Author Kristen Mei Chase ’96 signing copies of her debut novel, “A Thousand Miles To Graceland”

The Elizabethtown College Career Development Center recently hosted the inaugural Creative Careers Week, which featured engaging events, notable speakers, which included several Etown alumni, as well as access to resources and advice related to careers in music, writing, journalism, marketing, communications, and design.

Assistant Director of Career & Professional Skills and Development Carolyn Smith said the event helped students learn more about industries that might not be a direct path from their majors and allowed them to connect and engage with local employers successfully working in these creative areas.

“We had great conversations around career journeys, advice on how to be successful in creative careers, the creative process in projects, and much more,” Smith said.

Students were able to attend a variety of presentations during the three-day-long event. Alumna author Kristen Mei Chase ’96 spoke to students at several events during the week, including a special event on Wednesday evening where Chase brought her debut novel, “A Thousand Miles To Graceland” to life through readings and insights into her inspiration, creative process, and journey to completion.

Careers in Art:

  • Kerry Royer – Director of the Mount Gretna Art Show and Arts Manager at Penn State


Creative Careers Employer Panel:

  • Suzanne Steward – Director Gretna Music
  • Mike Cook ’20 – Community Development Specialist, Gretna Music
  • Keri Straub – Elizabethtown College Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communications
  • Kristen Mei Chase ’96 – Author, Web Entrepreneur

 

Writing As Self-Care:

  • Kristen Mei Chase ’96 – Author, Web Entrepreneur

 

Careers In Writing:

  • Kathy Bowers – Chief People Officer – Steinman Communications
  • Tom Murse – LNP Executive Editor

 

Careers In Graphic Design:

  • Kristyn Lapp – Senior Graphic Designer, Webstaurant Store
  • Rachel Bartow – Recruitment Specialist, Clark Associates

 

Careers In Word, Web, and Design:

  • Kristen Mei Chase ’96 – Author, Web Entrepreneur