Posted on

Leveraging the Alumni Network to Score Your Dream Internship

By: Kara Cuzzone ’19

 

Until this past spring, I’d heard about the infamous powerhouse that is the Holy Cross alumni network, but I’d never experienced it firsthand. Then I met Micaela English ’08.

I had the opportunity to meet Micaela through the New York City Semester Program. The program involves a four days a week internship, a seminar, and culminates in a capstone project. There are also regular colloquia meetings with NYC-based Holy Cross alumni in a diverse range of fields. That’s how I met Micaela.

The other students and I were invited to meet Micaela at a restaurant in Midtown to hear about her career path. Micaela was a longtime editor at TOWN&COUNTRY before going to work for brands like Anthropologie, Fresh Beauty, and Armarium. I was drawn to her warm, welcoming presence, and impressed by her expertise. It was clear that she knew her way around the media world, and she was happy to share what she has learned during her years at Holy Cross and beyond.

Given our shared interest in writing, as well as her approachable demeanor, I decided to reach out and ask to meet one on one after the dinner. When we did, I mentioned that I was interested in staying in the city for the summer and finding an internship at a women’s media website. Immediately, Micalea pulled out her phone and began texting friends she thought might have a connection to a potential internship for me. And she didn’t stop there. As the semester progressed, she assisted me with my internship search, gave me pointers on interviewing and networking in the field, and didn’t give up until she had helped me secure an internship for the summer.

My experience with Micaela truly speaks to dedicated alumni network Holy Cross has to offer. She went above and beyond in order to help me get my foot in the door in the women’s media industry. And thankfully, our relationship has continued beyond my internship search. Recently, I was able to ask her a few questions about her life, career path, and advice for current HC students. Below, find our conversation.

 

What’s it like being a brand consultant and writer?

I consult with beauty, wellness, and fashion brands on their storytelling, social media strategy, and product and site copy and then also freelance write for publications like InStyle and Well+Good. No sugarcoating, it’s a lot, it’s a total hustle and has helped me earn my Masters in time management. What I like about consulting is that no day is quite the same. And with all of these different projects, I am continually growing and diversifying my skill set. For example, right now I’m working on a project for a wellness brand with their product copy, so I am writing the description and instructions on the back of a beauty product coming out next year!

 Is there a typical day on the job?

Some days I could be meeting with clients at The Wing for a few hours to solidify brand strategy. Then the next day I could be in my work space all day working on a client project and conducting a celebrity interview for InStyle. It’s constantly changing and flowing, and that’s the beauty and the challenge of it all.

 How did you get your first writing job?

I was an editorial assistant at TOWN&COUNTRY magazine. It was a tiny little piece, maybe 100 words, about Kermit the frog being dressed exclusively by Brooks Brothers for the new Muppet movie. I like to think he’d be proud.

Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve ever written?

I think my most personal pieces end up reading the best and feeling the most me. When you’re vulnerable and real, no filter. There was a piece I wrote for InStyle last summer about a life transition I was going through. It was quite personal. Essentially it’s about growth and the journey to self-love, the awakening feeling I started to experience, and the way it set me free. It took a lot for me to put it out there, everyone wants to paint a pretty picture of how your life looks, but the more honest I am, the stronger I feel.

Is there a motto you try to live by?

The universe has your back. I read this book by Gabrielle Bernstein with that phrase as its title, but the motto itself really applies to my adult philosophy of life…with the “Universe” I think you can interpret this to whatever you believe in, God, a higher power. I trust and believe that everything happens for a reason. The hardships, the heartaches, the job that doesn’t work out. I think when one curtain closes, it’s making room for something much bigger. Those hardships have made me who I am. They often do. I always tell people…if Adele hadn’t had that breakup, there’d be no Rolling in the Deep.

 

What’s one thing you used to worry about in college that now looking back, you wish you hadn’t worried so much about?

That rush Senior year where everyone is whispering, “Did you hear where so and so got a job?” Don’t put that pressure on yourself. Just ride it out. Be aggressive, but be calm. Do something you love but if it doesn’t come knocking on your doorstep until you graduate, so be it. I also will tell you, ten years after you graduate, nobody will care about who had a job offer September of Senior Year. There is no race to the finish line of “getting the job”.

Any tips for current HC students who want to reach out to alums and make a good impression?

So many. Before contacting an alum, research their experience and have questions prepared. Google them. Look them up on LinkedIn. Educate yourself. Please send a thank you email after you speak to an alum, not a thank you text.

