If Emily McDonnell can help students with their career goals, it’s because she was once in their shoes.  A 2001 graduate of St. Lawrence, she knows what it’s like to be a student and says the most rewarding part of her job as assistant director of career services is “talking to students and providing them with the tools they need to plan for their futures. I love it when I can help a student feel a little more confident about his or her plans.”   

Aside from counseling students individually, McDonnell’s primary responsibility is coordinating the University’s internship program. She particularly likes to set up internships sponsored by alumni, adding enthusiastically, “Alumni interested in posting internship opportunities on our job site can contact me at emcdonne@stlawu.edu!”

She also runs the Internship Fellowship program, which provides funding to students who have internships during the summer and winter breaks. She coordinates the Peer Advisor program, and organizes events such as Junior Jump, a month of workshops and other activities helping juniors “get a jump start” on their senior year. “We'll have programs about grad school and career choices; there will be a volunteer fair about organizations like the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps and Teach for America; and a senior student panel will give advice to juniors about how to make the most of their time as seniors,” she explains.

McDonnell says that “As an alumna, it has been extremely rewarding for me to see St. Lawrence from the perspective of both a student and a staff member.  I can now more fully appreciate the amazing experience I had here as a student, because I recognize how much hard work and enthusiasm the faculty and staff put into this place every day.”

Outside of work, McDonnell enjoys skiing, hiking, canoeing “and just being outside in general.” She also likes to knit and cook.