FCA Spotlight: Brandon Nolan

By Brandon Nolan, Gabelli 2014 & Fordham Career Ambassador

Being a part of the Fordham Career Ambassador program has been filled with nothing but good times and lasting memories. The trip I was able to take with my classmates and a few fellow career ambassadors to Washington, D.C. was no exception. A Fordham alumnus from the class of 1969, and current president’s council member, Ed Blount, hosted a trip for 25 students to get a backstage tour of Washington, D.C.

Mr. Blount used his connections throughout the D.C. area to score us many amazing opportunities. After arriving in Washington, DC we made our way to the Treasury where we had a one on one conversation with the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Neal Wolin. Mr. Wolin was excited to have us and provided us with some unbelievable insight into the direction that the Treasury was taking. The meeting was a complete question and answer session, and Mr. Wolin stayed past his allotted time, much to the dismay of his assistant, to make sure that all of our questions were answered. He was extremely knowledgeable on the different situations going on overseas, including Cyprus and the issues in Japan. (For more information on the visit, click here.)

Upon the conclusion of our intriguing discussion with Mr. Wolin we were lead out of the Treasury, down Pennsylvania Avenue, past the White House and into the Office of Budget Management. This visit was far more interesting than it may sound. At the time, Congress had just recently failed to pass the new budget, leading to the sequester cuts. Although the inability of the congress to reach an agreement on the budget cost us a chance to visit the White House, it provided us with a great topic in our conversation with Mrs. Blount. Mrs. Blount, Ed’s daughter, works for the Office of Budget Management, particularly with the defense budget. She provided great insight into many of the hot topics in budget management like Social Security.  She gave us the inside scoop on how the different departments try to increase their allotted budgets, putting much pressure on the personnel within the OBM to remain fair and balanced. Although the OBM can often be overlooked when we think about the offices within Washington, D.C., it plays a pivotal role in the workings of our government. It was extremely insightful to get the opportunity to learn about their role from Mrs. Blount.

After a quick lunch on Lafayette Square, overlooking the White House, we headed off to the Federal Reserve. 

The Federal Reserve and Mr. Bernanke have been pivotal in the recovery of our economy since the downfall in 2008. The Federal Reserve walks a tight rope by trying to balance the interest and inflation rates. We were lucky enough to speak with a representative from the Federal Reserve who explained to us what the Federal Reserve is trying to accomplish by keeping interest rates low. We were lucky enough to sit in the boardroom that sits adjacent to Mr. Bernanke’s office and is the site of the quarterly meetings between the twelve Federal Reserve presidents. The boardroom was decorated with different currency series dating back as far as the 1800’s. The history of the building and that particular room, accompanied with an informative and interesting speech made for another memorable experience in a day filled with them.

Our final stop was the Security and Exchange Commission. There we met with a panel of Fordham Law alumni who spoke to us about their positions and the ever-growing need for forensics and oversight in the financial industry. We spoke about the different cases in recent history, the Dodd-Frank Act, and how those particular professionals got to where they are today. The Security and Exchange Commission is a beautiful, technologically advanced building located outside of Union Station. Although it was the final stop of our long day, it was a great experience. 

We finished the day with dinner in historically beautiful Union Station and an Amtrak trip back to New York. Overall it was fun day filled with some extremely insightful presenters who provided us with a wealth of knowledge. The Fordham Career Ambassador program gave me a great opportunity to go on this trip and I am extremely grateful that I took advantage of the opportunity. Although I participated in the opportunity through the FCA program, there were 22 other students who heard about it by paying attention to the Career Services emails and postings. The opportunities are out there, as our Alumni are always providing opportunities for students to network. Be on the lookout, and jump on any opportunity you can, I promise you will not regret it!

Intern Spotlight: Rachel Segrest

By Rachel Segrest, Gabelli 2014

In February 2012, I began wondering how the heck I was going to spend my summer.  After settling on living for three months in Manhattan, I began searching for internships. I’m a business management major, but I didn’t want to work at some souped up company. Wearing a suit and retrieving coffee were low on my priority list to say the least. While scouring Fordham’s Career Services website, CareerLink, I came across a listing for an intern at a small Ashtanga yoga studio in Harlem. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I imagined myself practicing yoga as I pleased and becoming a Zen goddess. Part of that came true, no need to specify which one.

