The College of Arts and Sciences Hosts Alumnus Craig McGraw '05 for Their "Dean's Career-Networking Speaker Series"

On Friday, March 1, 2024, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Trans America Trucking Service, Inc. Craig McGraw ’05 paid his fellow pirates a visit at the College of Arts and Sciences’ weekly Dean’s Career Networking Speaker Series. During this event, students walked away with two valuable experiences: a stomach full of a delicious lunch spread and professional interview tips from a real-world business executive. As current students ranging from those in their first year of study to those enrolled in graduate programs filled the room, they were greeted by fellow pirate Craig McGraw ’05. Though the room was comprised of different groups of students with widely varying majors and levels of professional experience, everyone intently tuned in when the time came for McGraw to dispel his wisdom onto the group of prospective professionals.

This week’s speaker focused on promoting helpful interview tips for young students to carry with them as they embark on future interview opportunities. As McGraw gave his fellow pirates a lesson on "conveying the best version of oneself during an interview," students learned how to project confidence as well as competence during an interview. Though the series was meant to provide students with interview tips, once the question-and-answer portion of the luncheon had begun, the students began to interview McGraw. 

Students asked questions such as, "Mr. McGraw, if you studied Criminal Justice as an undergraduate student, how did you become the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at a Trucking Company?" Though this question was prompted by genuine curiosity, it highlights the beauty of the Seton Hall College of Arts and Sciences experience. McGraw did not know upon graduating with a degree in criminal justice that he would become the Vice President of a major corporation. But applied and experiential learning, a broad curriculum, and an array of engaging events such as the Dean’s Career/ Networking Series all help bridge the gap between studying the liberal arts and sciences and gaining professional opportunities. In the College of Arts and Sciences, students are encouraged to blend their academic passions with practical career preparation, whether they pursue a degree in humanities, STEM, or social science, like Mr. McGraw.

Numerous dual degree programs make this versatile education affordable and save time. In gaining this diversity in education and experiences, students are prepared for the adaptability and flexibility that the professional world demands.

Categories: Alumni, Business, Education