Career Development Blog

April 11, 2018

Meet Alum Gaby Betances ’14, Tenants’ Rights Coalition Paralegal at Bronx Legal Services

Meet Alum Gaby Betances ’14, Tenants’ Rights Coalition (TRC) Paralegal at Bronx Legal Services

Name: Gabriella Betances (Gaby)

Current Title/Employer: Tenants’ Rights Coalition (TRC) Paralegal at Bronx Legal Services

In one sentence, what does your job entail?

The TRC partners with community organizers who help organize tenants in buildings, and I provide support on “Know Your Rights” education as well as on affirmative litigation that the tenants decide to pursue.

What and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross?

I knew I wanted to do a service program after of Holy Cross, but the program I was interested in denied me right after finals. Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) was a last minute application and acceptance, placing me in NYC as a Benefits & Housing Advocate at Make the Road New York (MRNY). That was my introduction to the legal field, community organizing, and the non-profit sector.

How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

MRNY is a grassroots organization that combines services with in-house organizing. Not only were members empowered, but there was a strong sense of community, all of which made me feel so alive. I’m now figuring out if I want to work towards these values through law school.

What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was an OL, RA, Passport pathfinder, Spanish tutor, tour guide, Senior interviewer for admissions, Relationship Peer Educator (RPE), Pullshapes contemporary dance group, and Office Assistant for the Theatre Department.

What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I learned so much about history, culture, writing, critical thinking, and social justice through my Spanish and Latin American studies majors. I wanted to bring these skills and lenses by working with and for the community. I am also passionate about language access, and I currently work with tenants who do not necessarily understand English, legalese or both.

What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Super critical thinking and active, intentional listening

April 10, 2018

Meet Alum Alex Bonano ’17, Admissions Associate & 9th Grade Health Teacher

Meet Alum Alex Bonano ’17, Admissions Associate & 9th Grade Health Teacher at Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School

Name: Alex Bonano
Class Year: 2017
Current Title/Employer: Admissions Associate & 9th Grade Health Teacher/Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School

In one sentence, what does your job entail?
It entails providing families with alternative options for their student’s educational future, while also guiding these students academically and personally.

What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross?
Being a graduate of Cristo Rey Boston High School, I understood that if I wanted to participate in a year or two of service if it would have to be for the Cristo Rey Network. I applied for a position at Cristo Rey Manhattan and they gave my information to Cristo Rey Brooklyn. I received a phone call the day of my commencement, just moments before the procession and the rest is history.

How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

I didn’t learn or decide that it was a good fit for me, because it felt like a good fit for me. Visiting the school, meeting with the students and experiencing the sense of community is what made me come to my decision.

What were you involved in when you were on campus?
I participated in a little bit of everything, but these were some of my main leadership positions. I served on the Executive Board of LASO for three years and was the Co-Chair during my second year. Additionally, I served as a Resident Assistant in Alumni Hall and then later as a Student Resident Director for Carlin Hall. Lastly, I was a mentor in the Peer Mentor Program and Writing Fellow for the Writer’s Workshop. I also participated in the Magis program before its discontinuation.

What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
My major was Latin American & Latinx Studies. It did not really affect my career decisions. I never thought that I would end up in Education and I am not necessarily using what I studied in my job. However, the courses that I took during my time as a LALS major, equipped me with the knowledge to better articulate and comprehend my lived experiences and the experiences of my students that I currently teach and mentor.

What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
Time allocation and prioritization are two skills that I have developed during my time at HC. Because I have two very distinct positions at my current job, I have to know how to maximize my productivity so that I can utilize my time wisely. This is done by assessing how much time an assignment takes while also making sure to effectively prioritize my tasks. I juggled a lot of different responsibilities while at HC that also had varying time commitments. With that being said, I definitely utilize those skills now.

What advice do you have for students on campus today?
Do not hesitate to make yourself available to opportunities that may not be in your intended industry. Additionally, place an extreme importance on shadowing job sites and also place an importance on first impressions on the employer’s behalf. We often hear as potential employees that we need to have great first impressions, but the same is very much true for employers.

April 10, 2018

Meet Alum Genevra Le Voci ’09, Senior Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Meet Alum Genevra Le Voci ’09, Senior Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations at The Frick Collection

Name: Genevra Le Voci

Class Year: 2009

Title: Senior Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Organization Name: The Frick Collection

In one sentence, what does your job entail?

My position at the Frick entails raising funds from foundation and corporate donors for special exhibitions, education programs, and the library in addition to growing the museum’s corporate membership program.

What were you involved in when you were on campus?

