Say it to the Seniors

Linda Lubranski, Coordinator of Global Studies; Director of Academic Engagement

1. “Build your leadership, academic and communication skills  on your résumé by presenting at the Study Abroad Conference — if you’ve participated in a faculty-led, summer or semester study abroad program. Contact the  Global and Experiential Center if you want guidance creating this presentation.”
2. “Participate in a faculty-led program. Even if the study abroad program happens after graduation, we can work with the student. This could be a Christmas or graduation gift! Check back on our website later in September for our current program listings. There are also outside programs that are available in January, especially with one of our partners, Florence University of the Arts. This is a great option if a student has to take an intersession course anyway! Schedule an appointment with the Global and Experiential Center (globalstudies@sjny.edu) in order to personalize your abroad experience. We can find ways to make you more marketable in the global marketplace and for graduate school.”

Michael Meyers ’08, Esq., partnered lawyer at Petroske, Riezenman and Meyers

1. “Take a class that you can talk about in a work/grad school interview. My senior year, I took a music in film course (MUS 211). Little did I know that I’d end up talking about it for about five minutes in my law school interview.”
2. “Oh, and stock up on the free food – it’s not as generous in grad school (unless you go to St. Joe’s).”

Brian Wasson, Executive Director of Social Media

1. “Now is a great time to create your professional profile on LinkedIn. Learn how to use that platform to build and find connections, research companies and look for jobs. LinkedIn has an entire area devoted to college students.” 
2. “You don’t need to hit the panic button and wipe your social media profiles clean, but you should be proactive and tailor your LinkedIn profile to the positions and job opportunities you are interested in.”

Daniel Miranda ’13, Operations Coordinator/Dispatcher at WRS Environmental

1. “Make it your full-time job to reach out to potential employers during your senior year and ask what they look for in a rockstar employee. If they’re looking for experience that you don’t yet have, try to find an internship or a part-time job that will give you that experience. If they’re looking for someone who knows Quickbooks or Microsoft Excel, take the time to learn those computer programs.”
2. “Having a degree does not guarantee a job, and everyone needs a plan. Start planning now so you’re ready when graduation comes — it’ll be here before you know it.”

Ellen Burti, Director of Career Preparation and Professional Development at SJC Brooklyn

1. “If you have not yet visited the Office of Career Preparation (SJC Brooklyn, SJC Long Island) or attended any of our events, don’t worry — it isn’t too late. Make an appointment to discuss your post-graduation plans; whether they include graduate school or job searching, we can help.”
2. “Obtain an internship experience. Internships are critical opportunities that offer students a glimpse of the professional world outside the classroom and help to confirm post-graduation goals and develop professional skills. Employers are interested in hiring graduates who have demonstrated their abilities in real-world settings. This will also help students to feel more confident as they begin their search for a job.”
3. “Students should network. This should be happening throughout the four-year college experience and is a vital component of a successful job search. Networking can initially be difficult for students as they learn how to navigate professional communication. One way to practice networking is to attend the Fall Internship and Job Fair at SJC Brooklyn on Oct. 25 from noon to 3 p.m. Here, students can practice their elevator pitch, learn about professional opportunities and about employers they may not have previously considered.”
4. “Most importantly, be open to new experiences and know that the Office of Career Development is here to help along the way.”

Rebecca Kurz ’15, English teacher at East Coweta High School

1. “Figure out if you want to get an advanced degree or go into the workforce because that will affect your student loans and when you will be paying them back. If you plan on going into the workforce, start saving up now. If you plan on going to grad school, start applying to as many scholarships as you can.”

Paige Napoli Carbone ’02, Director of Alumni Engagement

1. “Even though I entered my senior year at SJC in 2001 and graduated in 2002, some of the things that I did as a senior preparing for graduation and the ‘real world’ would be the same advice that I would give to SJC seniors in 2017: Things like don’t be afraid or shy to create your network. It is so important! Consider family, friends, neighbors, professors and alumni. Talk to people about your skills, interests and goals.”
2. “Having a professional mentor is one of the most valuable things you can do to prepare for life outside the halls of SJC. Consider contacting the Office of Alumni Engagement to learn more about our alumni mentoring program, SJCmentor, job shadowing and informational interview opportunities with alumni in your field or area of interest.”
3. “You have a built-in network with over 34,000 alumni that are willing and able to help you succeed and want that for you.”
4. “Be genuine. Be true to who you are. Don’t forget that as the world outside of college showcases how tough and competitive it really is.”