Taking a Weakness and Making it Into a Strength!

I don't consider myself the creative type. I find that I struggle with coming up with new, innovative ideas sometimes. I have artistic abilities, but that doesn't always necessarily lead to creativity. I find my strengths to lie in support and implementation, and not so much on the "start-from-nothing-and-get-creative-type".

Do I consider that a weakness of mine? Yes.
Is that something I have made strides to work on? Definitely!

Recently, I had the opportunity to work on my creative skills and make something my own. Thanks to Deanna Rodin (the Career Center Associate Director) I was able to take over our recent #HUInternSelfie Challenge and make it my very own. I worked with Deanna and brainstormed a ton of ideas (from very practical to wild and outrageous--think riding an elephant) to use throughout the entire process. This included ways to advertise and get the challenge out there, how to logistically manage the event, which platform was optimal to host the challenge, what challenges would students participate each week, what can we use for the future, and what would be some of the post-event activities with our winner. Although I worked within certain guidelines, it really was a great opportunity to make an event completely my own and have fun with it! I also learned a lot along the way about the process of putting on event and how things work on the Hofstra campus. In the end, I felt we had a great participation (of 10 diverse student interns) and I'm truly proud of the end product (and excited for our winner of the $250 Nordstrom Gift Card!).

Overall, I view weaknesses as future strengths that haven't been worked on yet. The steps I took to work on this particular weakness were:

• Admit to myself and to another person that this is a quality I want to work on. This made me accountable to actually take the steps towards improvement.
• Find an opportunity to work said-quality, big or small. This will give you the freedom and space to work on that skill--remember, practice does make perfect!
• Have fun with it! Not succeeding doesn't always mean failure, this could be one of your first attempts at working on this quality. Give yourself the space to have fun and you'll continue progressing in the future.

With the support of the Career Center staff, I felt encouraged to continue moving forward with my creativity and come up with a fun event, and I hope participants enjoyed it too! If you have a weakness you want to work on, the Career Center is here to support you make it into a strength! Maybe communication isn't your forte and you have a big interview coming up--we'll practice with a mock interview to transform it into a strength. Maybe you're writing skill isn't where you want it to be and you're struggling with a cover letter--the Career Center is here to help you through that process too! All you have to do is reach out and we'll be here!

Anne Monique Concepcion,
Graduate Assistant

Events for Week of 3/16/15

General On-Campus Recruiting:

On-Campus Recruiting are opportunities brought right to the Hofstra campus! Employers post job and internship opportunities that students are eligible to apply to; and if selected, first-round interviews occur right on campus at the Career Center. All positions are listed on PrideCMS and require resume submission by the respective application deadlines listed below: 

Grant Thornton: Monday, March 16^th at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for Grow with Grant Thornton Summer Leadership Program. See listing for desired majors and class levels. 

GEICO: Thursday, March 19th at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for full-time Management Development Program. See listing for desired majors and class levels.

CVS Health: Tuesday, March 31^st at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for full-time Store Management Trainee. See listing for desired majors and class levels.

Pride Shadowing Program

Application Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2015 on PrideCMS

Shadowing Week: April 6-10, 2015

We are proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for our brand new shadowing program! If you need help choosing a major or exploring careers, this program is for you! Check out Hofstra.edu/shadowing to find out more! 

#HUInternSelfie Challenge:

Sunday, March 15-April 20, 2015, Instagram @hofstracareer

Are you a student interning for Spring 2015? Do you want to a new internship wardrobe with a $250 Nordstrom gift card? Then all you have to do…is take selfies! Starting in March for 6 weeks, we will reveal a choice of two selfie-photo challenges, then you snap your photo, upload to Instagram, and at the end of the challenge, we’ll choose a random winner for the gift card! Visit Hofstra.edu/HUInternSelfie for more details on how to win!

Zarb Alumni Mock Interview Night 2

Monday, March 16, 2015, 6:30-9PM, The Career Center

Students will be able to participate in a practice 30-minute interview with a Zarb School of Business Alumnus. Pre-registration on Pride-CMS is required for this event. Please bring a printed copy of your resume and dress professionally. This event is open to undergraduate Zarb students only.

Etiquette Dinner

Thursday, March 19, 2015, 6PM, University Club

Join us for a unique dining event with a three-course dinner and an interactive seminar facilitated by a certified etiquette trainer. Participants will learn how to properly conduct themselves on interviews and meetings in a formal dining atmosphere, and learn proper networking and conversation etiquette. There is a $10 fee, which includes the seminar and three-course meal. Space is limited; Fee/RSVP can be submitted to The Career Center to reserve your seat.

Save the Date

Hofstra University Start-Ups & The Career Center Presents: Marketing Your Business and Grow with Max Ringleheim

Tuesday, March 24, 8PM, Student Center 143

Max Ringleheim, a seasoned entrepreneur from Phunkee Tree phone accessories will be coming to speak on how to market your business and grow. Come learn important lessons in entrepreneurship and talk to Max about possible internship opportunities!

Target Information Session

Wednesday, March 25, 5:30-6:30 PM, The Career Center

Find out about the job and internship opportunities at Target, as well as their commitment to volunteering, health and wellness. This event is open to Juniors and Seniors of all majors!

LinkedIn Power Hour: How to Make Connections and Find Your Next Internship/Job

Wednesday, March 25, Common Hour (11:15-12:30), Calkins Lab

Find out how to use your LinkedIn profile to connect and network with professionals in your career/company of interest and find your next internship or job before the Academic Year ends. The Career Center and Sigma Alpha Mu will be offering tips and help along the way.

