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Alumni Guest Post: Priscilla Lam ’12

Next up in our Alumni Guest Post series: Priscilla Lam ’12 discusses her role as a clinical research coordinator in the Center for Neuro-Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute!

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Priscilla Lam ’12

I could not have been more ecstatic when I received a phone call from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA) during senior week with an offer to be the new clinical research coordinator in the Center for Neuro-Oncology. Without any hesitation, I immediately accepted the job offer even though I was informed that the start date of my job would be June 4th (exactly 9 days after graduation!). Everything felt like a whirlwind, but I was very excited to begin a new chapter of my life in Boston.

It is hard to believe that I have been working at Dana-Farber for over four months now. Dana-Farber is an outpatient clinic that is directly connected to Brigham and Women’s Hospital (inpatient). I absolutely love working here. Sometimes it feels like I never left Holy Cross because I work with three other Holy Cross alums in my department and I am constantly running into Holy Cross grads from all years working in various disease centers at Dana-Farber.

The responsibilities of a clinical research coordinator differ slightly depending on the disease center. In Neuro, the majority of the patients I work with are Glioblastoma patients. I am responsible for knowing several clinical trials and being familiar with protocol requirements. Our primary responsibility is data entry and management. We are responsible for entering medical/surgical history information, lab values, concomitant medications, adverse events, etc. in the database for each clinical trial participant for sponsors to review. We have monitors (a representative hired by the sponsor, usually from a pharmaceutical company) come in once a month for every clinical trial to review our data and ensure that all data are properly documented and captured. They issue queries and we are required to answer these queries in a timely manner. Research coordinators are essentially the primary point person between the industry sponsor and the research team at Dana-Farber. We also have regulatory responsibilities such as submitting Serious Adverse Event reports to the Dana-Farber Internal Review Board and the industry sponsor. Other duties include preparing research tubes/kits and flow-sheets for nurses, shipping samples, requesting pathology, scheduling clinic visit appointments and MRIs, [and] communicating with patients, ordering labs, being in attendance when physicians screen/consent patients for potential trials, reviewing provider notes to ensure that there is proper source documentation for data, and organizing/prepping patient charts to be ready for monitor visits and future audits.

Most of the research coordinators work in the Longwood Galleria offices while clinic is in the Yawkey Building. Every day is different. This is not a typical 9-5pm job. Things come up spontaneously and each day is completely unpredictable. Generally, clinic days tend to be busier because that is when our patients come in for visits. I learn something new every day. This job can be challenging and demanding at times, but overall very rewarding. It is interesting to see research from a clinical perspective and being part of the research care team is fulfilling.

Clinical trials give patients a sense of hope. Clinical trials investigate specific experimental drugs not yet approved by the FDA and explore novel cancer therapies, as well as implement standard of care treatment in hopes of finding new and effective treatments for patients.

My favorite part of this job is being a contributing member of the research team and having the opportunity to experience full clinical exposure. I also take much pride in being able to work at an institute that offers state-of-the-art treatment for patients, with renowned physicians and experts on brain tumors, and a team of compassionate individuals consisting of neuro-oncologists, researchers, nurses, and PA. I could not have asked for a better place to be after graduating from Holy Cross. Everyday, I find myself inspired by patients, their families, and the support and care that clinicians provide to patients. This job has definitely helped reinforce my dreams of pursing a future career in medicine. I cannot thank the Holy Cross faculty, staff, and alumni network enough for opening my eyes to the opportunities that can be had working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Dana-Farber.

Connect with this story?

Learn more about careers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute here.
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How to Forge a Successful Career

Holy Cross students are undoubtedly the ambitious type, but what does it really take to build a successful career in the “real world”? This week Career Planning will be hosting the panel, “How to be a Successful Alumnus.” As a companion to our workshop, HC Career Counselor Megan Chester discusses some key tips to making your career successful…. Enjoy!

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Entering the world of work and achieving alumni status is an amazing accomplishment, but landing a job is only the first step.  Maintaining professional success once you leave Holy Cross is vital to the longevity of your career path.

