Career Development Blog

Name: Luis Perez

Class Year: 2017

Major: Physics

Shadowing Visit Site:  ?What If! Innovation Company

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

My visit allowed me to immerse myself into a very unique and interesting workplace setting. I did not know what to expect going into the visit, and I walked away equally impressed and amazed. ?What If! is an innovation company that partners with other businesses, to improve their production and workplace efficiency. From the office space, to the people at the site, I could immediately tell it was a special place. I shadowed Mike, a Holy Cross alumnus, he was extremely welcoming and engaging.

The day began with a tour of the space, and lunch. Then, it was followed by a walk through of the “innovation” process that the company prides itself on, as well as preparations for an upcoming trip with a client. I was able to see the inside workings of a company, I otherwise would never have known existed. I learned how what I am learning in class translates into the professional workplace. Through these experiences I was able to connection with professionals working in an industry I am interested in. 

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

As a Physics major, there are many applications for the skills my academics have given me. This experience showed me a real-world example for how my major can apply to a career. This was encouraging, and allowed me to not be as stressed and nervous about the future. Although I have a good idea of my future career plans and goals, it was good to see that there are other options available.

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

My alumni host was incredibly nice throughout the entire experience, and did a great job incorporating me into a stressful and busy environment. He told that I would find my path eventually, and not to worry too much about being uncertain for the future. He shared his own story with me, and how he ended up working at an innovation company. His path took a lot of different turns and he tried a number of different things before ending up where he is now. My host told me that uncertainty is a part of life, and that my background and education would lead me to a great place, even if it’s not especially clear to me where that is.
Why would you recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students?

I would recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program because there is essentially no downside to it. As a junior, I regret missing out on two other chances to shadow, because they would have been very valuable experiences. You can shadow someone, and get insight or form an opinion if you can see yourself in a similar workplace or line of work. If the job is everything you want, then that’s amazing; if it’s not, then at least you know before you commit to it full time and dedicate your studies to it. I don’t necessarily see myself at an innovation company, but I do appreciate the experience and loved having the chance to shadow Mike. It is also a good way to make connections, and meet people, which serves as good practice for any similar situation.

Name: Ali Larkin

Class Year: 2016

Major: Undeclared

Shadowing Visit Site : CNN

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

I visited the CNN headquarters in New York City. I spent the day learning about social media publishing and other news-related things with the Social Media team at CNN. Before this shadowing, I had no idea how jobs in social media worked and what they were like, so it was eye-opening to be thrust into one for a day – and even help shape posts that reach millions of people! I gained a more modern perspective on the hyper-competitive news industry, and how my interests coincided with the field.

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

While I’m still just a sophomore, the alum I shadowed has stayed in contact with me and has been absolutely amazing with helping me get contacts in the industry, apply to internships, and create an online writing portfolio. This experience really solidified my career goals; before my shadowing, I was on the fence about what I wanted to do per my long term career plans, but now I know that I definitely want to go into news and journalism.

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

The best advice that my alum gave me was that people, especially Holy Cross alumni, really want to help you. If you reach out, alumni are more than willing to support and advise you.

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

I would recommend it because sometimes what you imagine a job to be like is very different from how it actually is. In addition, the contacts you create and networking opportunities are invaluable.

Name: Vannak Khin

Graduation Year: 2015

Major: Anthropology and Classics

Industry: Refugee Resettlement

Favorite Class: Ethnographic Field Methods

Campus Involvement: Fusion, LGBTQ Chaplain’s Group, and SPUD. 

College Internship/Work Experience:

Summer 2013 internship at the International Institute of Lowell, Summer 2013 Center for Khmer Studies Fellowship, Summer 2014 Mellon Research, Sociology-Anthropology Department Work Study Student

What were some of the most defining events/opportunities/aspects of your time at Holy Cross?

Finding the right major and concentration,  studying abroad in Vietnam, and becoming more politically active on campus during my Senior year.