As a Holy Cross student I was involved with SPUD as a volunteer at Plumley Village and a member of Gesso, the student art club. At Gesso, we curated exhibitions of student art in the basement of the Hogan Campus Center. I co-chaired Gesso during my senior year. It was a lot of fun and a great way for me, an Art History major, to get to know my Studio Art peers better and to display their work. I also had two work study jobs (after I I worked in Kimball during freshman year, of course). I worked at the Archives and Special Collections at Dinand Library and at the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery. These were both wonderful experiences–I expressed my interest in a career in museum work to Mark Savolis at the Archives and Roger Hankins, Director at the Cantor Art Gallery. They were both great supervisors and gave me the opportunity to work on projects that gave me a sense of what it might be like to work at a museum. At the Archives I researched and organized small exhibitions from the Archives collections that were displayed in cases in the Reading Room in Dinand (I worked on one of these with a fellow Art History major, which was especially fun). At the Cantor Gallery, I got the chance to assist in art handling when we installed and de-installed exhibitions.

What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I enrolled in Holy Cross as a Classics major but I also had a strong interest in Art History (I had a phenomenal art history teacher in high school) and I took Art History classes throughout my freshman year. I didn’t officially declare a double major in Classics and Art History until my sophomore year. A turning point was Medieval Art, a class I took with Professor Virginia Raguin the first semester of my sophomore year. At that point, I knew I wanted to so something in the visual arts. Professor Raguin was an amazing mentor–she guided my through countless internship applications (and was always a willing reference) and pushed me both academically and in my career expectations. Under her tutelage, I designed my own tour of the Worcester Art Museum on a topic in medieval art, something I had never done. She and Professor David Karmon (whose classes sparked my interest in Renaissance art) also advised my senior thesis.

At Holy Cross, I was able to delve into Art History and realize what I loved so much about it–how it was a way for understanding human experience and history visually. My Art History major made clear something I had only had an inkling of when I started college: that I wanted to work in a museum, or like institution, dedicated to bringing this experience–the discovery of visual art and culture–to the public.

What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Writing is a major component of my job. I am always writing proposals, grant applications, reports, and letters. At Holy Cross, I developed and honed my writing skills (because of Professor Ellen Perry in the Classics Department, to this day I avoid beginning sentences with participles). Most of the writing I do now is different from academic writing. However, I think if you are confident in writing academically, which to me is the most challenging, other types of writing may come more easily.

What advice do you have for students on campus today?

My advice is to explore what interests and challenges you. Take classes on subjects and topics that make you ask questions and think deeply. Go to office hours and talk with your professors. Do activities that you find rewarding. Evaluate these experiences and think “Is there something here I’d like to consider for a job and/or career?” Process this information and take advantage of the resources available on campus (the Center for Career Development and the Writer’s Workshop, to name a few).

April 10, 2018

Meet Alum Jena Rascoe ’08, Marketing Manager at RSM US LLP

Meet Alum Jena Rascoe ’08, Marketing Manager at RSM US LLP

Name: Jena Rascoe

Class Year: 2008

Title: Marketing Manager

Organization Name: RSM US LLP

In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I’m responsible for marketing RSM’s tax, audit, and consulting services in Connecticut and Westchester County, NY – which includes managing speaking roles, events, sponsorships, advertising, communications and promoting thought leadership to our network.

What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was a Relationship Peer Educator, which was part of the counseling center. We organized student programs that provided information and support around adjusting to new social situations, navigating difficult dynamics between peers, and adjusting to life on campus after being abroad. I was also a tutor for a 7^th grader at the Nativity School in Worcester. I’ve always been interested in community involvement that’s geared towards education or emotional support.

What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was an English major, so I did a LOT of writing. I knew I wanted to leverage those writing skills in whatever career path I chose, so I started out on the editorial side of publishing. That morphed into writing and editing marketing materials… and I found I enjoyed being part of a marketing team. While being an English major did solidify my passion for communications, it also taught me to be open to different types of roles and industries – as long as I could use that part of my brain. That openness has proven to be useful in today’s job market.

What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

1: A comfort level with asking questions. Intellectual curiosity – and seeking to understand the goals and reasons behind the work – is key to being successful a strategic marketer. HC gives you an environment to hone that skill, and I use it literally every day.

2: Developing high quality writing skills and an eye for detail. That’s important whether I’m writing a marketing plan, pulling a presentation together, or even writing a simple email. Many people in today’s environment are moving too fast to pay close attention to detail, so when you produce a high quality piece, it stands out.

