Saint Anselm College joins our Board of Advisors 🎉
Spotlighting the visionary organizations on the Board of Advisors at the heart of our mission. Through innovation, thoughtful strategy, and winning workplace cultures, these employers are shaping the future of the 603.
Our Board of Advisors represents a dynamic group of organizations committed to driving workforce development, championing young Granite Staters, and who are invested in Stay Work Plays vision for a NH where young people want to—and can—stay, work and play.
We’re thrilled to have a conversation with Lauren Burrows, Director of the Career Development Center at Saint Anselm College—a Manchester college providing a transformative education shaped by Catholic and Benedictine values and a liberal arts foundation since 1889.
Did you know that on average, 99% of Saint Anselm College graduates land a great job, start graduate school, or enter military or volunteer service within a few months of graduation?! Get to know more about Saint A’s (and Lauren!) below:
SWP: Why is supporting young talent and organizations like Stay Work Play important to your company’s mission?
LB: In my role as the Director of Saint Anselm College’s Career Development Center, I describe myself as a “connector”; in essence, helping connect students and our young talent to organizations that provide opportunities, knowledge, and perspective to help students make informed decisions about their next steps.
Additionally, I am passionate about helping students recognize their potential, while also understanding how their skills, values, and interests are connected with their professional interests today, and over the course of their lifetime. The work of Stay Work Play furthers my impact as a “connector” by serving as a resource and connecting young talent to information on why NH is a great place to continue their professional journey.
SWP: In what ways does Saint A's and CDC empower the next generation of leaders in New Hampshire? What's unique about your approach to setting students up for success post-graduation?
LB: I believe this empowerment is instilled when a student first steps foot on the campus. Saint A’s provides a unique opportunity for students to lead and thrive in a variety of capacities based on a student’s interests. In addition to fruitful opportunities, the liberal arts education prepares the Saint Anselm student to be critical thinkers, strong communicators, and individuals who are can develop diverse perspectives and values, which is essential to navigating workplace dynamics across any and all industries.
With the Career Development Center, Saint Anselm students have access to a tailored, career advising approach that not only meets students where they are, but helps elevate them to the next level. In my work specifically, I focus on delivering a strengths-based advising approach that goes beyond major and really digs into vocation and impact.
Through these less transactional conversations, I am able to help students identify career paths and opportunity to not only help them “get a job or an internship”, but to develop a vocation that guides them through their professional lifetime.
SWP: What’s a fun fact or hidden gem about your organization that people might not expect?
LB: SAC is the only Benedictine Catholic college in New England, with approximately 30 monks living on campus who frequently interact with students in classrooms, at athletic events, etc.
Our campus is also known as a presidential "Must-Stop". Since 2000, Saint Anselm has hosted numerous U.S. Presidential debates. The College famously hosts “Politics & Eggs” a series that allows presidential candidates to meet with business and community leaders over breakfast.
Politics & Eggs
SWP: Why do you think young people should stay, work, and play in New Hampshire?
LB: New Hampshire offers so much variety and has something for everyone (professionally and personally!) Young people have the opportunity to engage in a robust job market with strong career options, while also engaging in vibrant offerings state-wide.
I especially appreciate how different geographic locations of New Hampshire offers something different based on what someone is looking for. As a Concord, resident, I especially appreciate the professional opportunities while also being able to remain active in offerings on Main Street and within the Concord community in general.
SWP: As a Granite Stater yourself, any Saturday-in-NH itineraries you’d recommend? (A few favorite spots, plus any local color!)
LB: My regular Saturday includes time with my family; usually an activity, such as swimming lessons, followed by coffee and a treat downtown Concord. In particular, my husband and I love going to Revelstoke Coffee, checking out the Farmer’s Market (especially in the spring and summer months), and visiting local favorite businesses including Gibson’s Bookstore, Homebody, and Dos Amigos. I love the walkable nature of the downtown area as we often visit White Park, and certainly visit the newly renovated playground and splash pad!
Huge shoutout to Lauren+ Saint Anselm College for giving us a sneak peek into this verified cool company in the 603! Welcome to the Stay Work Play Board of Advisors!
Interested in learning more about Saint Anselm College? Hit the links below!
