Meet Our HU Students: Christian Ladigoski

Name: Christian Ladigoski

Hometown: Smithtown, NY

Major(s): Electrical Engineering

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

When I was young, I was always inspired to be a series of things, such as an astronaut, a chiropractor, doctor, or a rock star!

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

I hope that my first career will start off in the Media Industry working with Television, Film or Music related content. Somewhere in entertainment.

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

I believe that being a part of WRHU and Hofstra TV have immersed myself into media culture and work environment. I have also had experiences with 106.1 WBLI and 102.3 WBAB as well as NBC Universal which are great experiences that are preparing me for the industry. 

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

Ask many questions, be curious and become immersed in the content and operations of media and how it works. Media is a very fast paced environment which includes reacting very quickly to situations so having preparedness whether it's content, technical, business related in the media industry, expect the unexpected. 

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

I can't narrow it down to just one person, but I believe that the radio station and the personnel that work at the station really created a positive impact in the direction i wish to go in.

Interested in being a featured student or know someone you want to feature on #MeetOurHUStudents? Email us at careercenter@hofstra.edu with the subject line 'Meet Our HU Students' and we'll reach out to you!

Conducting Phone Interviews

A potential employer may want to do a preliminary interview by phone. If you're prepared for the call, you can impress the interviewer.  Here are some tips, since doing a phone interview is a unique experience!

First, have all your tools in one place, which should include:

• Your resume
• Pen and paper to jot the interviewer(s) name(s) down immediately and to take notes during the interview
• Company research (with relevant information highlighted)
• Questions to ask about the company and position
• A glass of water

 Some additional tips:

• Turn off distractions. Take your phone into in a quiet room.
• Make sure you write down the interviewer’s name and contact information.
• Dress the part for the interview. Experts say if you're dressed in a professional manner, you'll speak that way.
• Make your answers more concise and to the point.  It is harder to keep the interviewer’s attention on the phone, due to the lack of non-verbal communication.

Some final thoughts:

If an employer calls and wants to do the interview right away (instead of setting up an appointment), tell them you are interested but would like to call them back in five minutes. This will give you time to make the psychological switch from whatever you are doing to your professional demeanor and collect some basic materials.

When the employer ends the interview, thank them for their time.  Be sure you have their full name and contact information.  Close the interview by thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the position.

Write a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview.

If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to come see us!

Gary Alan Miller,
Executive Director

Myths of Career Fairs

There are two kinds of people:

1. Those who go to Career Fairs
2. Those who don't

And in my time at the Career Center I've heard many reasons why students do not attend, but I'm going to focus on the 3 main ones and bust those myths!

1. I can't go, I'm only a first-year student or Sophomore!

Yes, a lot of companies are looking for Juniors or Seniors for various internship and full-time opportunities. But that doesn't mean as a first-year student or Sophomore you're not eligible to attend! Attending career fairs is a skill that can be practiced, especially if you've never attended one before (it can be overwhelming at first!). By attending you can get comfortable with the process, as well as prepare for opportunities in the future. Let's say there is a company you KNOW you want to intern with, but unfortunately, they can only take Juniors. As a first-year student, you'd probably feel out of luck. But by attending the career fair and talking to the recruiter can help you gain insight on the types of experiences they want to see on your resume, so by the time you're a Junior, you will be the ideal candidate!

2. I'm not looking for a full-time job right now!

Yes, recruiters are looking to fill full-time opportunities, but a lot of recruiters are also looking to fill internship and volunteer opportunities as well! Similarly to the situation in the first myth, even if you attend just to get comfortable with the process, it gives you a pretty good idea of what types of opportunities there are and what you can do to prepare to be the ideal candidate when the time is right!

3. There are no companies coming for my major!

Totally a myth. Most companies are looking to fill a diverse number of positions, and the company name is not always a perfect representation of what those positions are. A real estate company is not always looking for real estate agents, they could be looking for an event management intern! The tip here is to be open to different companies and organizations, as well as do some research on the types of positions looking to be filled. When you attend a Hofstra Career Fair, we provide you with a booklet of all the employers and jobs to be filled. I suggest taking some time to review that book and see what companies are hiring for the types of position you want to apply, you might be surprised which company it could be!

In the end, a Career Fair can be a very rewarding experience in more ways than one. So be sure to stop by our Career Fair today, at the Mack Sports Exhibition Complex from 11-2, or to any of our upcoming Career Fairs (all can be found in the 'Events' section in Handshake). And if you feel you want some preparation for the fair, be sure to reach out to all the folks at The Career Center, we're here to help!

Anne Monique Concepcion,
Graduate Assistant

Connect with The Career Center: Stefano Verdesoto

Hello! My name is Stefano and I am the Assistant Director of External Relations at The Career Center.  I studied sociology and communication as an undergraduate student, and studied college administration for my master’s degree. I am new to Hofstra, so I am still exploring the campus! However, I really like Hofstra Hall and walking on the Unispan! I also love summer!  Although a majority of my friends complain about the heat and humidly, I never do, especially after living in Buffalo, NY for six years. Class of 2019: come say hi!  It is never too early to get to know us at The Career Center! 

Stefano Verdesoto, External Relations Assistant Director

Careernival: Everything You Need to Know

The Careernival is coming up next Wednesday, May 6^th, 2015 and will take place at the Intramural Fields on Hofstra University’s north campus from 12pm-4pm. Since this is the first Careernival EVER, this is your personal guide on what to expect. If you have any further questions, always feel free to call the Career Center at 516-463-6060 or visit the Careernival Event Page!