Kara Cuzzone ’19

Micaela English ’08

 
Posted on

EVENT RECAP: Senior and Alumni Networking Night

By Anthony Saltarelli ’18, Nerelly Checo ’18

On Monday, September 14, the Center for Career Development hosted a Senior Alumni Networking Event with guest speaker, Jodi Smith. For those of you who could not make it, here are 8 memorable takeaways:

  1. Always have a conversation starter ready.

    • Jodi referred to this as a “snippet”. It’s a short, unique sentence about yourself, which provokes further conversation. For example: “Hi I’m Alex and I just launched my first iPhone app!”

  2. Give a firm handshake.

    • Always remember that anything more than three shakes is considered creepy and maintain eye contact during the handshake. The tip to having a firm handshake is making sure that the web between your thumb and index finger is also touching their web.

  3. Looking to make an exit from a conversation? Avoid saying “Excuse me, I’m going to the bathroom”.

    • Nobody needs to know that you’re going to to the bathroom. In addition, saying “Excuse me, I’m going to get another drink” may cause the person to follow you or ask you for a drink. Simply saying “excuse me” is sufficient enough.

  4. Be a lion going for the wildebeest. Circle them and pick who interests you the most.

  5. Do your homework before arriving to the networking event.

    • Know the dress code, whether food will be served, who is going to be at the event, modes of transportation and length of trip, availability of parking, etc.
    • Make sure to know the rank of whoever you are speaking to — you wouldn’t want to be caught talking poorly about the CEO to the CEO!

  6. Always wear your name tag on your right side.

    • Place your name tag closer to your shoulder. When you shake someone’s hand, you always use your right arm. Therefore, naturally, the other person’s eyes will follow your arm right up to your name tag.

  7. End the conversation gracefully.

    • Jodi emphasized two things in terms of ending a conversation. It is important to always ask for a business card because this is your way of maintaining a connection with them outside of the event. She recommends that upon arriving home, you should write the date, who this person is and what was discussed with this person. This ensures that you can write an email or handwritten note to the person that includes details that shows you remember them (it also helps them remember you so it’s a win-win situation).

    • As humans, sometimes our memory fails us. Watch out for ending the conversation with the common phrase “It was a pleasure to meet you”. You may have met the person in the past before and simply forgotten. Avoid embarrassing moments like these by simply saying “it was a pleasure speaking with you”.

  8. Always follow up!

    • Regardless of whether the person holds a job in an industry or workplace that specifically interests you, you don’t know who their connections may be.
Posted on

Friends vs. Foes: “Social Media in your Career Search” Edition

Social Media seems to be the buzz word of this century. Everywhere you look, brands are touting their online presence in order to connect with their customers in a deep, more interactive way.  As you’re in the midst of searching for a job or internship, it’s important to realize how your social media activity reflects the personal brand you’re trying to convey to potential employers. Thus, here are our Friends & Foes in the social media world.

Best Friend: LINKEDIN

Get a LinkedIn….. Did you get a LinkedIn yet? …. How about now?

Now you may ask: why does LinkedIn need to be my BFF? On a basic level, LinkedIn is the Facebook of the corporate world: it’s a networking platform, an online resume and a career searching tool in ONE. Bob McIntosh of Things Career Related lays out 10 facts you should know about this social media site in order to boost your career search. Here are the highlights: [Find the complete article here]

  • Choose a PROFESSIONAL looking profile photo
  • Don’t sweat the number of “friends”…. It’s about making connections, not just numbers!
  • List something in your work history, even if it’s a job or internship unrelated to your desired industry
  • PROOFREAD…. Spelling errors count on online profiles too
  • Link your blog or professional works to your page!

FRENEMY: Facebook & Twitter

No one is trying to strip these popular social media sites of their valor, but proceed with caution. Regularly check your privacy settings and THINK before you post. It’s not a myth that many HR recruiters and employers actively seek out their candidates on search engines and/or social media platforms to get a better sense of who they may hire. Try googling yourself as a baseline check. Our message is by no means telling you to delete your accounts… in fact, some media, communications and PR positions want you to access Facebook for market research on consumer companies! Take home message: BE SMART!

FRIEND: The Bloggosphere

Blogging signifies your knowledge of online platforms (WordPress, BlogSpot, etc) and willingness to put your ideas and writing style in the public eye. As long as your content is not inappropriate, your blog posts can also show a side of your personality that might not emerge during the interview process.

