What do an attorney, a nurse and a sports business intern have in common?
Arizona State University students participating in the Pathways for the Future program had the opportunity to find out at a unique networking event held Friday, Jan. 19, at State Farm’s Marinalink, located in downtown Tempe, Arizona.
“New Year with New Neighbors” offered ASU Pathways for the Future (PFF) scholars and awardees the chance to connect with and hear from State Farm employees and professionals from diverse careers.
“Hearing the perspectives of these panelists who work here at State Farm in these very different roles opened my eyes as to what kind of career opportunities are out there outside of my general field of study,” said Kenneth Phimmasone, a PFF scholar currently earning his master's degree in industrial engineering.
The Pathways for the Future program, part of the ongoing partnership between ASU and State Farm, was designed to provide students with the skills necessary to stay competitive and relevant in today’s ever-changing workforce. It provides learners opportunities to pursue stand-alone courses, bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs within the W. P. Carey School of Business, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Learners interested in stand-alone courses receive financial support to explore up to 24 introductory credits. Learners interested in working toward a bachelor's degree or certificate within one of the three colleges can receive a scholarship to assist with tuition and fees toward their PFF program. And PFF scholars also have access to comprehensive career support tailored to their needs and interests, including career-goal-setting and competency development.
Attendees at the Jan. 19 event were treated to a lively panel discussion, gaining insights into various career paths while enjoying bagels and coffee. But the event was more than just talk — it included a guided tour of the neighboring State Farm campus, illustrating the wide range of professional opportunities available in unexpected places.
“The close alignment between State Farm and ASU is mutually beneficial,” said Lindsey Hunter, claims litigation counsel at State Farm and a panelist at the event. “ASU students across all the different colleges have direct access to thousands of different types of jobs at State Farm, ranging from conventional roles in accounting to innovative fields like cybersecurity.”
Since the partnership between ASU and State Farm began, over 160 PFF scholars have benefited from educational opportunities, community service experiences and valuable professional connections made possible through events like New Year with New Neighbors. One such event, held in 2023, focused on how data drives decisions in the workplace and the impact this role has in various industries. One hundred percent of the attendees reported that the workshop increased their knowledge of data career fields.
The application deadline for the 2024–25 Pathways for the Future program is March 1. Those interested in pursuing a degree or certificate are encouraged to apply.
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