From First Handshake to First Job: A Networking Mixer Success Story

Written by Joshua Zeigler - Assistant Director of Employer Relations

One of the best outcomes of the Networking Mixer is when connections become careers. As a close partner of Career Development that has attended many of our mixers, no one understands that better the Nick and Mike Carnicella of Transitional Options, Inc. Through a structured internship program, they’ve helped Chatham interns grow into full-time employees. Our Office had the chance to ask some questions to Nina Schroeder ‘25 and Kenzie Lewis ‘25 about their experiences, and any advice they have for current students.

Kenzie and Nina both served as interns with Transitional Options during their time at Chatham, and were asked to remain on the team as full-time employees. Their story stands as a lesson to the opportunities that lie in new connections.

Nina and Kenzie’s Stories (Student --> Intern --> Employee) 

From Mixer to Internship 

“I met Nick and another manager at a Chatham Job and Internship mixer. They were very polite and started the conversation with me. They asked about my goals and intentions and showed how Transitional Options could fit into my life and future plans.” - Kenzie Lewis 

Every relationship, professional or otherwise, begins with an initial connection. Kenzie took the opportunity to share her goals with Mike and Nick, and in kind they were able to share how Transitional Options could help her meet her goals. Make sure to have intentional connections with folks at the Mixer! Chat about your goals, your needs, and where you see yourself so employer can get a better sense of how they can help you.  

Learning By Doing 

After making the initial connection, it became apparent to both Nina and Kenzie that Transitional Options had the type of experiences they were looking for. While each internship experience provides the opportunity to develop in-demand and relevant skills, Transitional Options goes above and beyond to create a meaningful experience that motivates and inspires their students.  

We asked Nina and Kenzie, “what experiences during your internship motivated you to continue to work for Transitional Options full-time?” These were their responses: 

“I really enjoyed getting to know each of my clients and our community days. Transitional Options (TO) does a really good job at planning enriching events for clients and staff that are fun as well! I felt motivated to continue my work full-time because of the impact and ability to empower others.” - Nina Schroeder 

“My supervisors work for me as much as I work for them. They were always patient with me as a student, working with me schedule wise. I also love the clients I work with. I've learned a lot from the wonderful people I care for. They've introduced me to new hobbies, movies and have helped me broaden my worldview.” - Kenzie Lewis 

Employer Perspective (Intern --> Employee --> Future Opportunities) 

Recognizing Potential 

To promote someone from intern to full-time employee, an employer typically considers many different factors. We asked Mike and Nick what characteristics or projects convinced them that Kenzie and Nina were the type of professionals they wanted to offer full-time positions to.  

“Kenzi brought exceptional energy, creativity, and a solutions-focused mindset to the team. She was proactive in finding ways to help clients engage more fully in their communities and daily routines.” 

“Nina consistently showed empathy, patience, and strong communication skills. She built meaningful relationships with individuals, followed care protocols diligently, and handled challenging situations calmly and professionally.” 

Advice for Future Interns 

Transitional Options has been a close partner of Career Development for many years, and we are excited to continue our partnership into the future through the recruitment of high-quality Chatham interns and professionals. We asked Nick and Mike if they had any advice for future interns at Transitional Options (or anywhere else) for turning their internships into a career.  

To truly make an impact in a role like this, a future intern should: 

• Build trust with individuals by showing up consistently, listening actively, and respecting their autonomy. 

• Take initiative, don’t wait to be told what to do. If you see a way to improve someone’s experience or help them reach a goal, speak up. 

• Stay organized and accountable, especially when it comes to documentation and communication with the team. Using systems like THERAP accurately and on time is crucial. 

• Be flexible and patient, plans change, emotions run high, and every individual has different needs. Your ability to adapt will define your effectiveness. 

• Treat every task, no matter how small, as meaningful. Whether it's helping someone cook a meal or accompanying them to a doctor appointment, those moments matter. 

Fall 2025 Job and Internship Networking Mixer 

Stories like Kenzie’s and Nina’s show the power of making intentional connections. With over 30 employers attending from a broad range of industries, this mixer is a wonderful opportunity to start exploring what your perfect fit might be.  

Plan to attend the Fall 2025 Job and Internship Networking Mixer on Wednesday, September 17th in the AFC Gymnasium! Follow this link to see the most up-to-date list of employers and internship sites. Who knows… your first conversation may be the next step on your career journey!