Surrounded by catered food and lively conversation, students rotated between tables where industry experts from major companies, including Actalent, South State Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and Ameris Bank, shared stories, advice, and lessons learned from their professional journeys.
Every 20 minutes, a new table meant a new conversation. The structure felt almost like speed networking but with a deeper purpose: connection, mentorship, and inspiration. Each rotation invited students to step into a new industry, ask bold questions, and gain insight into the realities of life after graduation.
The first table I joined focused on Women in Business and was led by representatives from the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, including 2024 Flagler graduate Aliyah Meyer, Economic Development Coordinator, and Isabelle Renault, President and CEO. The discussion was candid, honest, and empowering.
“You have to show yourself and stand up,” Meyer said with confidence. “Even if you’re new, you can still prove that you belong by showing what you’ve learned.” Her words struck a chord with me and served as a reminder that youth and inexperience aren’t weaknesses, but signs of potential and energy.
Renault, originally from France, shared how her background in economics enables her to view global business from a broader perspective. Listening to her speak reinforced the idea that the world of business thrives on perspective; on people who bring their culture, curiosity, and courage to the table.
Meeting Meyer was one of the highlights of the night. Seeing someone so close to my age already making a difference in her career was both inspiring and grounding, a glimpse of where dedication can lead.
At the Industry Insights: Banking table, representatives from Ameris Bank and South State Bank shifted the conversation toward resilience. They spoke about learning through failure and how missteps often reveal a person’s true strength.
“What matters most is how you react to it,” Joe Grass, market president with Ameris Bank, said. “That’s how people see your potential.”
Their advice felt like something I’d carry long after graduation, a quiet reminder that growth isn’t always linear, and success is built on persistence.
The final table I attended was titled “Industry Insights on Technology,” led by Chad Wegman ’95, business development manager for Actalent Medical Device Services. Wegman spoke about leadership, teamwork, and finding purpose in your work, the kind of wisdom that sticks.
“You don’t want to get stuck in a company that doesn’t challenge you,” Wegeman said. “You should be somewhere that values your creativity and input."
As our conversation ended, Wegeman offered his contact information and encouraged me to stay in touch. That small gesture, simple and genuine, turned into something much bigger. A few days later, I received an interview opportunity with his company. His words about confidence, leadership, and passion reshaped the way I see my own career path.
By the end of the night, students lingered near the catering tables, still deep in conversation; their faces lit up with excitement and new ideas. The Roundtable was more than just a networking event; it was a meeting ground of stories, dreams, and possibilities.
For many of us, it wasn’t just about collecting business cards; it was about collecting courage, direction, and a sense of belonging in the professional world waiting ahead.
About the Author
Maria Montero is a senior at Flagler College, double-majoring in marketing and business administration with a minor in digital media production and journalism. She serves as president of the Flagler College chapter of the American Marketing Association and works as a student writer for the Office of Marketing and Communications. Montero is passionate about creating impact, telling stories that resonate, and driving innovation wherever she goes.