First impressions are lasting and all situations require that you put your best professional foot forward.  Attend meetings and sessions fully prepared.  Write your ideas and questions down and complete your contribution to the best of your ability.  Before emails or documents go to your boss, clients or colleagues, be sure to thoroughly proof read your work.  Do not forget to dress the part, clothing attire is part of the office culture.  No need to break the bank on a new wardrobe, but you will want to update your closet with a few basics such as slacks, button-up shirts and a pair of sturdy dress shoes.

A new work setting comes with new co-workers.  You can pick your friends, not your staff members.    Throughout your career, you will encounter personalities that will challenge you.  Find ways to develop positive working relationships by learning the strengths of those you work with and how you can achieve company goals together.

Your first job will not be your last job, networking never ends.  Create a LinkedIn profile and join Holy Cross and industry affiliated groups.  Building relationships within your industry will allow you to move up in your career path.   The friendly staff in the Career Planning Center can help you create your profile and teach you how to effectively network online.

For more about forging your successful career, come to the How to be a Successful Alum Workshop at 4 PM in Hogan 403 on Monday November 5, click here for details.
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Don’t SPOOK your Employers: How to Dress for Success

Happy Halloween Holy Cross!

Since today you will be especially conscious of your wardrobe choice, this is the perfect opportunity to review the art of business wear. Although we trust you won’t walk into an interview dressed like a Halloween pumpkin, it’s always helpful to have a refresher session on the basics of dressing to impress.

For an interview, the general rule of thumb is “you can never be too overdressed.” You have a short period of time to be assessed by a potential employer, so dress like you want the part five times over. While you want to convey professionalism through your dress, you don’t want to be remembered for your outfit. (You want to be remembered for your qualifications!) This means veering away from loud colors and statement jewelry. Go back to the basics!

What exactly are the basics for an interview?

  • Women:
    • Conservative Dress/Knee-Length Skirt or ironed business slacks with a blouse
    • No LOUD colors (in your outfit, jewelry  or on your NAILS)
    • Limit the perfume & jewelry
    • Keep your hairstyle simple and professional (Tie out of your face to avoid playing with it during an interview- it’s distracting!)
    • Simple heels or flats (This is not the time for fashion forward stilettos!)
  • Men:
    • Basic suit with neutral colored button-down shirt
    • Simple tie
    • DARK socks (Don’t let us catch you in white!)
    • Nice leather shoes

    Check out this video (via Career Builder) for specific interview fashion tips!

Outside of an interview setting, it is still important to dress professionally in the workplace. However, you must also feel out your work environment and look to your coworkers to see what the norms are. Someone working on Wall Street will undoubtedly be expected to dress more formally than someone who works at the more business casual Google office. However, for the first few days of your internship or job, lean towards overdressing.

Although it may seem like we are trying to quash your self-expression, there are many ways to dress professionally and still incorporate your own style. Also remember that dressing conservatively does not mean you cannot be stylish! For great workplace style tips, check out the following sites:

  • Women: Marie Claire at Work here (includes how to be “business chic,” what to wear as a fragrance at the office and more!)
  • Men: Check out GQ’s “A 10-step GQ Guide to Nailing Office Style” here

Ready to Dress for Success? Good.

Now feel free to change back into your Pumpkin costume, after all it is still Halloween!
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The Inside Scoop: What Employers Want to See on a Resume

You have one page to prove yourself. Although that sentence may seem a little harsh, a resume does essentially mean fitting and appropriating all of your accomplishments into one 8×11” page. Understanding that you have limited space begs the question, “What do employers look for in a resume?”

Of course there are the basics: Education, Relevant Work Experience, Volunteerism etc. However new research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers suggests eight out of ten employers value and seek leadership skills on a candidate’s resumes. Thus, instead of over-involving yourself in campus activities to bolster your resume, hone in on your genuine interests and pursue a leadership position in one of those activities. The age-old notion of “quality over quantity” still applies!

NACE also highlighted NINE other qualities that employers sought in their applications. Check out the below picture to see all 10 desired attributes and think about how these qualities fit into your resume. Since resumes are ever-evolving documents, make changes that reflect these ideals.

