Monday, October 29, 2012

Employer Spotlight: ICAP


This Employer Spotlight is written by Chris Quagliata, U.S. Treasuries Voice Broker. Chris graduated from Fordham with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, as a member of the class of 2011. He interned with ICAP before getting hired full time. Here, Chris speaks about his experience as an intern at ICAP, how he got where he is today, and how his Fordham education helped him along the way.

I first started at ICAP as an intern in the summer of 2010. Like most college students, I was very unsure of the type of industry I wanted to get into after graduation. As late as junior year, I was still back-and-forth between finance and the sports media industry. I worked in the sports department at WFUV for four years, was the department manager during my senior year, and even did an internship at Westwood One radio in the spring of 2010. That being said, I knew I needed to spend the summer following my junior year in a structured internship program within the finance industry to give me an idea of which field I wanted to enter.

I found out about the internship at ICAP through the Fordham careers website [CareerLink] and by attending the career fairs. The process began with an on-campus interview, then an assessment center at ICAP’s office, and wrapped up with phone interview with the Global Head of Graduate Recruitment. I was accepted into the eight-week internship program and spent my summer rotating around the various broking desks and learning about the different products and the overall structure of ICAP. At the end of that internship, I interviewed with senior management for a full time position and was hired to start in the September of 2011 after I graduated from Fordham.

My first three weeks as a full-time ICAP employee were in London. The company flew everyone from the graduate program globally to ICAP’s headquarters in central London for global financial markets training. The training proved useful at filling in any gaps in my knowledge.

I really can’t overstate how great an experience it was going to London, especially for someone like me who had never been there before. The best parts of the trip was becoming friends with ICAP grads from around the world, being at the company headquarters and seeing the office, and exploring the city itself. We all developed a strong camaraderie and spent our free time together every day after work. The grads from London took us all over the city on nights and weekends, and showed us the best places to visit and tour. I really can’t think of a better way to kick off my first full-time job.

When we got back to the U.S. and started in the office here, the real challenge began. What’s great about this graduate program is that you are given a real opportunity to find what place in the company best fits you. All of us rotated around the different broking desks within the company before finding a permanent home. The goal of the program is essentially to match graduates and the desks that are hiring. Matches are usually based on personality because every desk has one that is very unique. I rotated around nine different desks and got a good idea of my tastes; which products I liked, which I didn’t, and the desks that fit my personality. Ultimately, each desk wants someone eager and ready to work, and who they can see themselves sitting next to five days a week, 52 weeks a year.

But make no mistake: the rotation process is challenging and difficult at times because of the uncertainty and competition involved. It is your job to make a good impression on each desk and also put in the effort to get placed in the seat you want most. The process is what you make of it. For the most part, you are expected to network your way around each desk, as well as throughout the company as a whole. The graduate team is always there to back you up and provide any assistance you may need, but what makes the process so great is that you largely have full control over the impression you leave and ultimately where you land in the company.

After about three months of rotations, I was finally placed on the U.S. Treasuries desk, which is, not surprisingly, the place I kind of always knew I’d end up. I recently passed my one-year anniversary with the company and signed my new contract with the desk a few weeks ago. It has been a great year for me because I enjoy what I do and have seen some of what it is like to work on Wall Street. Working with the capital markets, and interdealer broking specifically, is a great business and one with a lot of perks.

The part of the job that most excited people is how this business is centered on cultivating client relationships, whether that be taking clients out to some of New York City’s best bars and restaurants, sporting events, or concerts. I’ve been to Yankees games, Rangers games, concerts at Madison Square Garden, a score of great restaurants in the city, and so on and so forth. I’d be lying if I told you that part of the job wasn’t fun. The job itself is an exciting, fast-paced environment with a team-oriented, yet entrepreneurial aspect to it. You have an opportunity as an entry-level employee to pick up your own clients from a very early stage in your career, and have the potential to make a nice living. I have already met a lot of U.S. Treasuries traders on the Street and have begun to build my network. Once again, this job is all about what you make of it.

Fordham is a great place: I know, I’ve been there. Use all the tools Career Services provides for you to help find the right job. Take the classes for what they are: an important foundation for what you’ll bring into the working world. If you ask me, ICAP is a great place to work because of the tremendous growth potential there is for someone straight out of college. I have certainly found it to be that for me and then some.

