Comfort can be a dangerous thing...

Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for snuggling in a blanket after a long day with a warm cup of hot cocoa, but the kind of comfort I'm talking about is the kind that stops you from learning something new. Opportunities arise every day to learn something or to move you in a new direction, and sometimes it opens an entirely new path that you never thought possible. Take my story of how I even got to the Career Center in first place:

When I was an undergraduate at SUNY New Paltz I studed Psychology, Art, and Disaster Studies (so pretty much nothing career-process-related). I became a Resident Assistant and in my second year, I chose to take on a new paraprofessional role as a 'Peer Career Assistant', where I acted as a liaison between my residence hall and the Career Center. I learned how to write resumes and cover letters, develop better interviewing skills, and gained a better awareness of the etiquette of the career application process. Fast forward to applying for Hofstra's Mental Health Counseling program, my position at the Career Center was brought to my attention by my interviewer (thanks, Dr. Seirup!) because of my previous experience as the PCA, and it's been a whirlwind ever since! I've learned so much more about the career process, and although there was definitely a learning curve, I was able to roll with the discomfort and begin expanding my knowledge about the ins and out of career centers and external relations--things I never thought I'd learn being a Psychology major in undergrad!

Working as the Career Center GA has really opened my eyes to the world of Student Affairs and Higher Education and I believe if I stayed in my comfort zone of what I was already learning, I wouldn't have gained such a valuable experience here. My time here has also supplemented the things I can put on my resume, which definitely opens up opportunities for career paths...and that's all because of a chain of events starting with taking on a new role that I knew very little about!

So, the next time a new opportunity arises (someone invites you to a new club meeting, a new class opens up, etc.), take advantage of it! Many things come up in a day, and it's all about how you navigate and make the most of these moments! And as always, The Career Center is here to support you. Give us a call at (516) 463-6060 to get started!

Anne Monique Concepcion,
Graduate Assistant

Connect with The Career Center: Anne Concepcion

1. What is your role at the Career Center?

As the Graduate Assistant of the Career Center, I find I dabble in a little bit of everything. I mainly manage our social media accounts (Facebook - Instagram - Twitter), provide resume/cover letter critiques during our drop-in Quick Question hours, send out weekly newsletters, and support the External Relations team by helping where I can with career fairs, on-campus recruitment, and answering employer questions!

2. What did you study in school OR what was your favorite class when you were in school?

I am currently enrolled here at Hofstra as a second-year Mental Health Counseling graduate student. My favorite class so far has probably been my Advanced Counseling Skills & Strategies that I took this past summer. I felt that it really integrated a lot of the theories I was learning/have learned about with specific techniques, and I feel a little bit more prepared for my future career!

3. Where is your favorite spot on campus?

I really love the woodsy area behind Spiegel Theatre. When I first started at Hofstra, I walked through that area and fell in love with all the trees and flowers. My favorite tree is the one closest to the entrance of Spiegel Theatre, the one that looks like it's made from the tops of pineapples :)

4. What is your favorite season and why?

I am 100% a Fall baby. I love the colors changing (red is my favorite color), the weather cooling off, Fall fashion (layers and scarves, all the way!), and the over-abundance of pumpkin and apple-flavored everything. 

5. What message do you have for the incoming class of 2019/returning Hofstra students as they begin their new school year?

College is where you'll experience a large amount of growth in a short amount of time. So anything that you have an interest in, find a place at Hofstra where you can foster it. Whether it be a class, club, organization, internship, volunteering experience, conversations with administrators/faculty, etc. there will be a place to further pursue it and learn from, in and out of the classroom!

Anne 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