What is one thing someone should be certain to do before they graduate?

Find the right professors who believe in you and can inspire you.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

I would advise anyone starting out in the field is to continue developing a critical lens of the field and be aware of the rising or falling political climate that comes with refugees, immigrants, asylees, and any other new Americans. It is certainly an amazing field to consider a career in, particularly in the way in which it is informed by academia, social justice, and social work, but it is also a very demanding and precarious field.

What skills have you found most useful in your professional life that you attribute from learning at Holy Cross?

Holy Cross gave me very strong foundational skills in critical thinking, which I utilize every day in various capacities and environments. It has allowed me to think quickly, think deeply, and think effectively in terms of who and how I serve.

What is the most important advice you could give a student on obtaining an internship or a job?

I would advise the student to really consider the extent and breadth of your own skills and experience, from Holy Cross and beyond. Without cutting yourself short and by being as honest as possible, you can promote yourself as a potential candidate with not only the necessary skills but also the potential to do much, much more.

Full Name:Lauren Reidy

Internship Company: Time Warner Cable Media

Internship Position: Human Resources Intern

Internship Location: New York, NY

While looking for your internship, what services did you use at the Center for Career Development?  

I was in all the time for drop-in hours for resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, the online Career Advisory Networks, and used the wonderful women in Career Development as an invaluable resource in my internship search.

What skills did you gain from your internship experience and how have they added to your professionalism?

My computer skills improved the most, as a lot of my work took place using various web-based processing programs. I got way better at prioritizing and managing multiple projects, including several summer-long projects. I learned how to interact professionally and making sure that numerous requests were processed and handled in a timely and effective manner. I also put my research skills to work, and just tried to absorb as much of what I was doing and what others around me were working on in order to better myself.

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

I didn’t really have a distinct career path before this summer, only a nebulous wish list of things I liked to do and goals for a fulfilling career. After an amazing experience with TWC, I have decided to pursue a career in HR because it was everything I was looking for, even though while I was applying I had no idea it would be for me.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to the future intern?

Stay calm. Your internship will probably not be exactly what you expected, and there will probably be some road bumps. Take a deep breath, work hard, and soak up everything about the internship experience.

Overall, what was your most exciting experience at your internship?

Time Warner Cable runs a news station that covers local Manhattan news. On one of the days we got to go on an outing to see how the news station operated, listen to senior news executives and experience a different side of the TWC business. It was very cool and a very unique experience.

We are at the time of the year where (almost) everyone is thinking about what their plan is for the upcoming summer of ‘16. Whether you plan on staying home and relaxing, or you are feeling really ambitious and want to relocate for a potential summer internship position, the sole thought of planning this far ahead is stressful, especially amidst Holy Cross coursework. I know from experience that a lot of students frequently refer to Holy Cross’ own career database, Crusader Connections, to read about new internship postings and to apply to those of interest. While Crusader Connections is a great resource and one that should continue to be used, there are other viable resources out there as well. It’s important to cast a wide net when searching for an internship. Employers do their best to market their opening to the widest audience; thus, some really valuable internships that don’t run through Crusader Connections appear on other internship & career databases.

I wanted to take the time to highlight other extremely useful career search databases to consider; as a physics major I leveraged a number of internship search resources when conducting my own internship search.  My professional interests lay more in research & development, a field that appears to be a bit more infrequently seen on Crusader Connections (compared to those related to finance, banking, law and medicine, etc.).  I’ve relied on sources like the Liberal Arts Career Network, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to further hone my search to positions that suit my qualifications for a ‘worthy’ summer internship. I hope this post opens your eyes to the many resources out there, beyond Crusader Connections, that can also be instrumental in conducting an effective internship search.