After landing the internship at Land Yoga, I was welcomed right into the heart of the business. I was also encouraged to participate in as many yoga classes as I wanted. I knew next to nothing about yoga, but my boss and shala owner (shala is the more correct name for studio), Lara, entrusted more responsibility to me than I could’ve hoped for at a large corporation.  My projects would surprisingly encompass a variety of disciplines including marketing, PR, management, and IT.

I was in charge of many administrative tasks as well as a few things that were not part of the initial job description – which is part of the reason why I loved my internship. My first task as intern was to design and order shirts for the studio. Once UPS finally delivered them neatly folded in cardboard boxes, I secretly jumped for joy, reveling in my small success.

In addition to preparing orders, I also got to get out of the studio. After designing some promotional material for our pre and postnatal yoga classes, I mapped out all of the medical businesses that new moms frequented around upper Manhattan. Once finalizing my route, I spent a few workdays biking around and delivering the flyers I made. It was awesome. Wiping sweat from my brow, I would jump off my bike and waltz into doctors’ offices, negotiating whether or not I could post up the flyers. I learned a lot about interacting with people on those bike trips. Before I could speak with one Harlem doctor, I had to talk to three hardened nurses and then wait with some veteran employees on their lunch break in a small break room. Helmet in hand, I was considerably terrified by the time I was called in to speak with this doctor (who for some reason had the unreachable status of a politician). Long story short, the curtain closed with a genuine handshake, warm smiles, and my flyer posted in the hospital’s maternity wing.

As the summer pressed on, the ‘intern’ in my title quickly disappeared. I was the Operations Manager, and I could answer just about any question relating to Land Yoga that you could come up with…and I did. I loved interacting with the diverse people that frequented the studio. Many of them did not fit the regular yoga student stereotype; they were comedians, DJs, musicians, and business people. I even ended up with tickets to an Upper Eastside comedy show and a Hudson River concert cruise.

Before moving on to study abroad for a year, Lara enlisted me to create a manual to guide the future interns of Land Yoga. I really enjoyed putting what I had learned while working at Land into a cohesive guidebook for new employees to use. It was fun to anticipate the potential questions that the interns might have and allay their possible concerns by making a set of instructions for them. I trained a couple new interns before I left, but this manual helped to ensure that my support continued even after I was gone.

I took on the internship at Land Yoga because it was a young company that could afford me more experience than a big business. However, I still can’t believe how much I learned about owning and running a business while working there. I got to see the humanity behind business management. Overcoming obstacles, adapting to changes, and celebrating small triumphs were intertwined with doing handy work, teaching my boss about technology, and explaining the shala’s mission and offerings to potential students. Interning at Land was never boring, and although I may occasionally fall short of a Zen goddess, the experience I gained there has significantly aided my development into a resourceful and self-motivated member of society.

Intern Spotlight: Sofia Desenberg

By Sofia Desenberg, FCLC 2013

During my time at Fordham College Lincoln Center, I interned with a unique and innovative educational non-profit called Reach The World (RTW). Reach the World pairs elementary and middle school classes with college students who are studying abroad to build on-line relationships that deepen students' understandings of foreign nations and expose them to study abroad opportunities. Furthermore, the program's focus on Skype calls with travelers and online learning tools sharpens the technological skills of students and teachers. The study abroad students are often Gilman Scholarship recipients, and some of my fellow interns and supervisors are recipients as well. The scholarship has close ties with this organization, so if you are interested in the scholarship, this is a great organization to get involved with!

As an International Studies major with an interest in working in the non-profit sector,  the mission of RTW perfectly aligned with both my academic focus and my professional ambitions. I learned about the internship through a co-worker from my past position as a tutor - however I noticed that RTW is also a frequent presence at LC and RH career fairs!

