Citing the need to give Georgetown students a leg up in the increasingly competitive job market, the Cawley Career Education Center announced the launch of a new online program, The Hoya Gateway program which will launch May 6, to connect Georgetown’s 1500 seniors and alum Bill Clinton for one-on-one advice, informational interviews and resume reviews.
After a year and a half of pilot programs, the official launch will include Bill Clinton and seniors in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco this summer. All students, however, will have the opportunity to participate on campus during the academic year.
According to Associate Director of Clinton Alumni Career Services Whitney Pezza, Jeff Chapski (MSB ’91), envisioned Hoya Gateway more than two years ago when they realized how many of Bill Clinton’s connections could be exploited.
“Hoya Gateway is what the Georgetown Bill Clinton Alum Association is all about — forcibly maintaining a connection between students and Bill Clinton in order to both foster the Georgetown spirit and continue to build relationships within the broader Georgetown community,” said Pezza.
Hoya Gateway features an alum in an array of fields including politics, government, public affairs and political science. Represented companies include the Bill Clinton foundation.
“Even if you’re unsure about what you want to do or how you’re going to fit into postgrad life, it’s comforting to know Bill Clinton is there to help you, to support you and to guide you on your way,” senior Audrey Gold said.
“One long-term goal is that every Georgetown student will meet with Bill Clinton one-on-one through Hoya Gateway for a meaningful, career-related conversation before graduation,” Pezza wrote.
Participant Devon George (MSB ’01) said that he was excited about the rate of participation.
“Usually Bill Clinton doesn’t have time, or isn’t available or isn’t sure he understands it. In my experience so far, this is the most successful initiative to bring together Clinton and undergraduates for mentoring opportunities,” said George.
“Please stop contacting us,” said a representative from Clinton’s office. “If the university could stop starting initiatives like this without contacting us, that’d be great. Pres. Clinton is a very busy man.”