What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Have confidence in the fact that your HC education is practical and can be applied to a variety of careers and roles. One of the great things about learning so broadly is that you’re prepared to try new things as you go through the learning “process.” Rely on the work ethic and critical thinking from HC to get you through the periods of uncertainty as you’re deciding your next step… it always leads you in the right direction!

March 23, 2018

Dear Seniors,

By now, we have all come to the realization that senior year is a complicated relationship. There are so many wonderful memories- partying with friends at Senior Ball and 100 Days Ball, going on the best Spring Break vacation and living everyday knowing we are one step closer to walking across that stage and leaving the gates of Holy Cross. However, this is where things get complicated. For those of us who may not have a job yet, the idea of leaving Holy Cross may not be too appealing. If anything, there might be a longing to have an extra month or even year to figure out what our future is going to look like outside of college.

Even though we are trained to plan meticulously and be organized here, our future is not set in stone. If we take a look back at our lives, so many unexpected things happen all the time. As Oprah said during her speech at Harvard University in 2007, “Sometimes you find out what you are supposed to be doing by doing the things you are not supposed to do.” Graduating without a job is not the end of the world. It can be a chance to take interesting classes to gain experience, find a new opportunity that wasn’t available during the school year or simply do some self reflection and awareness.

The important thing to know is that at the end of the day, we are finally receiving a Bachelor’s degree from Holy Cross after years of hard work. But before we do that, here are a few things you can do while you wait to hear what will happen after graduation:

Make your LinkedIn profile stronger

Companies may be using this time to assess your profile as they are reviewing your application.

Strengthen your resume

No matter where you are in the job search process, you can always come in to the office for Drop In Hours, Monday- Friday 1-4 PM.

Research yourself

Find out what information is online about you. Maybe you didn’t know that that crazy picture from Spring Break was public to everyone and now you know you should probably untag yourself asap.

Create a list of people for networking

You can never have too many connections. Use the waiting time to continue building your contacts, especially by using the Career Advisory Network.

Find a project to do

For those of us who may have extra time on our hands, it may be helpful to find a project that is related to what you may be thinking of pursuing. This is a great way to build more experience and skills that you can later transfer over to your resume.

Overall, take your time to enjoy senior year. We have the rest of our lives to be working towards building a future but only one year to have a last year of college. Everything will fall into place and it’s all going to work out at the end.

Sincerely,

A Fellow Senior

March 23, 2018

Alumni Job Shadowing Program: Taylor Moss ’18

Meet Taylor Moss ’18 who participated in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program at NBC

Full Name: Taylor Moss

Class Year: 2018

Major: English/Psychology

Shadowing Visit Site: NBC

1. Describe your visit and what did you gained from the experience?

I was able to shadow at NBC in New York City, specifically in the marketing department for their Hispanic channel, Telemundo. My morning started with meeting my alumni and getting to know her. It was great hearing about her favorite parts of Holy Cross and how she adjusted after graduation. Then, we went over her responsibilities, and I got to see projects she was working on (and what a really full calendar looks like). She had scheduled meetings for me with her coworkers that I went to throughout the day to learn more about the company and the marketing field—they even added a last minute meeting with a sports marketing specialist because they heard I loved sports! After we got lunch together, I got to sit in on meetings and brainstorms. Seeing the creative process first hand was a great experience. Since I am graduating (too) soon, it was very helpful to see what a day in the real world, along with the workplace expectations and opportunities that come with it, is like.

2. How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans/goals?

I am very interested in going into marketing after graduation and was hoping to learn even more about the field. Being able to see what a typical day in the office is like gave me a realistic view into what the day to day responsibilities can entail. There was definitely more variety than I expected, and I am excited about that—I love keeping busy and being able to pursue multiple goals. I previously had internship experience in trade marketing, but shadowing an alumni gave me insight into what integrating marketing is like as well. One of my favorite parts were the meetings my alumni set up for me with other people in the office. It was great to hear about their experiences, opinions and responsibilities while networking.

3. What is some helpful advice your alumni host shared with you?

My alumni host was amazing! Some of the most helpful advice she gave me was to pursue something I love and to continue to make connections, especially within the Holy Cross network.

March 16, 2018

Alumni Job Shadowing Program: Rossangelly Toro Carrillo ’19

Meet Rossangelly Toro Carrillo ’19 who participated in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program at the McGovern School

Full Name: Rossangelly Toro Carrillo

Class Year: 2019

Major: Psychology and Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies

Shadowing Visit Site: McGovern School

1. Describe your visit and what did you gain from the experience?

My visit was an all day experience where I was able to observe Lucia Coplan in both aspects of her job as the school’s occupational therapist. For the first half, I sat in on meetings between her and teachers and/or other faculty members where they discussed their concerns regarding certain students and their plan of action. In the second half, I was able to watch her carry out her sessions with a different range of students, implementing different techniques. It was really nice to gain a different view on what goes into being an occupational therapist and what it looked like specifically in the educational setting.

