W&L Outcomes: Jack Maloy ’24

Office of Communications and Public Affairs
August 13, 2024

Jack Maloy '24
Major: Geology major with a German minor
Hometown: Midlothian, Virginia

What will you be doing after graduation?

Following graduation, I will depart the U.S. in September for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. While at home, I will focus on enjoying time in nature with my friends and family, practicing my German and preparing for the upcoming adventure. Following my time abroad, I plan to enter the geology field, working on subsurface reservoir characterization and storage.

How did your career plans evolve over the course of your time at W&L?

I began my time at W&L undecided between interests in finance, geology and German. With time, I found my passion was strongest for geology, while still pursuing accounting and German. Following an exciting internship at a geology consulting firm after my junior year, however, I fully committed to geology and declared it as my sole major with a minor in German.

What internships or other summer experiences did you partake in, and how did those experiences shape you and your career plans?

All three summers, I was fortunate to be engaged in exciting work in my most passionate fields of study. The summer after my freshman year, I worked with geology professor Dr. Jeff Rahl in western Texas and New Mexico, collecting samples for lab analysis and reconstruction of an ancient mountain range. The following summer, I worked with geology professor Dr. Chris Connors on his research using new LiDAR and mapping techniques to identify geologic structure from the air. That same summer, I was also able to serve as a counselor at the Virginia Governor's German Language Academy, a high school immersion program at W&L that seeks to immerse American students in German language and culture. My participation in this program as a high school student first introduced me to W&L and ignited my passion for language learning. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to help provide a similar experience for students like me. I looked beyond campus my junior summer, working at a geology consulting firm focused on subsurface interpretation and carbon management. My experience there was inspirational, and I left knowing I wanted to be a geology professional. When I returned to W&L for my senior year, I switched from the B.A. to the B.S. track in geology and increased my course load accordingly. Although this made for an unexpectedly rigorous senior year, I am thankful I was able to pursue the opportunity and am excited to join the field in the future.

How did the Office of Career and Professional Development support you, and which resources did you find most helpful?

I found the Career and Professional Development Office to be especially helpful, offering perspective and advice to prepare me for the challenge of finding a job. Specifically, I am appreciative of their support in connecting me with alumni and preparing me for interviews. Alumni are a priceless resource for guidance and perspective. I encourage all students to get in touch with the career center as soon as possible.

What did you study at W&L, and what are some skills or learnings you will take from your academic experience into the professional world?

I studied geology and German at W&L, with a few accounting and finance classes mixed in. For the most part, my time at W&L refined my ability to approach situations critically. More specifically, my geology instruction revolved around subjective interpretations of underground reservoirs, a skill set I used to tackle individual interpretation and to confidently present my findings to fellow geologists and employers. W&L, especially the Geology Department, taught me versatility and prepared me for a career in any field, and I am enormously grateful to have had the opportunity to learn.

What clubs, organizations, athletic teams or other extracurriculars were you involved in that had an impact on you?

During my time at W&L, I was involved in the German Club, Outing Club, Club Badminton, the Student Judicial Council and Pi Chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. I had the opportunity to serve in numerous leadership roles across these organizations, and each of these enriching experiences provided me opportunities for growth and lasting memories.

Who or what has inspired you along the way?

I was inspired by my research adviser, Dr. Chris Connors, along the way. Having a career in geological interpretation like that of my goals, Dr. Connors was a natural adviser. However, I was more inspired by his ambitious thinking process, constantly finding ways to improve his own geological skills and apply them to his research while managing duties as a professor. From my time working with him, I learned to keep my skills sharp and my mind always ready for an opportunity.

Did you connect with alumni during your career development process?

Absolutely. The alumni network is one of the strongest aspects of W&L, and I was very fortunate to have met so many alumni who offered me support and connected me with professionals with similar interests. I look forward to being a part of this alumni network and helping students like me.

What career-related advice would you give to next year's graduating class?

I would encourage next year's class to engage with the alumni network as soon and as much as possible. There have been countless alumni who have helped guide me along the way, and I am incredibly grateful for their support. Also, I would advise next year's graduating class to get outdoors and make the most of their time in Lex at any chance they get. Senior year flies by quicker than any other.

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