2016 Hofstra CPXi Venture Challenge

The Hofstra CPXi Venture Challenge helps students turn innovative ideas into a business by working through the early stages of venture creation. Students will compete for a total of $50,000 in prizes over the course of competition, culminating in a separate graduate and undergraduate Venture Challenge Competition on April 21, 2016, during which students will present their ideas to a panel of judges. 

This year, students will also participate in an Accelerator program administered by the Center for Entrepreneurship during the spring semester, which will provide students and student teams with valuable mentorship and training from entrepreneurs-in-residence, mentors, and faculty advisors, and will assist students with ideation, customer validation, development of a business model, and formation of the product pitch. 

The brief online application, rules, and frequently asked questions can be found at www.hofstra.edu/cpxichallenge.  The application is due on February 1, 2016 and questions can be emailed to Stacey Sikes, Senior Assistant Dean for Administration at the Center for Entrepreneurship, at Stacey.Sikes@Hofstra.edu. 

The Hofstra CPXi Venture Challenge and Accelerator Program includes the following prizes:

• "Shark tanks" and pitch competitions throughout the spring semester: A total of $8,000 in prizes
• Hofstra CPXi Venture Challenge Graduate Competition on April 21, 2016: First place - $6,000; Second place - $4,000; Third place - $2,000
• Hofstra CPXi Venture Challenge Undergraduate Competition on April 21, 2016: First place - $15,000; Second place - $10,000; Third place - $5,000

As the semester dwindles down...

...How are you going to divide your time this Winter break?

As a current student, I can relate to the stress of finals and the desire to have all assignments be completed and handed in with a nice, neat bow. And when that is all said and done, everyone deserves a break! But while Winter break is among us and you divide your time between seeing friends and family, eating food for the Holidays, and catching up on all your sleep, we hope that you'll spend some time getting ahead on your job and internship search!

The Career Hub is a great resource for Hofstra students and alumni to utilize to explore various industries, receive tips on the career process, and to search for jobs, volunteer opportunities, and internships! So while you're sipping on hot cocoa, we hope you'll spend some time searching, especially if you're looking to obtain a position for Spring or Summer!

And as always, The Career Center is here to support you! We will be closed starting December 24th and will resume normal hours January 4th. Don't forget to give us a call at (516) 463-6060 to schedule an appointment!

Anne Monique Concepcion,
Graduate Assistant

Adapting to the Climate

My work experience has been plentiful; it has provided me with much insight into different positions, but more importantly different employers. The majority of positions that I have entailed are mainly administrative. Yet my experience in each setting has been completely different. This is largely attributed to the employer’s work climate.

The employer’s work climate can positively or negatively impact the employees in the workplace.  Positive climates lead to an increase in employee satisfaction, employee motivation, and an increase in productivity levels. As an employee in this environment, you feel that you are a part of a team and that you are valued. Whereas, working in a negative climate can certainly impede productivity levels. Employers with a poor work climate generally have a low retention rate. The work environment can be hostile and often difficult to work in. 

When searching for a job or career, the work climate is an important factor to consider. As a current graduate student, I will begin applying for positions in my field of study. Evaluating the climate will be a crucial component.

Nala Goonetilleke,
External Relations Graduate Intern

Meet Our HU Students: David Samberg

Name: David Samberg

Hometown: Massapequa Park, NY

Major: Exercise Science

When you were young, what did you think you wanted to be "when you grow up?"

When I was young, I knew I wanted to be a personal trainer "when I grew up". I always knew in my head that this is what I wanted to do. Ever since I saw my mom in this position, and experienced what it was like, and what it involved, I had a good feeling that I wanted to pursue that career choice.

What career do you hope your first job after graduate will be?

The career that I hope to have after graduation (first job) is a personal trainer. I have been learning all about what it takes and how things need to be done in order to have this career.

What experience have you had so far that you think is best preparing you to reach that goal?

I have a lot of experience in this field, as well as past experience actually training clients one on one. The majority of things that I learn in my classes I already know, but it is good to know that I was taught the right things and have good background knowledge about this career.

What advice would you have for others who are pursuing this same career?

Advice I would give to others who are pursing this career would be don't expect to succeed quickly. In this type of job, you have to slowly work your way up. At first you start off with  few clients, and then as you progress with more and more time that you put in, you begin to  broaden your clientele. It is definitely worth the wait though.

Who at Hofstra has had the biggest positive impact on you?

The person at Hofstra who has had the most influence on me would be my advisor Dr. Katie Sell. She has really helped me out with not just classes and extra ways to help me succeed, but she has worked with me one on one and helped me gain experience in the field. She has really given me that opportunity to become successful in the field.

Meet Our HU Students: Megan McGuire

Name: Megan McGuire

Hometown: Lancaster, PA

Major: Journalism, minor in International Affairs

When you were young, what did you think you wanted to be "when you grow up?"

When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be just like Katie Couric and Matt Lauer on the Today Show. I used to watch it every day before school with my mom, and I as a little kid they were my role models.

What career do you hope your first job after graduate will be?

I hope my first job in my career after I graduate will be something in broadcasting, specifically sports. I want to work in a major city, hopefully reporting for a professional sports team.

What experience have you had so far that you think is best preparing you to reach that goal?

Hofstra has given me a lot of opportunities to enhance my experience. I'm a part of Hofstra's radio station, WRHU 88.7 FM. I joined the sports department after my spring semester of my freshmen year, and have been able to work on Islander broadcasts, engineer, and get to be on air talent reporting on our D1 sports. I also am on-air on the HEAT Network show, Sportsbeat, and help produce the broadcasts of Hofstra sporting events and more with Pride Productions.

What advice would you have for others who are pursuing this same career?

I would say take advantage of every opportunity you can but also leave time for yourself. Don't let stress get the best of you.

Who at Hofstra has had the biggest positive impact on you?

I would say my friends have been the biggest impact for me at Hofstra. The people I've met, whether from my freshmen orientation to my friends at WRHU...I am just so grateful for their support in whatever I do and I love being there to support them. 

Keep It Formal With Alumni

You know the power of alumni. Alumni can serve as mentors to help you through your own personal, academic, and professional development. Alumni can offer personal stories, advice, and help both during and after your time in college. Thus, when speaking with or about alumni, be sure to use the right terminology (see below). Personally, I recommend keeping it formal (i.e., alumni, alumnus, alumna). You will impress those you speak with, and seasoned alumni will appreciate your proper language. Try it out!

Alumni: graduates or former students of a particular school, college, or university.

Alumnus: a graduate or former student, especially male, of a particular school, college, or university.

Alumna: a female graduate or former student of a particular school, college, or university.

Alum: an alumnus or alumna (informal!)

Stefano Verdesoto,
External Relations Assistant Director