Center for Career Planning

Kevin Lyles ‘85

Community Education Coordinator at LifeNet Health

Major: Business Administration

Please give a brief background about your current company and position.

As a global leader in regenerative medicine, LifeNet Health continues to push the boundaries to give healing every advantage. The organization offers groundbreaking solutions that support healthcare providers and power the work of scientific researchers. This forward-focused approach has improved life for millions of patients, all while honoring donor heroes and their families. I'm one of several Community Education Coordinators in the State of Virginia. In addition to connecting with the community at large about the wonderful things happening at LifeNet Health, a large portion of my job is answering questions about the general process, need, and benefits of organ, eye, and tissue donation. I also spend time dispelling the myths around organ donation to help people make a better informed decision. 

How do you think being at Christopher Newport helped you to pursue your career path? 

I didn't know anyone at CNU when I started, but because of the easy going, welcoming atmosphere, I met a lot of people. I discovered an ability to make connections with others easily, and I was able to establish a foundation of service. The small class size, and accessible faculty also made Christopher Newport a safe place to share your thoughts in class and on campus. Those characteristics became important pillars in my early career in the financial services industry as a banker and stock broker, and later as I transitioned to non-profit work with the United Way and LifeNet Health. Since graduation, I have always had positions where service to others was key.

Which career readiness competency did you develop the most during your time at CNU and how do you use this competency in your career?

Communication, Leadership, Teamwork - My position now involves teamwork, and the communication of ideas.  Being able to adapt on the fly, clearly express challenging information, and show leadership so everyone can feel better about their contribution are all keys to me being successful.

What advice would you give current students?

Learn service to others in THEIR own best interest, not yours. There's a level of integrity that must be present for you to position yourself to benefit others. If you can develop that one characteristic, "Service before Self", you'll certainly know the sentiment behind the old saying, "Doing well while doing Good". 

Fiona St. Clair ‘26

Intern at AvalonBay Communities

Class Year: Senior

Majors: Marketing and Management

Minor: Leadership

What resources did you use to find your internship?

I utilized Handshake, LinkedIn, and engaged in internal conversations.

Which career readiness competency did you use during your internship and please give a specific example of how you developed it.

Teamwork - I worked with my team to oversee the sale of a multi-million dollar building in the heart of Washington DC. I communicated effectively with the current management and the new company taking over as well as using effective communication with residents about the building’s transition.   

What advice do you have for underclassmen seeking internship opportunities?

Apply, apply, apply, even if you think you might not be qualified. Start applying NOW!