At Reach The World, I gained valuable in-classroom experience as well as off-site leadership and communication skills. I was tasked with leading day-time and after-school lessons on global awareness, cross-cultural exchange, geography, and even international social and political issues with students as young as five and as old as fourteen. My coursework at Fordham tended to directly compliment my activity at RTW. My knowledge of international affairs and organizations allowed me to easily supplement the lessons and meet the needs of teachers. I remember walking into a third grade class and being greeted with "Ms. Sofia, if China has a president, does that mean it is a democracy like us?" Another seventh grader asked, "So you are telling me RTW can help me become a diplomat?" I answered no and yes respectively.

I also gained experience as the main point of contact between students, educators, and travelers. I learned lots of multi-tasking skills as I was constantly juggling communication between many people and working on different projects. I was consistently pushed to explore new possibilities when it came to bringing information and teaching techniques into the classrooms. Because of RTW's partnerships, I also gained experience with two other organizations - Citizen Schools and BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life). So through RTW, I actually received intern/volunteer experience with three organizations! It was an amazing opportunity to witness the inner workings of three separate non-profit agencies all striving for the same goal of bettering the educational opportunities for youth in NYC.

I perceive my experience in NYC classrooms - at a total of four different schools and eight different classes - as an advantage when it comes to working in education. I find that even Teach for America applicants rarely have in-classroom experience before they apply, and after working directly with students and teachers, I feel that I have a strengthened understanding of the field of education. Furthermore, I see how partnerships between schools and non-profits function.

Unlike other internships opportunities, RTW was concerned about my personal and professional growth and provided continued support instead of pressuring me to magically know the right answer. Although I was free to make my own trouble-shooting decisions and suggestions, my supervisors consistently offered helpful advice and solutions anytime I consulted them. I often hear complaints from interns at other organizations about the lack of opportunities to learn, but at RTW that was not my experience. We had three or four intern meetings per semester which offered planning support, sharing of best-practices, and my supervisor often slipped in lessons about professional development into planning meetings! For instance, we practiced pitching our final presentation ideas with short, on-the-spot speeches. I distinctly remember my supervisor noting a certain experience of mine as an answer to the common interview question "What is a challenge you encountered?" - And I use that answer to this day! I was so grateful for the close relationships I built with my supervisors and fellow interns and never felt abandoned or lost. During off-site events - intern meetings, social hours, fundraisers - I was able to practice networking skills that are still very valuable to me!

I spent two years with Reach The World. I love being able to discuss the unique mission of the organization to professional contacts and am very proud to be able to cite it as my current position. The organization always earns an eyebrow raise from whoever I am talking to and captures interest. I am currently being considered for a full-time position in non-profit management and could not have achieved an interview without my experience at RTW. As I make the transition into full-time work, I will continue to volunteer with Reach the World if I have some spare hours during the week. The pay-off of seeing students and teachers advance their understanding of the world around them as well as the strong personal relationships I have built will keep me coming back! I strongly recommend an internship with this efficient and well-run, modern, and unique organization to anyone with an interest in international education or non-profits.

Peace Corps Opportunities: Apply ASAP!

The Peace Corps is accepting applications through September for the following positions overseas!!

International Business Development Positions

Business Volunteers work to build local capacity and improve economic opportunities in communities. They participate at many levels, whether helping artisan cooperatives to market their handmade goods, training entrepreneurs in basic small business skills development, or working with micro-finance institutions, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or municipalities to support local economic development projects.

For more info and to apply today, CareerLink JobID#: 10600

International Education Positions

This is the largest area of need for Peace Corps countries. Education Volunteers team-teach or directly teach English, health, literacy, math, and science. Education Volunteers strengthen local capacity by training and mentoring teachers in primary and secondary schools, teacher training colleges, and universities. Volunteers work with teachers to improve participatory teaching methodologies, inclusion practices, classroom management, authentic assessments, parental involvement, and gender equality in the classroom. They also create after-school programs, clubs, and camps for boys and girls to promote HIV/AIDS prevention and life skills.

For more info and to apply today, CareerLink JobID#: 10597

International Environment and Agriculture Positions

Agriculture

Volunteers work with small-scale farmers and families to increase food security and production and adapt to climate change while promoting environmental conservation practices. They introduce farmers to techniques that prevent soil erosion, reduce the use of harmful pesticides, and replenish the soil. They work alongside farmers on integrated projects that often combine vegetable gardening, livestock management, agroforestry, and food security.

