Alumni from Compass Connect with Fellow Saints

Canterbury has launched Career Connections, a unique networking opportunity to unite alumni in specific professional fields and foster a dynamic community of mentorship, collaboration, and growth.

The first virtual session featured alumni panelists from Compass—Margaret Smith ’06, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources; Cory Perkins ’06, Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated Services; and Christopher Coleman ’92, the firm’s top-producing Real Estate Agent in Montauk, New York. Compass is the country’s largest independent real estate brokerage, with agents serving communities across the United States. 

Attendees gained valuable insights from this trio’s journeys in real estate, tech, venture capital, and beyond. Margaret, who joined Compass seven years ago after stints in advertising and executive search firms, has seen the ups and downs of the real estate business and shared words of advice with alumni, especially those in the early stages of their careers.

“Staying with a company even when it is not doing well is probably the best decision you could make,” she said. “Those who jump ship looking for greener pastures will not get the invaluable experience of being at a company during hard times—when you might take on more work and manage different personalities under stress. That is one of the most inspiring and validating things you can do for your career arc and overall employment brand.”

Cory, who was close friends with Margaret at Canterbury, told a similar story. He worked in publishing early in his career before shifting to venture capital and, ultimately, joining his former classmate at Compass. “When you can dig your heels in and commit to working hard on some big problems, it is amazing what you will learn,” he shared. “If you want to impress people and get ahead, you have to show them you are willing to put in the time. No matter what role you take on, you are always in sales because you have to convince people to trust you and have confidence in your work. Always follow up and be true to your word.” 

Forging a different path than his Saints colleagues, Chris kicked off his professional life on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as a broker from 1997 to 2006. He then moved full-time to Montauk to start a real estate business in 2007 and joined Compass five years ago. Chris could not be happier with the lifestyle he has carved out as an agent in the field. “I based my life around being with my wife and kids, and it has been amazing,” he explained. “The business part of my life has meshed well with that because I learned so much about time management at Canterbury. I have focused my sales territory to one general location and essentially work for myself, so I have more flexibility. That is my vision of success.”

The first Career Connections was likewise a success, said Director of Alumni Relations Kate Heslin ’96, P ’24, ’25, ’28. “I am thrilled to have partnered with such outstanding panelists to bring this initial session to alumni,” she said. The networking series is ideal for any Canterbury graduates navigating early career choices or seeking fresh perspectives. Stay tuned to our Alumni Events page for future Career Connections and other upcoming events.

If you are interested in joining an alumni panel for Career Connections, please contact Kate at 860-210-3954 or kheslin@cbury.org.