25-26 Roundtable Report

As we wrap up another incredible year of the EPAP/ESM Mentorship Program, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on our Roundtable Series and the many lessons shared by our mentors and students. Across five events, students connected with professionals working in government, nonprofits, consulting, law, research, education, and industry. While each panel focused on a different topic, several common themes emerged that shaped how students think about their futures.

Perhaps the most reassuring takeaway from this year's Roundtables was that there is no single path to success. Many of our panelists described careers that were anything but linear. They changed majors, switched sectors, took gap years, pursued graduate school at different stages of life, and discovered entirely new interests through internships and unexpected opportunities. Students consistently reflected that hearing these stories made them feel less pressure to have everything figured out before graduation and more confident that careers evolve through experience.

Another major theme was the importance of taking initiative. Whether discussing networking, career exploration, or building community, panelists emphasized that opportunities often come from simply showing up. Students learned that networking is less about asking for a job and more about building authentic relationships over time. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, volunteering, reaching out to alumni, and introducing yourself to people whose work you admire were all framed as accessible ways to create meaningful connections.

The Roundtables also encouraged students to think about professional development as a lifelong process. Learning does not stop after graduation or with a first job. Panelists spoke about continuing to build technical skills, seeking mentorship, asking questions, and taking advantage of professional development opportunities throughout their careers. Rather than viewing themselves as needing to graduate as a "finished product," students embraced the idea that growth is continuous and that curiosity and adaptability are some of the most valuable skills they can cultivate.

Equally important were the conversations surrounding identity, confidence, and belonging in professional spaces. Many students reflected on discussions of imposter syndrome and the reminder that self-doubt is often a shared experience rather than an individual failing. Panelists encouraged students to bring their authentic selves into the workplace, advocate for their needs, and recognize that their unique backgrounds and perspectives are valuable assets. Advice ranging from having the confidence of a "mediocre white man" to creating an elevator pitch that reflects your authentic story resonated deeply with participants.

This year's Roundtables also challenged students to think more broadly about what success means. Career decisions should not be based solely on prestige or salary but should also consider personal values, community, work-life balance, and long-term well-being. Panelists spoke openly about setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, maintaining hobbies outside of work, and building support systems that make careers sustainable. Students repeatedly noted that hearing professionals discuss these topics made their own futures feel less intimidating and more manageable.

Perhaps the strongest thread connecting every event was the importance of community. Whether discussing networking, friendships, mentorship, graduate school, or professional growth, panelists emphasized that success rarely happens alone. Community requires intentional effort, from being the person who reaches out to maintaining connections over time and creating spaces where others feel welcome. Students were reminded that they do not have to wait for someone else to build the community they want to be part of—they have the ability to create it themselves.

Above all else, this year's Roundtable Series provided something that cannot easily be measured: reassurance. Students left feeling seen, supported, and optimistic about the future. They learned that uncertainty is normal, that asking for help is a strength, that careers are built one opportunity at a time, and that they belong in the spaces they hope to enter.

Thank you to all of our mentors who generously shared their time, experiences, and honest reflections throughout the year. Your willingness to discuss both your successes and your challenges helped make these conversations meaningful and impactful for our students. We are also grateful to every student who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and contributed to making the EPAP/ESM Mentorship Program a welcoming and supportive community.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and building even stronger connections in the year ahead.