Environment

Volunteers become leaders in grassroots efforts to protect and conserve the environment, engaging in projects that establish forest conservation plans and help promote alternative energy practices, integrate environmental curricula in schools, and promote alternative energy practices. They also collaborate with various organizations to promote environmental awareness activities such as wastewater management, recycling, environmental youth clubs, and park management.

For more info and to apply today, CareerLink JobID#: 10601

International Health Positions

Health Volunteers work with local governments, clinics, nongovernmental organizations, and communities at the grassroots level, where the need is most urgent and the impact can be the greatest. They focus on outreach, social and behavior change in public health, hygiene, water sanitation, and HIV/AIDS. Health Volunteers work in both formal and informal settings, targeting the groups most affected by a particular health issue.

For more info and to apply today, CareerLink JobID#: 10598

International Youth and Community Positions

Volunteers work with youth to develop skills for transitioning from school to work, preparing for family life, and becoming engaged and active citizens in their communities. Volunteers also serve a valuable role in reaching special populations, such as orphans, street children, youth with disabilities, and other vulnerable young people. Volunteers build the capacity of the local people and organizations who work with youth.

For more info and to apply today, CareerLink JobID#: 10599

Why Peace Corps?

Peace Corps service is a life-defining leadership experience.

Since 1961, the Peace Corps has shared with the world America's most precious resource – its people. Volunteers serve in over 70 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, South America, Europe, the Pacific Islands and the Middle East. Peace Corps Volunteers live, learn, and work with a community overseas for 27 months, providing technical assistance in six program areas: education, youth and community development, health, business and information and communications technology, agriculture, and environment.

The most significant accomplishment will be the contribution you make to improve the lives of others. There are also tangible benefits, including the following Peace Corps provisions:

- Student loan assistance

- A "readjustment" allowance of $7,425 (pre-tax) upon completion of service

- Language, cross-cultural, and technical training

- Travel to and from country of service

- A monthly living and housing allowance

- Full medical and dental coverage

- 48 paid vacation days

- Unique graduate school opportunities

- Leave for family emergencies

- Transition and job support and social networking after service

- Advantages in federal employment

- Opportunities for short-term assignments through Peace Corps Response

- No fee to participate

Part Time Job Opportunity

Human Resources Assistant (Temporary)

The New York Botanical Garden, a National Historic Landmark and one of NYC’s premier cultural institutions, seeks a candidate to join their Human Resources Department as a Temporary Human Resources Assistant.

Summary of Responsibilities:

This is a temporary part-time position. The Human Resources Assistant supports the entire Human Resources team with general office duties and tasks.

- Assists Human Resources with copying, logging resumes and answering telephones.

- Greets department visitors and assists with directing inquiries to appropriate personnel.

- Serves as a back-up for Reception coverage.

Requirements:

- Some college preferred.

- Strong computer skills.

- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.

- Some relevant work experience preferred.

To Apply:

Please indicate Human Resources Assistant, A-1558 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.

The New York Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Social Media Intern: WHOA Travel

WHOA Travel is looking for a social media rockstar (SMR) to join their team ASAP!

Job Description:

Our SMR will be managing several social media accounts and will grow followers and brand exposure across all social media platforms. Candidates should also be prepared to work with WHOA's Creative Director on photography and design-related projects, understanding of Illustrator and Photoshop a plus. There are additional marketing and brand development initiatives that may be the responsibility of the intern, but primary responsibilities are on the social media front. There is a lot of room for growth in the WHOA team and in this position. We can't wait to meet you!

Duties:

Primary control of social media accounts., Coordination with managers on marketing initiatives

Technical Skills:

Expertise in social media management. SEO/SEM a plus

For more information and to apply today, head to CareerLink, JobID#: 20639.

Intern Spotlight: Kara Gooley

By Kara Gooley

This past semester I had the privilege of interning at the office of New York State Assemblymember Aravella Simotas.  Assemblymember Simotas represents New York’s 36th Assembly District, covering sections of Western Queens including Astoria and sections of Long Island City.  Since the Assemblymember was in session in Albany many days while I was interning in the office, I also spent a good amount of time in direct contact with her Chief of Staff, Samantha Darche.