While you definitely want to focus on developing desirable skills and experiences, don’t forget the basics rules either:

  • No typos: When there’s limited space, the details count! Always proofread your work AND have someone else check it as well.
  • Action Verbs: Under your experiences, choose action words to strengthen your descriptions. Make sure you use the right verb tense too!
  • Relevant Experiences: Although you may be really proud of your ability to make triple chocolate brownies from scratch, that fact should remain far outside the purview of your resume! (Well unless you want to be a baker…) Remember your goal is to snag an interview, so keep it relevant.
  • One readable page: For college students, your font size should be between 10 –12. And just in case you forgot… Resumes are ONE page documents!

For basic resume guidelines, check out HC Career Planning’s Resume worksheet!

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If you have quick questions about your resume, come to Career Planning Drop-in hours every day from 1-4pm or log on to Crusader Connections for Virtual Drop-ins every Monday from 7-9pm!

….just because everyone needs a laugh on a Friday, check out the “150 Funniest Resume Mistakes, Bloopers and Blunders” here.

Happy Resume editing!

Source: Article Source: Picture
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“What’s in Hogan 203?” Effectively Using Career Planning Resources

You’ve probably been encouraged to take advantage of college resources on many different occasions in your academic career. However, it is not always clear how or which programs are best suited for you.

In this installment of “What’s in Hogan 203?” we will reacquaint you with the services and resources offered virtually by the Career Planning site. The mentioned sites are definitely worth taking a look!

STEP 1: Log on to www.holycross.edu/careerplanning. Click “Online Resources”

  • First on the top right corner, you will find our “Self-Help Guides.” These packets will take you step-by-step through the process of developing your Resume, writing a Cover Letter and learning more skills to help you score your dream internship or job. This is the place to start learning how to develop your professional profile, while avoiding a major faux pas.

All of these guides are also offered in print inside the Career Planning Center- Hogan 203.

  • In the top left hand corner, we offer Powerpoints of our “Online Workshops.” These resources focus on more specific situations, such as the different types of interviews you may encounter. While the first section centers on more general advice, this is the place to look for tips when you’ve narrowed down the companies you’re applying for OR if you’ve already scored an interview.

Step 2: Crusader Connections

Before going through the “External Links” section, head over to Crusader Connections, where we post a TON of internship/job opportunities. To access these, sign in and  familiarize yourself with CRUSADER CONNECTIONS. Throughout your job search, Crusader Connections will be your best friend… if you know how to navigate it. For a full Crusader Connections tutorial, check out last year’s blog post.

Step 3: External Links

Now it’s time to tackle the bottom section of “External Links.” All of these links provide helpful information about potential career paths or current internship/job opportunities. Look confusing? We’ll break it down for you….

  • Still not sure where your career path is heading? (P.S. No one really does)
  1. Search by Major on this site.
  2. Search the Stats here
  3. Specific advice for Liberal Arts students: here
  4. Considering Abroad? Head to this site.
  • Ready to gain experience? Search for specific internships:
  1. Liberal Arts Career Network: LACN (Sign in via Crusader connections)
  2. Broaden your search: here
  • Know what career field you want to pursue? Look for specific jobs:
  1. General National Job Search (Sign on via Crusader Connections)
  2. Considering Non-profits? Check this site out.
  3. More jobs here!
  • Bonus: Interview & Career Fair Opportunities:
  1. LARC Interview Program & Career Fair: Check it out here!

**If accessing any of the above links off campus, sign on to Crusader Connections & go to “Career Resources” box**

Now it’s time to use these resources &  start your Career Search!

#NoExcuses

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Alumni Guest Post: Will Brown ’11

We are excited to announce that our Alumni Guest Post series is back for the 2012-2013 academic year!

First up: Will Brown ’11 will be sharing his experiences as a Physics teacher with Teach For America!

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Will Brown ’11

When I look back at my four years at Holy Cross, many things stand out to me: long hours in class and science labs, long hours studying in Dinand, long hours working at Kimball, and long weekend nights with friends. I enjoyed all of those things, but the one aspect of Holy Cross that truly became a part of me was the idea of being “Men and Women for (and with) Others.” I took advantage of every opportunity I had to serve alongside the marginalized and oppressed. I was one of those people who fell in love with the spring break immersion program. I went to New Orleans my freshman year because I wanted to help others. I quickly learned, however, that the beauty of a life of service is not what you can do for others, but what you can do together. The individuals that I met, both from Holy Cross and the local communities, convinced me to broaden my perspective and go out into the world.