          1. Liberal Arts Career Network (LACN)

LACN is essentially the same format as Crusader Connections, as it is a collaborative venture of 28 high selective liberal arts colleges (including Holy Cross) that promotes contact between students and employers through an all-encompassing, innovative database. The sole benefit of using LACN is that you will see a pool of different postings from many similar liberal arts institutions; presumably, students at these respective universities will have similar interests to you. Thus, you can count on finding something that aligns with your prospective career path by utilizing LACN (in addition to Crusader Connections). The best way to access the LACN database is by going to Crusader Connections and selecting the “JumpTo” feature in the navigation bar.

          2. Glassdoor

Glassdoor is an all-encompassing career search resource that gives a great perspective of different positions by listing the qualities, drawbacks, salaries and overall workplace environment, as depicted by current or former employees (and interns). Glassdoor prides itself on having more job listings than any other comparable career search database. Positions listed by employers are ranked on a 5-star scale; this is decided from the either positive or negative reviews from those with experience with that specific employer. I like Glassdoor because it allows you to create a profile very easily; you can list your interests and what you’re studying, so that Glassdoor will email you when positions are posted according to your specified credentials. With this, the search algorithm on Glassdoor is definitely user friendly; you can tailor your search based on position type – an internship, part-time, or full-time position, how much they pay, and the location of the specific job site. When you are ready to apply, the Glassdoor posting page will redirect you to the house for the application (usually on the company website, but sometimes through third parties like Taleo). I personally have applied to a few different internships through Glassdoor – I haven’t heard back from any yet, but because I applied to these I have received emails to let me know that similar positions have been posted. This is a great feature that really takes the load off of searching for new postings day by day; in fact, one of the really interesting data science internships I’ve applied to came to my attention from these ‘related postings emails.’ Glassdoor won’t flood your inbox either, so it’s definitely worth checking out. Also, if you enter Glassdoor through the link on the Career Development Center’s resource page, you’ll be able to view salary metrics without having to input your own.

          3. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is not only a great networking outlet, but also a valuable job and internship searching tool. If you are unfamiliar, LinkedIn is essentially a professional Facebook; you create a profile that depicts your professional interests and background (tailored with information that you would normally put on a CV or resume). LinkedIn also does a great job at keeping you up-to-date with those in your professional network (like if someone views your profile, or if they endorse the skills you list on your profile). At the top of the site’s main page, there is a search bar that allows you to search for people, jobs, internships, specific companies, recent publications, etc. If you are looking for a job or internship, you simply type in what you want, and then select the “jobs” qualifier at the side. Some postings allow you to apply directly through your LinkedIn profile, whereas others will redirect you to the company page to apply. This is a feature which I believe may go unnoticed by many college-aged LinkedIn users. It is not only a great way to display your professional side, but also an effective method of getting your applications out to many different employers.

 
I hope that my this brief list of alternative search resources is of use to you all! Good luck on your summer-planning endeavors; remember that, on top of these aforementioned resources, there are countless others to check out (some can be found on the Career Development Centers resource page). Don’t forget that Crusader Connections should be your #1 go-to; the Career Development Center does an incredible job of cultivating CC postings through #CHC (crusaders hiring crusaders), previous SIP sites, and recent alumni who now are full-time somewhere. Best wishes!

(Written by Kyle Huges)

Full Name: Emilia Froio

Non-Profit Organization: Homeless Not Hopeless

Position: Summer Intern

Location: Hyannis, MA

While looking for your internship, what services did you use at the Center for Career Development?

During my internship search process I used the Crusader Connections website to find my internship, and then attended the Center’s drop-in hours to meet with career counselors.

Are you involved in any of the COES clubs and/or programs? If yes, how did they help prepare you for your internship?

I attended the Women in Business Conference, which enabled me to think about what I wanted to do in the future.

What skills did you gain from your internship experience and how have they added to your professionalism?

During my internship I was able to gain a wide variety  of experiences, listed below are just some of them.

