A Testimonial from Career & Professional Development’s Employer Relations Strategist, Rae McDonald ’26
It’s a rare and remarkable experience for students to engage directly with a Fortune 500 CEO, asking questions about leadership, vision, and industry impact. Undergraduate education, while robust, can sometimes fall short in providing practical insights into translating academic experiences into professional success. Thanks to LMU’s Career Trek program, provided by Career and Professional Development (CPD), I, along with Christian Hellmund ’26, had the unique opportunity to interview John Stankey, CEO of AT&T.
This experience offered more than a glimpse into the future of telecommunications; it showcased how students like us can contribute to shaping industries and communities on a global scale.
Christian Hellmund ’26, President of the Real Estate Society, and I explored John Stankey’s professional journey, beginning with his time at LMU. Like many students, Stankey initially chose his Finance major for its job security and versatility. We delved into his extensive C-suite experience, discussing the challenges of leadership and what it means to navigate the balance between personal values and organizational priorities.
As student leaders ourselves, we found it particularly thought-provoking to reflect on how leadership often requires making difficult decisions for the greater good of the organization—a challenge we all encounter as we pave our paths to serve others.
Regarding AT&T’s strategic priorities, Stankey highlighted their focus on fiber expansion and broader digital connectivity. Positioned in the heart of the country, AT&T is poised to bridge gaps in connectivity, fostering innovation amidst challenges like inflation recovery, potential tariff impacts, and the ongoing evolution of AI. He emphasized the need for disruptors and innovators to advance these efforts, presenting the telecommunications sector as an exciting and underrepresented field for students to explore.
Rae McDonald and Christian Hellmund interviewing AT&T CEO, John Stankey.
Christian Hellmund, John Stankey, and Rae McDonald.
Career Treks are one of CPD’s flagship programs, designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. These immersive visits to leading companies like Starbucks, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, and Fox Sports connect students with top professionals across diverse fields, from technology and law to entertainment and entrepreneurship.
These experiences go beyond networking; they offer students an inside look at how their academic work translates into real-world impact. By engaging with LMU’s vast alumni network, students gain invaluable insights and connections, empowering them to pursue their career aspirations.
This most recent career trek on January 7th was featured in Dallas, Texas. In addition to visiting AT&T, where we met other members of John Stankey’s team, our trek included visits to ParkHub—a tech company revolutionizing parking operations—and Fisher & Phillips, LLC, a law firm specializing in labor and employment law. These experiences illuminated Dallas’s emergence as a hub of opportunity for students across all academic years. The most rewarding outcomes of these treks are the tangible results: students securing internships and building relationships that kick start their careers.
This experience raises an important question: Are universities adequately preparing students for the professional world? The challenges of entering the job market post-pandemic, coupled with shifting economic and political dynamics, have made the transition from academia to industry increasingly complex.
LMU’s mission to educate the whole person—to prepare students not just for who they are now, but who they will become—is embodied in programs like Career Treks. These initiatives allow students to see their potential reflected in recent graduates and seasoned executives alike.
To further elevate LMU’s prestige, we must continue expanding opportunities like Career Treks, ensuring our students are equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving job market. As the professional landscape changes, so must the experiences and resources we provide to our students.
AT&T CEO John Stankey, with LMU students and Career and Professional Development staff.