Fast forward a few years, and I am now a second-year Teach for America corps member serving as a physics teacher San Benito High School in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, the area of land alongside the Mexican border. As someone who was a biology major in the health professions program, I often get asked, “Why Teach for America? Why not go to med school?” Medical school is still my target destination, but I did not feel ready at that time to jump in.  Instead, I opted for a short break from school and settled on joining one of the many service organizations that are available (Peace Corps, JVC, Americorps, etc.). Teach for America recruits high-performing college graduates with strong leadership qualities to teach in high-needs schools throughout the country. We go through an alternative teacher certification program and undertake continuous professional development throughout our two-year commitment. This makes it an excellent option for those individuals (like me) who realized very late that they have a passion for teaching, and also those individuals who would like a strong support system as they begin their teaching careers. Although it is not faith-based like the immersion trips, TFA appealed to me because it allowed me to work daily with students who have ambitious hopes and dreams for their futures, but who have also been written off by many as incapable of reaching those goals or, worse, not worth the effort.

The past year and a half has been a constant challenge. The old joke that “those who can’t do, teach” has certainly been proven false. I have worked harder during the past year and a half than I ever did before. My school day runs from 7:45 to 4:16, and then I stay at school most afternoons grading, preparing for future lessons, or organizing extracurricular activities. During my first year I taught three 90-minute chemistry classes and one remedial class for students who needed to pass the state exam. This year I am teaching physics. I find myself constantly relearning things I have forgotten since college. Most nights I am exhausted, and just like at Holy Cross I cannot wait for each weekend to come around so I can relax a bit. I love taking the time to go out to my students’ football games (yes, it really is like Friday Night Lights) or volleyball games and see them excel in something that they love. It is also a fun and easy opportunity to meet students’ parents and influencers.

All of the time and effort is worth it, though, when you see the fruits of you and your students’ shared labor: having Juan look up at you from a problem set and say he finally understands; seeing Mel’s face light up in wonder and amazement when a science experiment works like magic; or seeing a student who has failed multiple times in the past finally rise up and succeed. Those simple, joyous moments remind me why I chose teaching, why I chose Teach for America.

If you are interested in applying to Teach for America, make sure to get in touch with one of the recruiters from the Boston office. TFA works in 46 different rural and urban regions throughout the country from Boston to Hawaii and everywhere in-between. Check out the website to see detailed information about each of the regions. You can make yourself a more attractive applicant by taking on leadership positions on campus and developing your organizational skills, as these are two of the organization’s focal points when looking at applicants. Also, speak to people who are currently teaching in the public school system: there are many things I was unaware of that happen behind-the-scenes. There is a lot more to school than just teaching classes.

I want to leave you with my greatest moment in the classroom so far. One of

Will & Myriah

my students from last year, Myriah, had not passed the state science exam since she was in 8th grade. As a senior, she needed to pass that test to graduate. She was in two science classes with me, for a total of 135 minutes each day, all year long. Myriah had her confidence beaten down, but we knew that she could do it. One month before graduation, on her last chance, she finally succeeded in passing the science exam. She was going to walk across the stage and graduate with her class! I remember many things about that night: My mom and sister were at a Brad Paisley concert, and Johan Santana threw the Mets first no-hitter, but I will always remember the ear-to-ear smile on Myriah’s face as she lined up to walk across the stage. Tears welled up in my eyes as a student sitting near me said, “I didn’t think Myriah was going to graduate.” The tears began to run as I responded, “Well, she did.” In that moment, I knew that I was where I needed to be. I knew that joining Teach for America was the right choice for me.

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Connect with this story?

