The MRP is a 2-year rotational program where I will gain exposure to four professional tracks within the company - agile, risk management, process management, and project management. In my first rotation, I am currently working in agile,” Womack said.

Womack graduated with a Management and Finance degree in May and began working with Capital One in July.

Much like her time at Elon, she has high hopes for the doors this endeavor will open.

Womack said, “I'm most excited about learning from everyone in my office and being able to start my career off in the right direction with this company!”

Adrian Williams ‘17 began his professional career after Elon this summer as well.

“I've been working for Lenovo in Raleigh, NC since June 5th. I am in our Lenovo Accelerated Sales Rotational Program currently,” Williams said.

The independence and freedom of adult life is what Williams is most looking forward to.

“This fall I plan on enjoying adulting and making adult money! I'm also excited to truly be able to provide for myself and not have to ask my mom for money anymore,” Williams said.

Other students, like Steven Armendariz ‘17, have chosen to search abroad for their career paths.

He said, “Since graduating from Elon last May I started my summer job as a Trip Leader for a teen travel company, leading a group of 18 teens to conduct service and learn more about the community in Costa Rica.”

Although the trip has already ended, Armendariz does not plan on stopping there.

“This Fall I will begin the Fulbright Fellowship as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA). Through this fellowship I hope to foster cultural exchange with the Spanish community in order to form mutual understanding, especially during this decisive time,” Armendariz said.

He is looking forward to working alongside peers who have a similar cultural perspective to his own.

“I am excited to teach the Global Classrooms where I will be able to teach students about global affairs and diplomacy; topics that I am passionate about.

“It will also be nice to be surrounded by culturally minded and competent scholars that have a greater understanding and love for the international community,” Armendariz said.

While the horizon looks full of opportunities, one goal for Armendariz stays certain.

He said, “Overall, I am looking forward to being challenged and growing professionally and personally throughout my journey abroad.”

Adrian Carpenter, at the Office of Alumni Engagement at Elon, has been in touch with several ‘17 graduates.

Like much of the rest of the class of 2017, Victoria Ford has taken her future by the reins this summer.

“Victoria Ford moved to Washington, DC after graduation to work for the Department of State in the HR Bureau,” Carpenter said.

Ford accredits Elon as an outstanding source of resources.

Ford said, “Elon was and continues to be a pivotal factor in achieving my career goals. Whether it was through mentors, professors, the SPDC, alumni, or various programs I always felt the support from the Elon community.”

One resource in particular remains outstanding for Ford.

“Specifically, the Elon Job Network was an essential tool that has led me to where I am today at the State Department. I encourage students to take advantage of the great connections and resources that the SPDC has,” she said.

The Elon Job Network proved to be crucial when establishing Ford’s experience and credibility.

Carpenter said, “She interned with them last summer and was invited back for a full time position as an Administrative Assistant to the Deputy of the Office of Recruitment, Examination and Employment. This position recruits, hires, and trains incoming foreign service officers.”

Like her fellow graduates, Ford spoke of Elon’s distinctive community as an essential part of her career plan.

Ford said, “I'm looking forward to the opportunities to come, using the knowledge and skills that Elon has prepared me with over my four years… It is reassuring that the Elon support doesn't end.”