• Assist in case management (Applying for Affordable/Section 8 Housing, EAEDC/Food Stamps, Transitional Housing Units, SSDI, SSI, etc.
• Maintain an allotted budgets for the corporation.
• Interview potential residents for transitional houses.
• Assess and evaluate potential for success based on factors such as addiction, alcoholism, mental illness, domestic violence, etc.
• Attend housing and Twelve-step functions.
• Maintain donor database and follow up with donors.
• Create newsletters, fundraising, and philanthropy projects.
• Establish relationships with human service agencies in and around the community and maintain corporate records, community fees, and statistics.
• Advocate for individuals who do not have the means to do so themselves.
• Accumulate a plethora of data and indescribable feelings and emotions towards our homeless population on Cape Cod and the Islands.
• Effectively adapt my communication skills and methods to a appeal to different groups of people.
• Accumulate statistical data on those who have entered and left any of the four transitional  houses of HnH.
• Assist in grant writing and grant works.
• Research information regarding medications, mental illnesses, etc.

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

This experience further reiterated my future career goals/plans. Working with the HNH staff was one of the best experiences of my life, because of their commitment to make an impact. I believe that my experience at HNH was most definitely better than I had ever imagined. The overall mission of this organization works with homeless and formerly homeless population. This unique service acknowledges two populations and creates an atmosphere of hope and comfort. Being able to tell a resident that you have once been in their position is comforting and a method that I think works powerfully for the homeless on Cape Cod. I aspire to help those suffering from substance abuse issues, possibly even on Cape Cod.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to the future intern?

I would tell the future intern to go into this experience with an open mind and, most importantly, with an open heart. The individuals you will be working with and for are those who have gone through things you might not even be able to imagine. I have had experience in the addiction field which, helped me a lot during this internship. However, I do not think it is completely necessary that you need prior experience with this population to do great things for them. As long as you work to eliminate your own (unintentional and societally produced/inflicted) stigma towards those with mental illness, homeless, and substance abuse issues, you will learn more than I can put into words. Be open to new experiences and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The individuals you work with will become your family. They will mean more to you than you would ever have thought. You will be changed for the better, I can promise you that. As they say in AA, take things one day at a time. We’re all in this together.

Overall, what was your most exciting experience at your internship?

There isn’t one experience at HNH that I can say was most exciting. Every day at HNH was a blessing. At the end of 12 weeks, to be able to have a client, who has become a family member to you, tell you that she couldn’t have stayed sober for a day without you, is an indescribable feeling. Along with the excitement of client’s success, I was able to have a piece that I wrote on Vivitrol, a form of medication for those with substance abuse issues, published in the Cape Cod Times. It is true; I helped individuals find hope this summer. But not only did my work help them, they helped me. They shaped my future just as much as I shaped theirs. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Name: Suji Yi

Class Year: 2017

Major: Economics and Chinese

Shadowing Visit Sites: Public Consulting Group (PCG) & Sun Life Financial 

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

Both of my shadow days were amazing.  I experienced both companies in a different way, but still learned a lot both days.  At PCG, I followed Krysta who showed me what she does day-to-day in the office and I was able to shadow her to meetings and get a feel for what the office atmosphere was like.  At Sun Life, Mike and Beth prepared a schedule for me, where I had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with different people around the office (directors, human resources, different departments, students in their rotational program etc.) as well as shadowing the two of them for a portion of the day.  This helped me get a feel for what the office atmosphere and culture was like at Sun Life and how the different sectors work together.

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

Both fields are ones that I was interested in before but didn’t really know much about!  After my experience at PCG and Sun Life, my interests for both definitely grew!

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

To take advantage of the resources offered through the Center for Career Development, alumni, and professors.

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

It was a wonderful experience to meet Holy Cross alumni, and be able to shadow them in their specific industry. This opportunity showed me how a Holy Cross education translates in one’s professional career path.  Additionally, it was comforting to hear their stories about the job search and how Holy Cross prepared them for their current positions.

