SuffieldConnect: Feb. 15

Suffield’s College Counseling and Alumni & Development Offices hosted another college-to-career virtual discussion on February 17. The program invites alums to speak with interested students about their careers, college major choices, and experiences at Suffield. As part of the junior-year Leadership Program curriculum, students are asked to attend at least three of eight sessions offered each academic year. The goal is to expose current students to life beyond Suffield and provide guidance from alumni professionals working in various professional fields.

After attending Suffield Academy Brendan Moss ’08 graduated from Lake Forest College with honors in 2012 as a double major in economics and political science. Following graduation he worked in Washington D.C. at a public relations firm before returning to his native Massachusetts to manage a statewide campaign for Massachusetts State Treasurer. Over the course of the last seven years he has held various positions working for Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. Most notably he previously served as the Governor’s Press Secretary and is currently the Chief of Staff for the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. Brendan also spent time as the corporate communications director for a leading offshore wind company.

In reflecting on his postgraduate year at Suffield Brendan noted that he honed communication skills he utilizes in his role as a chief of staff. He said, “Being able to read something and write your opinion, or summarize something in a clear and succinct way, is a skill that will carry you to whatever you choose to do.” He also reiterated something many previous SuffieldConnect speakers have touched on, which is, “Figuring out what you want to do is important, but figuring out what you don't want to do is also important.” Some examples he shared to support this for the junior class included going on multiple college campus visits before selecting a college, trying different college classes outside of his major, and taking part in multiple internships.

Juniors preparing for the college application process are heavily supported by Suffield's college counselors and alumni mentors. While it is an important decision in their lives, the mentoring sessions provide insight into many unanswered questions. It is made very clear that communication is a key to success and there is more than one way to accomplish a rewarding future.