Sitting on the cusp of graduation, Abigail Hornacek ’25, finance, reflects on a journey that started in a small high school class of just 20 students and is now leading her to a major career opportunity. As she prepares to don her cap and gown in just a few months, she is also getting ready to step into a new chapter as an external affairs specialist with CenterPoint Energy in Evansville, Indiana, a role she secured through the prestigious Orr Fellowship.
The Orr Fellowship is a highly competitive, two-year post-graduate program that connects recent graduates with leading companies, providing them with full-time employment and opportunities for professional development, career growth, and community service.
“A lot of people mistake it for an internship, which it’s not. It’s an opportunity to get your first big role or big kid role. It’s your first opportunity to get your foot in the door somewhere where you’re doing meaningful work under the guidance of a mentor,” said Hornacek.
She describes the Orr Fellowship as more than just a job placement program, it’s a gateway to meaningful professional growth. The selection process is rigorous, beginning with an online application and a virtual interview. Candidates who advance are invited to a networking event in either Evansville or Indianapolis, where they engage with potential employers and company executives.
“I will be working at CenterPoint Energy as their external affairs specialist with the government. I will basically be serving as a liaison between CenterPoint Energy and the state of Indiana. I’ll be trying to help Indiana meet their sustainability goals for 2035,” said Hornacek.
During her time at Capital, Hornacek appreciated the close-knit community that helped her transition from a small high school graduating class of just 20 students to a larger college community.
“I’ve learned a lot at Capital, but as I look towards my professional goals, I still feel like a baby in that aspect. The fellowship’s goal is more to give you the professional development education that you may or may not have received in college,” said Hornacek. “Professional development is directly tied to getting your first job. It’s really important to have that community if you’re somebody that thrives off of having community, and I think a lot of people at Capital do.”
“I think It’s really important to start somewhere you have a foundation and you have people supporting you along the way,” said Hornacek. “I don’t think that this fellowship should apply to only business students at Capital. One of the main things the fellowship tries to do is to get students out of their comfort zones. “
Hornacek hopes to spread the word about the Orr Fellowship to fellow Capital students, encouraging students from all academic backgrounds to apply.
As she prepares for this exciting new phase of her career, Hornacek remains grateful for the support from her family, Capital, and now, the Orr Fellowship. Her journey serves as an inspiration for other students looking to take their first big step into the professional world with confidence and support.
To learn more about Business at Capital, visit https://www.capital.edu/academics/business/.