 

POTENTIAL MORTAL ENEMY: Facebook Open Graph

Although we already listed Facebook as a “frenemy,” we felt the need to re-list it as the potential “Darth Vader” of the Social Media world, especially in light of new technology. As of this month, Facebook’s new search optimization tool “Open Graph” allows Facebook users to perform detailed searches and virtually target any of your information not explicitly set to private, according to The Social Media Monthly.  Based on the current “Privacy Settings” format, here are some recommendations you should consider ASAP!

Under “Who Can See My Stuff”:

  • Change Who Can See Your Future Posts?from “Everyone” to “Friends”
  • Set Review all of your posts and things you’re tagged in to “Activity Log” so you can pre-approve posts before they show up on your Timeline
  • Under Limit the Audience for posts you’ve shared with friends of friends or the public, click “Limit Past Posts” ….That way you’re past posts are private!

Under “Who Can Look Me Up”

  • For Who can look you up using the email address or phone number you provided, it is really up to you. We’d recommend “Friends of Friends” at a bare minimum, so you don’t have random people stalking you via your contact info
  • Set Do You Want Other Search Engines to link to your timeline, PRESS “OFF” (This one is KEY)

_________________________________________

The take-home message:  Enjoy social media, but think about your audience!
Posted on

Battle the Cold, Stay Ahead of the Fold

Nothing says “Welcome to Spring Semester at Holy Cross” quite like a cold front and sub-zero temperatures! While Snuggies, Hot Tea and Netflix mark the most popular ways to cope with Antarctica’s encroachment into Worcester, use your extended indoor hibernation to push yourself ahead of the pack in your career search. How? We thought you’d never ask…

First up: The Good News → College Hiring is up 4% overall! WOOOO

….But who exactly is being hired?


According to a study from Michigan State’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute, prime college hiring revolves around these key facts:

  1. Campus oriented internships and career fairs are the top two recruiting strategies for companies.
  2. Faculty and alumni referrals are two other top recruiting strategies.
  3. Internships are now the hiring source of choice.
Adapted from Youtern.com

…Now what should you do?


  • Come to Career Planning!! (#Hogan203)

    • Career Planning manages our connections to employers & maintains Crusader Connections, so this is the place to go for internship/job hunting
    • Drop-in Hours are Monday thru Friday 1-4PM
      • Drop-ins are appointments for quick career questions or edits to a resume or cover letter
    • Stop by Hogan 203 or call (508) 793-3880 to make a 30-60min appointment with a career counselor
      • Whether you want to create a resume/cover letter or simply discuss career options, these meetings provide the time you need to bolster your success

 

  • Make Connections & Network, Network, Network:
    • Come to our Networking Program Workshop (2/1, Hogan 407/08, 12-1pm) & learn the ins and outs of forging connections
    • Meet alums at the 2013 Student Alumni Career Networking Reception (2/7, Hogan Ballroom, 7:30-9pm) RSVP via Crusader Connections
    • Reach out to alumni & learn about their career paths using the Career Advisor’s Network

 

  • Go DIGITAL (…you can stay in your Snuggie for this one)
    • As the “Facebook of the business world,” LinkedIn is a social media outlet where you want to  establish an online presence
    • Make or update your LinkedIn Profile (Education, Activities, Job/Internships, Honors/Awards, etc.)
    • Connect with friends, family, past co-workers, neighbors, etc.—Even if you think you can’t relate to Aunt Bethany’s career as a cat sweater knitter, still request her on LinkedIn…Aunt Bethany might be knitting sweaters for the CEO of your dream company’s cat!
    • Remember: Many employers search for you on other social media platforms, so adjust privacy settings & be cautious about posting things you wouldn’t want employers to see

    Pick something from the above list & get proactive with your career!

…Then you can hop back in your bed & relax… after all Season 1 of Homeland is not going to watch itself.

Happy career hunting, Crusaders!

Posted on

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….

Source: Picture
Posted on

The power of YOUR alumni network

The Huffington Post highlighted Holy Cross’ own Jonathan Greenglass ’09 and Emmett Daly ’87 at Sandler O’Neill in a discussion about the value of networking with alumni.

Way to represent!

It is never too early to start networking.  Check out our Networking Guide and log in to the Career Advisor Network to identify alumni working in an industry, job or organization of interest to you.  You can even search by major!