Also, there will be an atrium table on Monday May 4^th starting at 10 AM where the Career Center will be giving out FREE COTTON CANDY in the student center and entering students for a chance to win a Hofstra Gift Basket! Stop by on May 4^th to learn how to enter!

See everything you need to know below and we hope to see you at the Careernival on Wednesday, May 6th!

1. What is the Careernival?

The Careernival is a fun way to learn about internship opportunities and companies without the formality of a traditional Career Fair. This event in particular is designed to educate students on internship opportunities for next semester in a casual environment so students and employers can really get to know each other.

2. What if I don’t need an internship?

Come anyway! The Careernival will host many employers that will be able to teach you more about their companies.

3. Can anyone attend?

The Careernival is open to all current students at Hofstra University. If you are enrolled in the Spring 2015 semester at Hofstra, you’re more than welcome to come!

4. What employers are going to be there?

To see the full list of employers, log onto PrideCMS, click on the events tab, click Career Fairs, then click Careernival or log into PrideCMS and follow this link.

5. What do I wear?

This is a casual event so wear whatever you would like. Just remember, you will be speaking to employers so be sure that your attire is appropriate.

6. What do I bring?

Nothing! Employers are not expecting to collect resumes or other materials from students, but instead they will be giving information to you about their companies and internship opportunities. This will require you to follow up after the event to learn more and apply for internships!

7. What will there be to do?

Games

• Cornhole sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Inflatable Twister
• Alien Invasion: shoot a foam arrow into a target crater!
• Boom Blaster: Race to see who can pump up and pop their balloon faster!
• Froggy Flinger: Contestants use their hand to launch and land the frog on a lily pad!
• Tip-a-Troll: Throw beanbags and knock down as many troll dolls as possible!

Free Food

• Cotton Candy
• Hot Dogs
• Popcorn

Entertainment will be brought to you by WBLI-FM

Rejection to Future Opportunity

When you get that rejection E-Mail or phone call for the dream job or internship position you were hoping for, that doesn’t mean the end.

There are certain steps you can take to keep yourself on an employer’s radar and perhaps be in the running for a future opportunity:

1. Send a thoughtful thank you E-Mail or note.
2. Ask the interviewer for feedback (either in a follow up phone or in-person appointment) to discuss what you could have done better.
3. Reiterate your interest in the type of work you interviewed for and ask that the team keep you in mind for future similar opportunities.

For more detailed information you can access this link. The gist of this is that when one door closes another one can open if you stay positive.

Remember: The Career Center is here to help. Make use of our Quick Questions hours (Monday-Friday 10am-11am and 2pm-4pm) to get questions answered about following up with employers and quick interviewing advice.

Nayelli Perez,
Assistant Director

How to Take Your Small Talk from Awkward to Awesome

Being home for the holiday season and winter break can remind us of many things: the warmth of family and friends, the great feeling of giving to others, and the necessity for some rest and relaxation. It is also that time of year when you run into many people you haven’t seen in a while or are meeting for the first time at parties and gatherings. If you are introverted like me, the threat of having to make small talk is enough to make you run and hide. Take it from someone who knows, you can run, but you can’t hide…for long. So instead of avoiding, be awesome. Small talk is a necessity of life and if you don’t learn how to do it, it will always be zapping your energy. Also, people who are good at making conversation are the people we see as likable and end up going far in their careers. So here are some easy tips to learn how to crush it the next time you feel like flashing that awkward smile, nodding, and walking away.

1. Have a few "go to" questions in your metaphorical back pocket (or literal) to get the conversation going.  Here are a couple that I use –

• What’s your connection to this event/the host?
• What are your plans for the break? 
• What keeps you busy when you’re not at work/school?
• How did you come to be in your line of work/choose your major?

2. Have an answer for “what’s new with you?” This question is like an interviewer saying “tell me about yourself.” You just know someone is going to ask you this, so why not be prepared?  Think about your most recent social media posts, something you’re working on at school, work, or for fun, somewhere you’ve been lately. It doesn’t have to be earth shattering, just something to get the conversation going. Being prepared is half the battle!

3. Be genuinely interested in the person and what he/she is saying.  Small talk can get very awkward very quickly if you stop paying attention or seem bored. So, ask follow up questions and really listen. When someone starts to see you engaged, he/she will open up more and the conversation will get more interesting.

4. Keep it 50-50.  The conversation shouldn’t be all listening or all talking; it is a give and take.  Just because someone hasn’t asked you a question, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share. A one sided conversation can get awkward or annoying after a while. So if you are saying a lot of “yeah, uh huh, right’s” then it is time to offer up a story of your own. 

5. Exit gracefully.  Remember, small talk is called “small” talk for a reason.  When the conversation starts to run dry, it’s time to politely move on.  Here are some ways to politely end the conversation –

• I’m going to grab another drink/more food. It’s been great chatting with you.    
• I’ve really enjoyed talking with you. There is someone I need to speak to before he/I leave so I’m going to go catch him/her real quick.
• You sound like you have a lot in common with my friend. Let me introduce you.
• This has been great. I have to go freshen up; I’ll see you around. 

Before your next engagement, start to practice these tips so you can chat it up with others and channel your inner social butterfly. Good luck and have fun!

Deanna Rodin, Associate Director