Freshmen year I came to Wofford College excited about new opportunities and the prospect of realizing my dreams of evolving from a "big girl" to a "grown up." To me, college represented the ultimate opportunity not only to harness skills, learn of entirely foreign topics and create lifelong friends, but also to prepare myself for an ambitious career after my time at Wofford was over.   I was astounded at the professional resources available on campus and made sure to maximize all of the opportunities my school offered me.  However, many of my women friends were hesitant to join me. From the outside the process seemed confusing and, unsure of their aims, they shied away, planning to post pone their professional preparation and skill development until later in their college career. As sophomore year began I realized the career search skills I developed freshmen year were a niche in which I thrived.  Frustrated with my women friend's timid attitudes towards developing their own professional development skills I decided it was important for me to share those skills with other young collegiate women who, like my friends, were hesitant to begin their professional search journey and stop the unwise cycle of professional preparation procrastination.  

 

With this goal, I created the Purple Scarf Society.  Led by Wofford women for Wofford women, this organization prepares women for the professional world.  The Purple Scarf Society focuses on four main areas: What is a Leading Woman, The Professional Search, Making and Keeping Connections, and Mentoring. Through personal interaction, each member develops an effective resume and gains skills in personal advocation and networking.  At the end of each four week program, every Purple Scarf Society member is invited to a unique networking event, hosted at the Iron Yard in Spartanburg, South Carolina.   Now in its second year of existence, the Purple Scarf Society is heading into its fourth semester of programming. Since its creation it has grown exponentially in size and looks for continued growth in the coming year.  

 

-Katherine Buchanan

Founder and Executive Director