-Chris Quagliata


About the company: 
ICAP is the world's leading voice and electronic inter dealer broker and provider of post trade risk and information services. The Group is active in the wholesale markets in interest rates, credit, commodities, FX, emerging markets, equities and equity derivatives. ICAP aims to be the main infrastructure provider to the world's wholesale OTC markets, be the leading global intermediary, and also the leading post trade risk services provider.


Upcoming Information Sessions & Events


THIS WEEK
**Postponed** 
Info Session: JP Morgan
When: Thursday, November 1, 2012
Time: 5-7pm
Where: Tognino Hall
Additional Details: The team from JP Morgan will be on campus to host an overview of their IB Risk Case Competition.

Information Session: Christie's Education
When: Friday, November 2, 2012
Time: 12-1pm
Where: McGinley Common Rm 234
Additional Details: Information session about our graduate programs in the history of art and the art market.

*Postponed Until Further Notice*
Special Event:
Diversity In the World of Work Conference: Finding Balance, Achieving Empowerment
When: Saturday, November 3, 2012
Time:  9am-3pm
Where: McGinley Ballroom
Additional Details: A day full of workshop presentations about diversity in the workplace, and the ability to find balance and achieve empowerment. There will be workshop presentations made by representatives from: Google, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NBC, City Year, Bloomberg Financial.. and more! You'll get chances to ask questions and network with members of all of the companies attending. Lunch will be accompanied by a presentation from your keynote speaker, Ms. Loretta Penn, the Former President of Spherion Staffing Services. There will additionally be a special performance by Grammy Award Winner, Thirza DeFoe, a performer from the Ojibwe and Oneida tribes of Wisconsin who is widely known for her sacred hoop dancing.

The following Student Clubs are supporting this event: Grito de Lares, ASILI, Academia Hispana, and the Commuter Student Association. 

NEXT WEEK
Information Session: Creative Artists Agency
When: Monday, November 5, 2012
Time: 130-230pm
Where: McGinley Common Rm 235
Additional Details: Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is the world's leading full-services entertainment and sports agency, with offices in LA, New York, Nashville, London, and Beijing.  Founded in 1975, CAA represents many of the most successful professionals working in film, television, music, theatre, video games, sports and the internet, and provides a range of strategic marketing and consulting services to corporate clients. A representative from CAA will be on campus to share information on various opportunities available to current students and recent grads. Opportunities are available in: Motion pictures, television, music, theatre, sports, marketing, lifestyle & licensing, business, development, corporate communication, video games, film finance, business affairs, and many more! 

Information Session: Morgan Stanley
When: Monday, November 5, 2012
Time: 630-8pm
Where: Hughes Basement, C04A
Additional Details: Representatives from Morgan Stanley will be on campus to answer questions and provide information to student who are interested in their Finance Division.

Information Session: Egon Zehnder International
When: Thursday, November 8, 2012
Time: 6-730pm
Where: McGinley Common Rm 236
Additional Details:  This session will answer questions about who Egon Zehnder International (EZI) is and what their internship program entails. They target high-achieving students with unique backgrounds who want to work in a challenging and entrepreneurial environment. They are currently recruiting Fordham students to join EZI as part of our paid intern program.  Free pizza will be served! Egon Zehnder International (EZI) is the largest privately-held executive search firm globally, with more than 425 consultants located across 63 offices in 37 countries worldwide. Their clients range from Fortune 100 multinational firms to Mid-Cap businesses, not-for-profits, and entrepreneurial ventures.  With their unique one-firm culture and consultative approach, Egon Zehnder serves as the adviser of choice to business leaders throughout the world, including Pepsi, Colgate, Google, Dell, American Express, Bank of America, UBS, General Electric, Siemens, Alcoa, Bosch, Novartis, Amgen, GlaxoSmithKline, in addition to other Fortune 500 companies. 

For more information about opportunities available at Egon Zehnder, head to CareerLink

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Part Time Job Opportunities



Kramer Promotions: Office Assistant
Kramer Promotions is a small, cohesive company located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, close to Fordham College, Lincoln Center. They produce a variety of things, from documentaries and musicals to promotional items and office furniture.  For more information about the company: http://www.kramerpromotions.com/

Kramer Promotions is looking for a Fordham student to work as an office assistant – the hours are flexible. The Office Assistant must be well versed on the computer, pleasant, creative and have good common sense. You must also work well with others and be a self-starter.

