Distinguished Alumni Return to Share Insights on Annual Career Panel

"Indian Creek set a standard for what a community should be that I have carried with me for my whole life. If an organization - whether it's a university, a company, or a club - doesn't live up to the type of community that I experienced here, I do my best to create that culture there. If I am not successful, I know that it's not the place for me." - Brandon Reid '18

On Wednesday, May 8, a group of Indian Creek graduates returned to share their insights on how ICS has helped them forge their careers and their lives beyond high school at the annual Alumni Career Panel.

This year's panel was an impressive one, comprising seven graduates from 25 to just four years ago, who represented a wide variety of career fields. The panel included:

• Parker Booth '19: Territory Manager, Eli Lilly fu Company
• Devin Garrett '16: Senior Territory Manager, Reynolds American
• Christina Helowicz '15: Visual Arts Studio Techician, Maryland Hall
• Brian Phipps '03: Financial Analyst & Retired Professional Lacrosse Player, Severn Financial Advisors
• Jennifer Presswood '00: Director of Public Relations, Social Media and Thought Leadership, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
• Brandon Reid '18: Third Year Law Student fu Non-Profit Founder, Columbia University
• Amanda Wiegrefe '00: Associate Director, Government Relations, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

While the alumni who visited represented different fields and different paths taken to reach their goals, they were very like-minded in their advice for current ICS students. The importance of forming relationships with others in school, work, and life served each of the alumni well in life beyond ICS. Other advice included the importance of authenticity. "Be yourself and be honest about what you are looking for and what your non-negotiables are. If you are a good fit, the company will appreciate this," shared Brian Phipps.  

The alumni all cited their experience at ICS as formative in their willingness to try new things, advocate for themselves, and to write a high-quality letter, proposal, or report with ease.

After the panel, the alumni enjoyed connecting with ICS faculty and administrators, including Upper School World Languages teacher Gerry Connolly, who had either taught or been principal (at ICS or a different school) for every member of the panel throughout their educational careers.  

Thank you Amanda, Christina, Devin, Jennifer, Parker, Brian, and Brandon, for returning to share you gifts with Indian Creek students!

Click here to view a full gallery of Career Panel photos.