2. How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans/goals?

I came into Holy Cross expecting to be a biology pre-med student because I never realized how much there was in the medical field. This experience really enlightened me to push beyond the boundaries I know and search for things I never knew were there. Lucia shared great experiences from doing occupational therapy with veterans and how medically driven that was. It was nice to feel like I had finally found the profession I was so desperately searching for. The more I asked Lucia about her experiences and career, the more I could see myself in her shoes.

3. What is some helpful advice your alumni host shared with you?

Lucia really emphasized the importance of the Holy Cross alumni network and just how far it could take you. She was also really great about ensuring that I realized that occupational therapy is a very diverse career – it could serve in education, medicine, business. It was nice to see that I could have so many options and to hear from Lucia the path she wishes someone would have told her about.

4. Why would you recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students?

It’s a great experience to see first hand what actually takes place on the day to day of someone’s profession. Even if it is something that you don’t necessarily think you’d like, being exposed to this experience might change your mind. It could also do the opposite and show you that what you always thought you wanted actually isn’t what you think it is. The experience is great not only for opening up your perspectives on different paths but also for networking. We are fortunate enough to have incredibly loving alumni and it is important to take advantage of those opportunities.

March 7, 2018

Alumni Job Shadowing Program: Marialena Bevilacqua ’20

Meet Marialena Bevilacqua ’20 who participated in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program at Amazon Robotics

Full Name: Marialena Bevilacqua

Class Year: 2020

Major: Mathematics

Shadowing Visit Site: Amazon Robotics

1. Describe your visit and what did you gain from the experience?

During Christmas Break, I shadowed Mr. Chad Wright at Amazon Robotics, in North Reading, Massachusetts. The original date that Mr. Wright and I had planned for was altered due to the biggest storm of the winter occurring during my visit to Massachusetts. Later on in January, I finally made it to the site. When I first got to Amazon Robotics, I walked by a large cement floor, where robots were being produced, tested, and were carrying around tall boxes. Soon after that, Mr. Wright explained to me what the company does, who works at the company, and what his position and daily routines are at the company. Throughout the day, I met with people of various job titles, including a Business Intelligence Developer, Business Systems Analysis, a Project Manager, a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, as well as a Security Engineer and a Help Desk Technician. Each career and job position had its own purposes and responsibilities, and each employee had their own path in order to achieve their current position. It was extremely interesting to learn how each employee got to where they are and what steps they took in order to achieve their goals and fulfill their daily responsibilities at work. What I gained most from this experience was learning that there are many possible career opportunities for STEM majors, and that there are many different paths to travel down in order to achieve ones’ future career goals. At the end of the day, Mr. Wright brought me for a tour of the site where I was able to piece together how each persons’ role played an important part in the overall production and success of the company. Overall, it was a great experience and I was able to visit a unique and interesting company that I would have not been able to explore without the Alumni Job Shadowing program.

2. How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans/goals?

As a Mathematics major, the most common route to follow post-graduation is to become involved in the business or finance fields. But this experience opened my eyes to the vast opportunities that exist for a math major in the technology sector. Within technology, a mathematics major can obtain a degree in engineering, computer science, and other scientific fields. There are also opportunities to be involved in business or finance within a technology company. For a math major who is interested in Finance, but does not want to work on Wall Street, a technology company is another great alternative. Learning about all of these new and fascinating career opportunities opened my eyes to potential careers that I was not aware of prior to my visit with Mr. Wright at Amazon Robotics.

3. What is some helpful advice your alumni host shared with you?

Some helpful advice my alumni host shared with me was to do everything I can in order to prepare myself for a variety of future careers. For example, Mr. Wright suggested that I take Computer Programming in order to open up doors to various technology opportunities that might present themselves in my future. It might even be helpful to take technology courses at schools that offer these classes, such as WPI, in order to better my chances at a future in the technology field. This is advice that I had never received before, and am sure that it will prove to be beneficial to myself and my future.

4. Why would you recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students?

I would most definitely recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students. This experience allows you to connect with a Holy Cross alumni who has shared similar experiences to your own, and shows you what your work-life and future employment could look like in years to come. The job shadowing program provides you with someone who becomes a role model, as well as goals that one might aspire to achieve. On the contrary, the Alumni Job Shadowing Program may provide a student with an idea of what they do not want to do with the rest of their life, which is just as equally beneficial, and sets the student on a mission to explore exactly what they want to do and participate in more shadowing experiences. All-in-all, I had an amazing experience at Amazon Robotics this winter break, and was fortunate enough to connect with another member of “Sader Nation,” all thanks to the Alumni Job Shadowing Program.