Learn more about Teach For America here.
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Maximize your Fall Break

FALL BREAK is finally upon us! While we would never dream of undermining the importance of sleeping, watching re-runs of Law & Order SVU and mulling over this year’s Halloween costume options, we know Fall Break also provides the opportunity to maximize your internship & career search. Here are some quick tips for you to tackle over break:

  • Research: Whether you are applying for an internship or full-time position, researching companies before you apply is essential. Many corporate websites feature a “Career” section, so take a look at what kind of positions are available and what qualifications they require. Also, check out our very own Crusader Connections to see what positions are available to you. (We post A LOT of jobs/internships for you!)
  • It’s October, Buy a Costume: No we don’t mean for Halloween…yet… Rather, invest in some staple business outfits so you are ready to roll for upcoming interviews or networking events.
  • Seniors –Apply! Those words may have left a bad taste in your mouth that even apple cider can’t fix, but it’s finally time to start applying. Many employers (especially in finance or other companies with training programs) set their deadlines in early October! So keep searching and sending out your resumes & cover letters! P.S. You’ve got this.
  • Polish: One can never proofread their resume too many times. Bonus: If you’ve had prior professional experience, develop a portfolio of work you’ve done to bring to interviews.

…..Alright, break open the bag of Candy Corn. You deserve it.
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Standing out in the Crowd: The Art of Networking

When asked the best way for someone to break into a given career, the typical response is “It’s all about who you know.”

Knowing people is undoubtedly central to success. Only one problem: most of us are not sitting at home with a comprehensive list of close friends who are high up execs in the particular career field we are pursuing. So what to do? Network. Network. Network. Networking means reaching out to people you already know AND forming new connections with various professionals.

One first (very simple) step in networking is developing a professional online presence through LinkedIn. This social media platform provides a space for you to list your experience/accomplishments and serves as a point of reference for potential employers. In addition, as you make online connections your visibility increases. Essentially, this lays the ground work for networking.

While a virtual presence is pivotal, the bread and butter of networking remains in-person interactions. Career Fairs mark one of the best platforms for college students to connect with professionals in-person, as they attract a variety of professionals who are there to engage in dialogues with undergrads.

So, how do you stand out in a sea of college students at Career Fairs?

  • Do your Research: Before the fair, look at the list of companies who will be represented. Choose a few companies that peak your interest and research them online.
  • Bring Materials: Have business cards printed and bring them. This is a great way to stand out after the event ends. Also have copies of your resume handy, in case an employer asks.

Also, check out GradtoGreat.com’s “15 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Formal Events” for more tips!

Upcoming Career Fairs:

  • Holy Cross Fall Career Fair: Wednesday, September 26th, 12-3pm in Hogan Ballroom (For a list of employers, check here)
  • Liberal Arts Recruiting Connection: Friday, November 2nd 1-4pm in the Empire Ballroom at the Courtyard by Marriott Boston Tremont Hotel (For more info, check here)

Let the networking begin….

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“What’s in Hogan 203?”: Meet the Career Counselors

Saving your career, one resume at a time.


Although you might walk by the Career Planning Center every day on your way to class or Cool Beans, do you really know “What’s in Hogan 203?” Throughout this semester, the Holy Cross Career Planning blog will feature a What’s in Hogan 203 post where you can learn more about the inner workings of your on-campus career resource center.

To kick off the series, we’re going to officially introduce (or re-introduce) you to our fabulous Career counselors. As your key career resources on campus, these are the people you want to know!

  • Amy Murphy:

I have been assisting Holy Cross students identify their career interests and objectives and secure jobs and internships for over 15 years.  I am proud to say, I have held nearly every job in Career Planning: from career counseling, to employer relations to SIP.  Today, I work primarily with the Career Planning and SIP staff to make sure we are providing YOU everything we can to assist you identify and clarify your career interests and objectives and then secure internships and full time employment.  My strongest advice is to connect with Career Planning early in your time at Holy Cross and have a conversation about your interests, abilities and values.  We can help you see the connections between those and the world of work – connections you may never have thought possible!  My second piece of advice: It is never too late to connect with Career Planning!  Stop on by Hogan 203 today!


  • Maura Hume:

My name is Maura Hume, HC Class of 2007, and I’m the Associate Director of Employer Relations.  I run the Employer Relations program, which comprises on-campus recruiting, full-time job postings and all non-SIP internships.  I work very closely with employers and alumni looking to recruit HC students, as well as Seniors looking to prepare for their life after HC.  I love to be outside- hiking, skiing, whatever and this summer I adopted a new spaniel puppy named Lilly, who now completely dictates my life.  If you have career questions, want to see puppy pictures or are curious to study a map of Everest, then stop by the office!