For more information about the company: http://www.kramerpromotions.com/. To apply, email Joel at joel@kramerpromotions.com, or give him a call at: 212-799-1837.



Thursday Friday, Inc: Event Staff
"Thursday Friday loves fashion – as long as it's fun. We like the chic way into trends, and we're into accessible high style. We go for products that are easy to acquire, use, and personalize."

They are looking to staff their booth with 2-3 people daily during Lucky Magazine shopping event. The event is a 3 days event in SoHo, November 1-3, for more info: http://luckyshops.com/index.cfm

There need to be 2-3 staff members at the booth each day:
- Working the booth November 1-3 http://luckyshops.com/tickets.cfm.
- Hours are: Thursday 6-9pm, Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm
- You will be compensated for the work in money (100USD / per person) and t/f bags, as well as with 1-2 tickets for your friends to attend the event. They will also get free Lucky magazine subscription while shopping for amazing brands at discounted prices.
- You will be provided with all the information needed to be able to do the sales (prices, how to use credit card machine, cash, inventory, etc). 

For more information, or to apply: email Olena at olena@thufri.com.


Discovery Programs: Part-Time Gymnastics Coach
Discovery Programs offers a broad range of classes for babies through teens, from ballet and gymnastics to art and parenting workshops. Discovery Programs began in 1973 when founder and executive director Lisa Stark began her own ballet school and the Walden School opened their doors to the public with an interesting afterschool program for the community.

Discovery Programs is currently seeking experienced coaches for their children's recreational and competitive gymnastic programs.  Morning and afternoon hours are available Monday-Friday.  Must be able to spot all Olympic events, have great communication skills and love the sport.

Location: Upper Westside location 251 West 100th Street @West End Avenue
Hours: 4 to 16 hours per week
Pay: Begins at $20/hour

How to apply: email your resume to Lisa Stark, Executive Director at lisa@discoveryprograms.com, or head to CareerLink, Job ID#: 12234.

For more information, please visit our website, http://www.discoveryprograms.com



The New York Botanical Garden: Weekend Assistant
The Weekend Assistant assists Public Education staff in executing weekend programming for visitors. Duties include: making advance preparations for artistic performances and horticulture demonstrations, distributing event materials, soliciting public participation, assisting with running the events and handling after-event tasks. The Weekend Assistant will work with other staff and volunteers to guarantee high quality public offerings. He/she will be required to work outdoors during many seasonal programs. He/she will be required to work weekends, some weekdays and holidays.

Responsibilities:
-Assists with running events such as lectures, concerts, curator-led tours and festivals.
-Organizes printed materials and sets up informational tables.
-Helps collect and enter data about visitors and their experiences.
-Helps with database maintenance.
-Solicits program participants.
-Some lifting, such as boxes, stanchions and signs, required.
-Walking to various areas in the Garden required.
-Required to drive a golf cart.

Requirements:
-Two years of college preferred.
-Excellent interpersonal skills.
-Experience working with the public.
-Some experience assisting with events.
-Gardening knowledge is a plus.
-Familiarity with audio-visual equipment and Microsoft Office is desired.
-Driver’s license is required.

To Apply:
Please indicate Weekend Assistant, E-0072 on cover letter and e-mail along with a resume to HR@NYBG.ORG or visit our website at WWW.NYBG.ORG and click on About and Employment. 



New York Botanical Gardens: Seasonal Visitor Services Attendants and Tram Driver Positions
The New York Botanical Gardens, located right next door to Fordham’s Rose Hill Campus, is looking for Attendants and Tram Drivers to function as an important part of the Holiday Train Show at the Garden.

Attendants: Act as the front line ambassadors for the Garden. They answer inquiries and provide directions, help plan the visitor’s day and assist with membership sales.

Tram Drivers: Perform similar duties to the attendants, while also safely transporting visitors’ through the Garden.

Qualifications:  Ideal candidates will have excellent communication skills, the ability to carry 25 lbs., previous customer service experience, and must be able to work weekends, holidays, and weekdays. They must also be able to work in a variety of weather conditions, be outdoors, and sit and/or stand for long periods of time. Tram drivers additionally, must have a valid NYS driver’s license for a minimum of one year.

For more information and to apply: please visit nybg.org/employment, or call 718-817-8744.

Recruitment flier from the Botanical Gardens: