Undergraduate and graduate students from the Charles F. Dolan School of Business attended the 12th annual Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City on September 15.
Organized by the Dolan Career Development Center (DCDC), the trip was part of the Professional Pathways initiative, which prepares students for professional success through career exploration and skill-building experiences.
Twenty-six students attended the Fast Company Innovation Festival to connect with industry leaders and innovators and gain exposure to the fresh new ideas that are shaping the future of business, technology, and creativity. Speakers included representatives from Microsoft, Nike, J.Crew, L’Oréal, Keurig, Dr Pepper, FOX Entertainment, and Bombas, as well as Nike athletes Cade Cunningham and Sabrina Ionescu, and actress, producer, and entrepreneur Elizabeth Banks.
“As a marketing and management double major at Fairfield University, I enjoyed gaining different perspectives on leadership and the evolving business world. The experience helped me further explore my career interests and left me feeling inspired and excited about future opportunities,” said Sofia Chianese ’28, one of the 26 Fairfield Dolan students who attended.
Sessions on AI, brand strategy, and human-centered design explored how businesses adapt to emerging technologies while responding to consumer needs. Other discussions introduced students to industry trends and career opportunities.
“At the Dolan Career Development Center, we’re committed to creating opportunities for students to step beyond the classroom and experience the business world firsthand,” said Carolyn Montrose, associate director of career development at the DCDC. “Experiences like the Fast Company Innovation Festival give our students access to industry leaders and emerging ideas, helping them better understand how business is evolving and where they might fit within it.”