March 6, 2018

Alumni Job Shadowing Program: Manuel Alvarez ’20

Meet Manuel Alvarez ’20 who participated in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program at the Boston State House

Full Name: Manuel Alvarez

Class Year: 2020

Major: Spanish/Latino Studies

Shadowing Visit Site: Boston State House

1. Describe your visit and what did you gain from the experience?

For my job Shadow Visit, I had the wonderful opportunity to shadow Anne Ziaja. Anne is the Executive Director of the Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement. Before I speak of my experience at the state house, I wanted to emphasize how great Anne is. Without her, I do not think that my experience at the State House would have been as amazing as it was. As soon as I met Anne, she greeted me with so much energy and excitement which made me feel very welcome to be at such a prestigious place.

Throughout the day, we attended two very interesting and important meetings. We started our day by attending a proposal for The Delegation of Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Here I heard Secretary Matthew Beaton, whom works in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, speak of water pollution in Massachusetts. We also attended a hearing to pass a legislation for hunting law. During the hearings, all of the state senators gather to debate about passing a certain law. I was able to see many, if not all of the Massachusetts Senators in one single room. Anne made sure I meet as much as I could.

My favorite part of the shadow visit was when Anne took me to Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz office. Senator Chang-Diaz is the first Latina elected to the Massachusetts Senate. She is also The Senator of my district in Boston which is the South end! Here I was able to meet Nathanael Shea who is the Chief of Staff and is also an Alumni of HC as well. With the help of Anne and Nathanael, I was offered a summer internship in Senator Change-Diaz office. This was definitely the highlight of the Shadow!

2. How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans/goals?

After college, I would like to work in the field of international affairs concentrating in a Humanitarian area. Although this experience is not related to my future goal there is a connection. I believe that they both have a goal to insure development, health and protection for the greater good. The people at the State House work together for the citizens of the common wealth. This experience also influenced me to keep up with what is going on in the state politically.

3. What is some helpful advice your alumni host shared with you?

From Anne, I learned that I should not be scared to show who I am. With the help of Anne, I was able to meet and connect with so many people. She made sure I was able to introduce myself, ask questions and also speak of my interest with as many people as I could which is very important in such environment. She influenced me to not be afraid of introducing myself in a very proud and professional manner. As a college student, it is essential that we make as many connections as possible for future references such as internship and job opportunities.

4. Why would you recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students?

I would definitely recommend shadowing at the State House because there are many opportunities here no matter what your interests are. It is a great opportunity to learn about what is going on in state today. You can also meet and hear about experiences from many alumni of Holy Cross. I was very surprised to have met so many HC graduates. They were more than happy to speak of their work and collegiate experience.

March 6, 2018

Alumni Job Shadowing Program: Brandon Brito ’20

Meet Brandon Brito ’20 who participated twice in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program

Full Name: Brandon Brito

Class Year: 2020

Major: English and Theatre

Shadowing Visit Site: Cristo Rey New York and KIPP Charter School

1. Describe your visit and what did you gain from the experience?

I never know what to expect with my visits but being this was my second time doing it, I realized how much alumni want us to reach out and network with them. I visited Cristo Rey and KIPP Charter school and got to have two very different experiences. At Cristo Rey, I actually shadowed a teacher and sat in his classrooms as well as engaged in conversations with his students including a debate that was done. I got to meet all the teachers as well as learn about a possible fellowship I may want to do when I graduate. At KIPP Charter school, I had a more administrative experience. I got to learn about the process it takes to build a school from scratch including the teacher hiring process that was useful to learn about because in a few years, I will be interviewing for that.

2. How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans/goals?

I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher and get into education. With every visit, I am reminded how much I want to do this. I got excited walking into those classrooms and speaking with students. With Cristo Rey, I got that rush and excitement when I stepped foot inside. I often forgot I was a Holy Cross student and felt like a teacher in that moment- sharing my experience and the process up until to this point.

3. What is some helpful advice your alumni host shared with you?

I got to know two alumni and felt confident in the education I am getting here at Holy Cross. Both shared a similar advice which was to reach out to more alumni and create a strong network because they are eager to assist to fellow Crusaders.

4. Why would you recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students?

You lose nothing by doing this program. It’s best to do it as early as possible because it does help with the constant uncertainty of what you want to do especially for those struggling to pick a major.