By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Students at the “Special One-Time Session: ‘A Day with the RWA!’” event in the Case Study Room of the School of Business on April 9.
The world of public utilities plays a crucial role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports everyday life and the “Special One-Time Session: ‘A Day with the RWA!’” co-sponsored by the Regional Water Authority, offered a valuable opportunity to explore its challenges, opportunitiesities and real-world impact.
Held on Wednesday, April 9 in the Case Study Room of the School of Business, this PEP Talk allowed attendees to learn from industry professionals, network with leaders and gain insights into career and internship opportunities at RWA.
“It’s important to get a mentor or someone who can really help you understand what a day in the life is about the role that you’re looking to get into,” Human Resource Generalist of RWA, Thomas Carfora said.
Featured speakers included Jim Hill, General Manager and Head of Operations, Elizabeth Calo, General Manager and Head of Human Resource, Steve Vitko, Environmental Planning Engineer.
The university’s alumni also returned to the School of Business to share their post-grad experiences. This included speakers: Andrew Marotti, IT Network Technician, Eric Girolimon, Water Treatment Team Lead and Thomas Carfora.
Each speaker shared their expertise and provided a well-rounded perspective on the various roles within public utilities.
The session provided a deep dive into the critical roles that water treatment, environmental planning, IT infrastructure, construction, accounting and human resources play in delivering essential public services.
“We really have a full spectrum of opportunities for any individual interested in joining,” Thomas Carfora said.
It also featured valuable information about RWA’s internships and career pathways, offering attendees a direct connection to potential career opportunities.
“I’m glad that SCSU and RWA has that relationship because those opportunities will open doors for your career,” Marotti said.
The strong and ongoing partnership between the university and the Regional Water Authority was evident throughout the event.
From internships to career development, the collaboration has provided students with meaningful opportunities that align closely with industry needs.
Reflecting on the value of this relationship, Patti Moran, Assistant Director of External Relations, highlighted the mutual commitment to innovation and student success.
“RWA is arguably our top employer partner at the university,” Moran said. “We manipulate our academics on what the workplace needs are and we rely on them for expertise.”
Alumni also supported this by sharing their own experiences at the university.
“It gave me the foundational knowledge that I needed to jump start my career,” Marotti said. “I’m able to time myself and plan out my projects and I met some great people that gave me great connections and gave me other opportunities.”
Additionally, Moran expressed the importance of having alumni return to campus to share their professional journeys, noting the positive influence it can have on current students.
She hopes that seeing successful graduates in the field will encourage students to feel more confident as they begin exploring their own career paths.
“I hope it gives students the upper hand to know their own skill set and worth,” Moran said. “So they know that they have the ability to do those things too.”
Currently, there is a new internship opportunity available through the School of Business, offering students a direct path to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
Directed by Carol Stewart, the Energy and Utility Leadership Program not only provides scholarship support but also equips students with the specialized skills, sustainable perspectives and leadership tools needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving energy and utility sectors.
If interested email Stewart at stewartc1@southernct.edu.
Additionally, PEP Talks are open to all students, providing a valuable opportunity to engage with professionals, gain career insights and build confidence.
Mark Zampino, the Director of Professional Enrichment and MBA recruiter, said that the PEP Talk series aims to identify and create opportunities for students to learn beyond their classrooms and textbooks.
“We bring in business experts, business leaders, business owners and business consultants to discuss ‘How Business DOES Business,’” Zampino said. “Those discussions focus on “real world” current business trends, emerging business trends and projected business trends, as well as evergreen topics such as career preparation.”
These sessions take place every Monday and Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. in the Case Study Room (SB 122) of the School of Business.
