Where Mercy Leads: Alumnae Inspire Students at Career Day 2026

From lawyers, engineers, and nurses to business consultants, food marketers, and tech experts, Career Day 2026 introduced Merion Mercy students to an inspiring range of professional pathways. Nearly two dozen accomplished alumnae returned to campus to share their journeys and offer guidance to students who are still discovering their passions, strengths, and future possibilities.

The day began with panels on STEM and the humanities led by representatives from Saint Joseph’s University. Students then selected two alumnae sessions that aligned with their interests, hearing firsthand how these women navigated college, career changes, and the unexpected turns that often shape a professional journey. (You can read their impressive biographies here.)

Across sessions, several themes emerged as alumnae shared advice drawn from their own experiences:

• Keep your options open
• Don’t expect a direct path
• Move out of your comfort zone
• Doubts are part of the journey
• Figuring out what you don’t want to do is just as valuable as knowing what you do
• It’s normal not to have all the answers
• Never stop learning

Speakers also explored timely topics such as the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace, the importance of soft skills and resilience, and how lessons learned at Merion Mercy—especially collaboration and confidence—continue to shape their professional lives. Some spoke candidly about balancing career and family, while one alumna even invited students to take a career aptitude test as part of her presentation.

Merion Mercy students rose to the occasion with thoughtful questions about choosing career paths, navigating uncertainty, and finding purpose in their work.

Of the experience, Caroline Perlick '27 said, "I really enjoyed the opportunity to hear all the ups and downs of different career paths and how people got there. I was especially impacted by hearing about how everyone’s career and education paths weren’t always linear." 

Junior Bridget Oliver added, "I learned the importance of saying yes to every opportunity I am given, even when I may not have everything in my life figured out. For many of the alumnae, saying yes to those new opportunities in their career led them to where they are and the love they have for their job. Each alumna showed their gratitude for Merion, which helped me appreciate the foundational education I am receiving. Merion has given me a community that I can rely on and sisters that I can look up to, especially as I grow closer to joining the workforce."

And Tobin Zazzarino '27 wrote, "I really enjoyed the day and learning about different careers and how each person's journey is unique. I really loved how the speakers spoke about how much they loved their time at Merion and how it shaped them to become the professionals they are today. It was inspiring especially since I am starting to think about college and what I might want to major in and do in the future. I am glad we have the opportunity to connect with alums and hear their stories."  

Beyond offering practical advice, the day also reflected the values that continue to guide Merion Mercy alumnae long after graduation. Through their stories, speakers demonstrated educational courage, principled leadership, and lives inspired by faith—while using their voices for dignity and respect and remaining compelled by Mercy in their professions and communities.

By hearing from women who once walked these same halls, students gained not only insight into different careers, but also a powerful reminder that the education and values they are developing at Merion Mercy can lead to lives of purpose, leadership, and impact.