  • Pam Ahearn:

I am starting my 11th academic year with the Summer Internship Program at Holy Cross.  My passions are helping students make connections between their academic pursuits and the world of work, and connecting students with Holy Cross alumni. Although not a graduate of Holy Cross, I have been known to bleed purple!


  • Christine Staub:

As Associate Director of the Summer Internship Program, I enjoy spending every waking minute with SIP students (ok, maybe just all the minutes during the work week).  My background in Human Resources and Recruiting enables me to help students market their skills to potential employers.  Whether working on resumes, cover letters, interview skills or networking strategies, I see every appointment as an opportunity to help students recognize and articulate just how much they have to offer.


  • Megan Chester:

I am the Assistant Director/Career Counseling working with students in all phases of the career development process.  Through one-one-one meetings and workshops, I help students identify choice of major and career paths. In addition, I prepare students for professional opportunities by connecting them with resources for internship/job searching and networking.  Also, I oversee the Sophomore Career Advising program and acts as liaison to young alumni.


  • Jonathan Hurt:

As the Assistant Director of Programming and Resources in the HC Career Planning Center, I serve as the program manager for the Alumni Job Shadowing Program, organize career related programs and career panels, and assist in evaluating online resources.  I served as a State Department Intern in 2010 and work extensively to help students who are interested in working for the federal government.  I am a huge sports fan whose favorite teams include Arsenal FC, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bulls, and Atlanta Braves.


  • Andrea Eastman:

I am beginning my 6th academic year with Career Planning and the Summer Internship Program (SIP).  I work with students of all years including alumni and those admitted into SIP.  In addition, I encourage students to discover their true interests, values, and strengths and helps find a fit for these characteristics in the corporate and/or nonprofit arenas.  Although I am a graduate of Brown University, I would have been a *very* happy camper at Holy Cross!

To set up an appointment with one of our Career Counselor, stop by Hogan 203 or give us a call at 508-793-3880. There are also Drop-in hours every day from 1-4pm and Virtual Drop-ins Mondays from 7-9pm via Crusader Connections.

Happy Career hunting, Holy Cross!
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10 Questions to Close an Interview

“So, do you have any questions for us?”

Ah, the obligatory-end-of-interview questions.  While it seems simple and unobtrusive, don’t be fooled. Even though the formal interview questions may be over, this is your opportunity to show your interviewer you care enough to learn more about the company or position. According to the Interviewing Guide created by Career Planning, you should prepare 3-5 questions ahead of time.

Some Cardinal Rules:

DO NOT ask nothing. Even if you’ve been to a million and one networking events and feel you’ve exhausted your list of questions, ask one of them again to gain a new perspective. Ask something. Anything. Not asking a question makes you look cocky–and that’s not going to win you any brownie points. See the list below for some inspiration.

DO NOT ask about salary, vacation, benefits, etc.  If hired, you’ll have plenty of time to find out.

DO NOT ask questions whose answers can be easily found out by doing basic online research on the organization.  Don’t demonstrate your lack of preparation with a question to which you should know the answer.

Some Sample Questions:

1. What are some of the projects interns have worked on in the past?

2. What kinds of opportunities are there to receive feedback from supervisors?

3. Is there a training program? How long is it? What sorts of things will I learn?

4. Questions about transportation–if you don’t have a car you’ll need to know if there’s public transportation or a car pool system available.

5. What goals does the company have/projects the company is working on this summer/semester? How do you see my role in those?

6. If Since you’ve read up on the company, you may have follow up questions on an article you read. “I read in XX that Company is expanding XX project; would there be an opportunity to work with this project during my internship?”

7.  Could you elaborate on your job? What are you responsibilities? etc.  If your interviewer works in a career field or department which you feel drawn to this could be especially interesting, and you may want to ask other questions about their education and training.

8.  What do you most enjoy/value about working for Company?

9. Are there any technical skills or other specific knowledge needed or recommended for the job (other than listed in course description)? Is there an opportunity for some training on site?

10.  And everyone’s favorite… What is your time frame for making decisions?

Additional Resources on Interviewing:

Interviewing Guide
Interviewing for Shy People
Set up a mock interview with Career Planning; call 508-793-3880