Career and Professional Development Month

Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Reston

Join fellow alumni working in technology and related fields for an evening of networking, conversation, and community. This event is designed to bring together alumni across the tech industry—from software development, data, and cybersecurity to product management, UX, IT, and emerging technologies—to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build meaningful professional connections. Whether you are looking to grow your network, explore new opportunities, or reconnect with the alumni community, this gathering offers a welcoming space to engage with other tech professionals.

This event is in partnership with the College of Engineering and Computing

Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: All Day
Location: Online

It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Photos and stories are a great way to keep and grow our George Mason connection. In this challenge we invite you to share stories and photos from your day-to-day workspace. Whether you work in an office, from home, or some other remote location, snap a picture of your desk, favorite mug, an award, thank you note, or favorite “coworkers” (furry or otherwise) and share it with your fellow Patriots. All you have to do is upload your picture to social media, tag @MasonAlumni, and we’ll randomly pick some winners to receive a Patriots Prize Package as a thank you for participating!

You do not need to register to participate in the Show Us Your Workplace Challenge

Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

Bill Seely, BS Sport Management ’92, began his career with Varsity Spirit while still a college student, turning an unexpected opportunity into a decades-long career that ultimately led him to serve as President of the organization. In this conversation, Bill will reflect on the experiences, relationships, challenges, and opportunities that shaped his career and leadership philosophy, while sharing lessons on resilience, authenticity, growth, and leading with purpose. Attendees will gain practical insights for navigating their own careers and making an impact wherever their journey takes them.

Panelist:

• Billy Seely, president of Varsity Spirit

Moderator:

• Myles Charley, Associate Director of Development, College of Education and Human Development

This event is in partnership with the College of Education and Human Development

Date: Monday, November 9
Time: 4 – 5 p.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

Everyone’s talking about it, but what is the job market really like out there? Hear from Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and George Mason University Career Services on what it is really like, and if you are an active job seeker, what resources and services are available to you. Local and national job market statistics will be shared during the conversation.

Presenters:

• Information Coming Soon!

This event is in partnership with University Career Services

Date: Tuesday, November 10
Time: 12-1 p.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Costello Executive Education alumni as they reflect on the realities of senior leadership and the lessons that shaped their careers. This panel will explore how leaders move from one stage of their careers to the next, build and lead high-performing teams, pivot when circumstances demand change, and sustain success while balancing work-life balance. Attendees will gain practical insights, candid advice, and real-world perspectives from accomplished leaders who have navigated growth, transition, and strategic decision-making at the highest levels.

Panelists:

• Dr. Temika Edwards, ’23 Chief Risk Officer Program
• Matisha Montgomery, ’22 Chief Learning Officer Program
• Bryan Sullivan, ’22 Chief Data and Analytics Officer Program

Moderator:

• Cheryl Druehl, Costello College of Business Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Research

This event is in partnership with Executive Education in the Costello College of Business

Date: Tuesday, November 10
Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Northside Social, Arlington

A networking opportunity bringing together alumni working in creative careers — such as the arts, entertainment, computer game design, media, marketing, event planning and other creative professions — to connect, collaborate, and share experiences and ideas with fellow creatives. Whether you’re looking to exchange ideas, expand your network, or reconnect with the alumni community, this gathering offers a welcoming space to engage with other creative professionals.

Date: Thursday, November 12
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

Grab your favorite morning beverage and join your fellow Mason alumni for a peer-to-peer informal conversation about themes newer professionals are experiencing in their careers. Held virtually, this event will allow space for alumni to engage in meaningful dialogue around hot topics and changes occurring within the work environment. Join us for a thoughtful conversation.

Moderators:

• Information Coming Soon!

Date: Thursday, November 12
Time: 4 – 5 p.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

Everyone has heard salary negotiation advice: Always negotiate. Never be the first to give a number. Don’t negotiate if you’re entry-level or it’s a competitive market. Asking for more could cost you the offer. But what’s actually true? Join a panel of recruiters and hiring professionals as they debate the most common questions, misconceptions, and anxieties jobseekers have about salary negotiation. From discussing compensation to evaluating offers, you’ll hear honest perspectives, practical advice, and maybe even a few disagreements. Leave with a better understanding of how employers think about compensation discussions and how to approach job offers with confidence.

Panelists:

• Information Coming Soon!

This event is in partnership with University Career Services

Date: Friday, November 13
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

In this professional development session Dr. Kevin Rockmann will talk about best practices regarding effective communication and collaboration in teams, including common problems teams face, the challenge of building and maintaining relationships in teams, and effective conflict resolution. Practical takeaways will be given, and there will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions.

Presenter:

• Dr. Kevin Rockman

This event is in partnership with Executive Education in the Costello College of Business

Date: Monday, November 16
Time: 4 – 5 p.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we work, communicate, and solve problems across industries. Join us for an engaging webinar exploring how AI is being used in today’s workplace, the opportunities it creates for professionals and organizations, and the skills employees need to adapt in an evolving landscape. Whether you are curious about practical applications, workplace trends, or the future of AI-enabled work, this session will provide valuable insights to help you better understand the role of AI in your career and industry.

Panelists:

• Information Coming Soon!

Date: Tuesday, November 17
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

We invite alumni entrepreneurs to join us for a virtual conversation. It’s a great opportunity to meet and connect with fellow Patriots, gain insights, and share stories. Come and build personal and professional relationships with other business owners. Let’s connect!

Panelists:

• Information Coming Soon!

Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

Pour a cup of coffee and join fellow George Mason alumni for a relaxed virtual conversation for mid-career professionals. This informal online gathering offers an opportunity to connect with peers, share career experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities, and exchange insights on professional growth. Whether you’re navigating leadership, considering your next career move, or looking to connect with others navigating similar career experiences, this session offers a supportive space for authentic conversation and networking.

Moderators:

• Information Coming Soon!

Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 7 – 8 p.m.
Location: Virtual, the Zoom link will be provided in the event reminder email.

Have something to say, but not always sure how to say it? All alumni, friends, and families are invited to virtually join George Mason University to learn how to communicate more clearly, confidently, and persuasively in both work and life. Clear, confident communication is one of the most transferable skills you can develop—whether you’re pitching an idea, leading a meeting, interviewing for a role, or navigating everyday conversations where your voice matters. In this interactive one-hour workshop led by Katya Davydova (ODKM ’19), Leadership and Communication Coach & Facilitator, you will learn a practical framework for communicating ideas in a way that feels grounded, compelling, and authentic, without sounding scripted or performative.

Presenter:

• Katya Davydova, MS ‘19

Date: Thursday, November 19
Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: TBA

Join fellow alumni entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators for an evening of networking, conversation, and community. Whether you are launching a startup, growing a business, or exploring a new venture, this event offers a welcoming space to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build meaningful connections with other alumni entrepreneurs.

Date: Friday, November 20
Time: All Day
Location: Online

Show your Patriot Pride and don your Green and Gold to work today. Business professional, business casual, or comfy attire, make plans to wear your school colors loud and proud. Be sure to snap a picture, share it on social media, and tag @MasonAlumni for a chance to win a Patriots Prize Package!

You do not need to register to participate in the George Mason Spirit Friday

Date: Saturday, November 28
Time: All Day
Location: Online and in-person at participating locations

Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping tradition, held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving that encourages consumers to support local, independent businesses. By shopping at small businesses on this day, people can invest in their local economies, promote diverse communities, and help small, often privately-owned shops and restaurants thrive during the busy holiday period. While considering where to shop on Small Business Saturday, look for options to shop for goods and services from your fellow Patriots.