One of the best parts about working for Assemblymember Simotas was that she is fellow member of the Fordham community! Simotas is a graduate of Fordham University, where she majored in Economics and Philosophy, as well as a graduate of Fordham University Law School.  Assemblymember Simotas and I would often talk about Fordham, both our social and academic experiences during our undergraduate years.  Having the chance to see first-hand what a member of the Fordham community has already accomplished thus far in her career was definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of my internship.

Assemblymember Simotas is also one of the most dedicated and passionate women I have ever met. Her background alone is proof enough that she is a trailblazer in many ways.  When Assemblymemeber Simotas was voted into office in 2010, she became the first Greek-American woman elected to the office in New York as well as the first woman elected to the office in her district.  Having only spent one semester working in her office, it was easy to see why Assemblymember Simotas was so successful; she worked tirelessly on projects and legislation that she felt were important to improving her community. 

This spring, I also had the opportunity to learn more about New York State’s legislative process.  Although I did some research prior to starting my internship, I went into my internship knowing little about the laws of New York State.  One of Assemblymember Simotas’ most time-consuming projects was spearheading the re-introduction of the Rape is Rape bill in Albany.  Understanding this particular bill also allowed me the opportunity to learn more about an issue that I knew little about prior to working for Assemblymember Simotas. Assemblymember Simotas re-introduced the Rape is Rape legislation in order to redefine rape to include additional types of forced sexual activities and simplify the standard used to prosecute these heinous crimes. Assemblymember Simotas worked closely with a rape victim from the area in order to urge the Assembly to pass this legislation.   

Assemblymember Simotas also worked hard to make sure that a proposed bikini bar, that was only a short walk from her office, was kept out of the Astoria neighborhood. “I’m going to fight against an establishment that doesn’t fit the character of our family-oriented community,” Assemblymember Simotas was quoted as stating.  While such venues seem to be all over Manhattan and the Bronx, I came to know Astoria as truly a “family-oriented neighborhood” myself and it was great to see someone taking a stand against the opening of such an establishment in their community.  On a few occasions I was able to go out a collect signatures for a petition to revoke the liquor license of this bar and it was surprising to learn, that many of the community members didn’t want to get involved in the matter … [Overall] it was a great opportunity for me to see someone use their knowledge and argumentative skills in order to convince members of the community as to why an issue was of direct importance to them.

During my internship I not only had the chance to work directly with Assemblymember Simotas and Mrs. Darche, but I also had the opportunity to interact with constituents.  I would greet and assist any constituents that came into the office, as well as draft responses to emails and letters for the Assemblymember.  I felt that such direct contact with constituents allowed me to really make a difference in the office.  Since Astoria is a predominantly Greek community, many immigrants, who spoke little English, would ask for help with problems pertaining to their bills, immigration status, or housing and education concerns.  Although I don’t speak Greek myself, it really showed me the value of mastering a second language.  Being able to speak Greek really helped my co-workers, since they were able to intercept problems that could be easily fixed and didn’t warrant further need from other departments of the city.

I felt that I was able to learn a lot during my time spent in Assemblymember Simotas’ office.  Overall, the opportunity really helped me to understand what this branch of government is involved in.   I was able to learn firsthand how local governments work to enact meaningful legislation within a community and see politics play out in every day life.  I know growing up I had little interest in the what my local government was accomplishing, but the internship was a great experience for me because it helped me to understand how local governments really set the tone for what happens at state, and even federal, levels of government.    

Target: Immediate Available Opportunities

Target is looking for new team members ASAP to join them as Executive Team Leaders!

About This Opportunity
Use your business, leadership and people skills to inspire exceptional performance. Maximize sales and profits for your Target store. Ensure great guest service and team member satisfaction. Create a fast-paced, energetic environment that delivers a consistent Target brand experience for team members and guests.

