On March 5, at 7 p.m., the Titan Theater was buzzing with anticipation as the Behind the Scenes (BTS) club hosted a panel featuring their previous board members who graduated last Spring. This insightful event provided valuable perspectives on post-grad life, job search strategies, and the transition from university to the professional world.
Hosted by Erine Duclan, the current president of BTS, and the panelists–– Christian Feliciano, Steve Phan, Juliet Bato and Ashley Marchi–– shared their experiences and wisdom with attendees. Each panelist emphasized the importance of networking, perseverance and patience in navigating the post-graduation journey.
Duclan, who has been involved with BTS since her freshman year and currently serves as president, expressed her gratitude for the support and spotlight from the Communications Department. She reiterated her dedication to the club and its mission, ensuring a vibrant and engaging community for members.
"The panelists are excellent people. Although it was my first time meeting them, their presence and connection with everyone made me feel like I knew them forever. They truly gave me a perspective that’s both honest and comforting," said Erin Lucky Apacible, a fourth-year business major with a concentration in entertainment and hospitality management.
The panelists, all BTS alums, shared candid advice about the challenges they faced after graduation and the importance of staying resilient in the face of rejection. Their honesty and practical insights left a lasting impact on the audience, reminding them to persevere and stay patient on their career journeys.
Approximately 30 people, excluding the panelists, attended the event and engaged in a Q-and-A session and one-on-one networking opportunities. While enjoying sandwiches, chips, and water provided at the event, attendees bonded with the panelists, which fostered a sense of camaraderie and support within the BTS community.
Looking ahead, BTS has an exciting lineup of events planned for March. These include a Game Night Social on March 19, where members can unwind and connect in a fun environment, a SoFi Stadium Tour on March 22, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the stadium, and an EHM Alumni Mixer on March 26, providing a platform for networking and career development. These events promise to continue providing valuable opportunities for networking, learning and community building within the BTS club.