Name: Catherine Leeber

Class Year: 2017

Major: Spanish

Shadowing Visit Site:  Manhattan Hunter Science High School

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

At Holy Cross we are consistently prepared for our future occupations. While we gradually become equipped to make the transition, we still have a lot of questions. During my visit to Manhattan Hunter Science High School, I was able to transition my point of view from college student to high school teacher. I shadowed Mr. Sinchi, a recent HC alumnus who is now a high school Spanish Teacher as well as head of the Spanish Department. I followed Mr. Sinchi’s daily routine and was able to learn about the community of his high school. I observed two Spanish 1 courses, Spanish 2, 3, and a university level class. In between classes I had the chance to chat with Mr. Sinchi about Holy Cross and both of our experiences, how it has changed, and how it has stayed the same. It is refreshing to see alumni that are so passionate about the college bringing that passion into their jobs. He even had a Holy Cross banner in his classroom! Beyond the benefit of observing a Spanish teacher I saw the true pride of an HC alum.

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

I was most influenced by Mr. Sinchi’s story of how he found himself at his current job. He was also a Spanish major and member of the Teacher Education Program during his time at Holy Cross, and gained his first teaching experience through the TEP at Worcester Public Schools. After graduating, he returned to New York City and taught at another high school before arriving to his current position. He advised me that as a teacher it is important to find the right fit, whether it is the first school you work at or not. As I begin my experience in the TEP and as a student teacher, it was helpful to hear his story. I was inspired by the relationship that he has with his students, and how he uses his Holy Cross education at work each day. As I begin student teaching I will keep his path in mind.

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

My alumni host was not only able to teach me tactics he uses in his classroom but also advice for the future. He was able to demonstrate different ways to interact with his students to keep them engaged, and the proper amount of informality to incorporate in the classroom to become a “fun teacher” without getting out of hand. He also proved to me that a Holy Cross education is something that we can be proud of as we enter the workforce and it will help us throughout the process of acquiring a job.

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

I would recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to every student at HC, because first hand experience is the best way to envision oneself in the workforce, no matter what the field may be. The best part about this particular program is the chance to shadow a Holy Cross alumni and being able to understand his or her background. The alumni also love to meet current students and are very inspiring!

Name: Vivian Daly

Graduation Year: 2013

Major: Environmental Studies & Studio Art

Industry: Energy Efficiency

Favorite Class: Environmental Political Philosophy with Professor Hess

Campus Involvement: Eco-Action, Residence Life & Housing, Oxfam America

College Internship/Work Experience:
Regional Environmental Council Intern, Department of Environmental Protection Intern, Oxfam America Intern (SIP)

What were some of the most defining events/opportunities/aspects of your time at Holy Cross?
It’s really hard to pick the MOST defining experience I had at HC, I know that my life would have been totally different had I not gone there. One great experience that I feel helped me professionally (although I didn’t realize it at the time) was my work with Eco-Action. I was able to lead initiatives on campus and a group of environmentalists, getting hands on experience in leadership and management. In the professional world it can take years for someone to have the opportunity to manage a team and there I was doing it in college.

What is one thing someone should be certain to do before they graduate?
Try a lot of things and see what you’re passionate about, go on retreats, join clubs, take new classes.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
This probably applies to every field, but learn from every role you have and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. I began working at my organization in an Inside Sales role, never in my life had I thought I would be a sales person and while sales is not something I want to peruse long term I was able to learn so much in the role and refine my communication skills. Also, never be afraid to network, most people are so excited to talk to a recent grad interested in joining their field.

What skills have you found most useful in your professional life that you attribute from learning at Holy Cross?
Leadership. I always took advantage of different leadership workshops and roles in various organizations. The leadership skills I gained while at HC helped me jump ahead in my professional career.

What is the most important advice you could give a student on obtaining an internship or a job?
Apply to things you’re interested in and excited about. Not only will your enthusiasm and passion help you obtain positions, but you’ll be energized and excited to be working for your organization. Also, always send thank you notes!