Use your skills, experience and talents to be a part of groundbreaking thinking and visionary goals.  As an Executive Team Leader - Assets Protection, you'll take the lead as you…
- Keep our stores safe and secure against loss from theft and fraud
- Initiate investigations and inter interviews
- Assist with recruiting and hiring of the assets protection team
- Maintain positive working relationships with local political, education and law enforcement officials and agencies
- Drive a safeness culture focused on prevention by ensuring store leadership is trained on assets protection best practices
- Act as leader on duty on a rotating basis by responding to guest and team concerns, opening and closing the store and ensuring all Target property and personnel are secure

Requirements
- 4-year college degree
- Strong cognitive skills, including problem analysis, decision making, financial and quantitative analysis
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40lbs
- Ability to work flexible work hours including some nights and weekends

Benefits
Eligible team members will receive one of the best earnings packages anywhere, including competitive pay, all-around insurance coverage, 401(k), flexible scheduling, training and development and many other perks and benefits. Target is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is a drug-free workplace.

About Target®
Expect the Best. At Target, we have a vision: to become the best - the best culture and brand, the best place for growth and the company with the best reputation. We offer an inclusive, collaborative and energetic work environment that rewards those who perform. We deliver engaging, innovative and on-trend experiences for our team members and our guests. We invest in our team members' futures by developing leaders and providing a breadth of opportunities for professional development. It takes the best to become the best, and we are committed to building a team that does the right thing for our guests, shareholders, team members and communities.

For more information and to apply today, please head to CareerLink, JobID #14421.

Part Time Job Opportunity

The Advertising Educational Foundation is looking to hire a Part-Time Office Assistant ASAP! Advertising Education Foundation is a small non-profit foundation located in the Grand Central area. They are seeking a reliable, responsible person to assist with educational programs and daily activities.

Flexible Hours: 9am-1pm, or 1-5pm, with additional hours as needed

Pay: Starting at $14/hour

Start Date: ASAP

Responsibilities:

- Compile numerical data for education program summaries

- Keep track of data and maintain records for fellowship program; update and maintain databases

- Conduct Internet research for education programs

- File, copy, handle occasional mass mailings via mail merge; local deliveries/errands, plus board meeting and special event preparation

- Provide occasional relief to Executive Assistant/Office Manager, including: answering phones, invoicing, and handling correspondence

Skills:           

Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access); Internet Explorer; excellent communication and writing skills

To apply, e-mail resume with cover letter to:

Shari Gottlieb

Executive Assistant/Office Manager

Advertising Educational Foundation

220 East 42nd Street

Suite 3300

New York, NY 10017

Email: sg@aef.com

Upcoming Event: YAI Job Fair

YAI is a not-for-profit human services agency providing residential, day and employment programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Coming up in a couple weeks is the YAI Job Fair!

When: Tuesday, June 18

Time: 4-6 pm

Where: The Crossroads Building

33 West Main Street

Elmsford, NY 10523

There will be on-site interviews for full-time, part-time and weekend positions on that day. More information can be found on the flyer:

For more information, head to yai.org, or yai.org/careers. Contact Career Services at 718-817-4350 with any questions or concerns. 

Intern Spotlight: Kimberly Iaciofano

By Kimberly Iaciofano, FCRH 2014

My passion has always been reading and writing. That’s why an editorial internship at Scholastic was easily the opportunity of a lifetime.

I was given the chance of interning for Scholastic through an alumnus of Fordham! Finding a former Fordham student was not only great because we shared previous professors and attended the same events, but it was also a great source of networking.

As an intern, my primary tasks were reviewing proposals and formulating replies, proofreading and editing any manuscripts, as well as composing cover copies and other miscellaneous duties. Not only was I able to gain hands-on experience on projects that an editor would normally encounter, but I was also able to immerse myself in the publishing world. Attending meetings and interacting with other employees in different departments allowed me to see the book publishing world from all different angles, furthering my experience and my ability to see promise in a future career.

My most memorable experience was when I wrote my first cover copy, in which I co-created the slogan and summary paragraph on the back cover of a new children’s series. Volleying ideas back and forth with my supervisor was an eye opening experience, in which I realized that the input that I was giving was actually important. Looking at the final product, I could see my words and my ideas clearly in the text. In the months to come, when I see this book out in stores for children to buy, I’ll feel a great sense of gratification and satisfaction in contributing to such a process.      

This internship has been a great opportunity in reaffirming my aspirations for the publishing world. This summer I will be continuing my internship at Scholastic in the Production department and I could not be happier.