1800Flowers Internship Information Session

Wednesday, March 25, 5-6PM, The Career Center Workshop
Room

All Hofstra students are invited to attend with resume, to learnabout competitive 10 week formal Internships for Summer 2015, Fall and Spring in all areas including business planning, merchandising, analytics, planning, IT, marketing, H.R., project management. Come meet Alumnus David Alter, Human Resources.

Women’s Leadership Conference

Friday, March 27, 2015 at 1PM, Mack Student Center Plaza Rooms

Participants will have the opportunity to attend various educational sessions, hear from notable keynote speaker, and network with alumni, faculty and administrators.

#HUInternSelfie Challenge

Congratulations to our #HUInternSelfie Winner, Mitchell!

Check out Mitchell's internship selfies:

_______________________________________________________________

Visit our website to find out how to participate!

A few reminders:

• In order to participate, you need to follow us on Instagram (@hofstracareer), tag us in your weekly selfie submissions and use the #HUInternSelfie hashtag.
• To see all submissions, we will be checking the #HUInternSelfie hashtag on Instagram. If your profile is on private, we will be unable to view your submission and it will not count towards the challenge. 
• To know if we have received your submission and is counted towards the challenge, we will 'like' your photo.
• In order to be put in the $250 Nordstrom gift card raffle, you must complete 5 of the 6 challenges!

_______________________________________________________________

Week 1: 

Selfie of you in front of your site!

 OR

 Selfie of you with a sign that includes your name, class year, and name of internship site!

Darlene Johnson, Director of External Relations completing
Week 1 of the #HUInternSelfie Challenge!

Check out the submissions for Week 1 below:

_______________________________________________________________

Week 2:
Selfie of your professional outfit of the day (OOTD)!
OR
Selfie of you with your breakfast for champs before your day!

Amy Smith, Assistant Director completing both
challenges for Week 2 of the #HUInternSelfie Challenge!

Check out the submissions for Week 2 below:

_______________________________________________________________

Week 3:
Selfie of you with your Supervisor!
OR
Selfie of you completing an assigned task!

Suzanne Pike, Director of Assessment and Career Development
taking a selfie completing an assigned task!

Check out the submissions for Week 3 below:

_______________________________________________________________

Week 4:
Selfie of you with a co-worker, who is NOT your supervisor!
OR
Selfie of you having lunch at your site!

Nayelli Perez, Assistant Director and
Anne Monique Concepcion, Graduate Assistant
completing Week 4 of the #HUInternSelfie Challenge!

Check out the submissions for Week 4 below:

_______________________________________________________________

Week 5:
Selfie of you with a company mascot!
OR
Selfie of you with a Hofstra University item at your site (ex: Mug, Scarf, etc.)

Gary Alan Miller, Executive Director
completing Week 5's challenge with his SGA
Hofstra University cup!

Check out the submissions for Week 5 below:

_______________________________________________________________

Week 6:
Selfie of you with the view outside your site's window!
OR
Selfie of you with a company logo!

Deanna Rodin, Associate Director
taking a selfie with the view outside her window!

Check out the submissions for Week 6 below:

Events for Week of 3/2/15

Events for Week of March 2nd

Zarb Alumni Resume Night

Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 6-9PM, The Career Center

Current Zarb students will have the opportunity to have their resumes critiqued by alumni from the Zarb School of Business. You must bring a printed copy of your resume. Professional dress is highly recommended. Pre-registration on Pride-CMS is strongly encouraged. This event is open to undergraduate Zarb students only.

#HUInternSelfie Challenge Tabling

Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 11-1PM, Student Center Atrium

We're gearing up for the #HUInternSelfie Challenge where Spring 2015 interns can participate and win a $250 Nordstrom gift card! Join us at the Student Center Atrium to get more information, take selfies with props, and have any questions you have about how to win the contest!

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Information Session

Wednesday, March 4, 2015, Common Hour (11:15-12:45PM), 101 Davison Hall, South Campus

Join the Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Department for a fun and informative session about careers in audiology and speech-language pathology. Students can meet and hear from faculty, clinicians, and current students in the program and take a tour of the facilities at the Saltzman Center.

Out-of-State Teacher Fair

Thursday, March 5, 2015, 10-3PM, LIU Brookville

Are you interested in teaching outside of New York state? Then join us for our Teacher Fair to meet with out-of-state recruiters and learn more about available opportunities to take advantage of!

Grant Thornton Information Session for Accounting Majors

Thursday, March 5, 2015, 3PM, The Career Center

Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax, and advisory firms.  Grant Thornton has revenues in excess of $1.3 billion and operates 57 offices across the U.S., with more than 500 partners and 6,000 employees. 

This information session will center around ‘Grow with Grant Thornton'. GwGT is Grant Thornton’s Summer Leadership Program for sophomore and junior University candidates.  Our Summer Leadership Program is a great opportunity for you to gain insight into Grant Thornton’s professional service offerings and get exposure to several of our Business Leaders, Senior Executives, Associates, and peers.  ‘Grow with Grant Thornton’ is a 1-3 day interactive program at one of our 55 local or regional offices.  During the Summer Leadership Program you will be exposed to Grant Thornton’s service lines which include audit, tax, and advisory.  You will also have an opportunity to interact with Grant Thornton team members and peers.  The Program is designed to continue building your leadership skills and help you identify your own abilities and goals as you prepare for a successful transition from college into your career. Refreshments will be served.

No Major, No Problem

Friday, March 6, 2015, 12:30-4PM, Library Room 246

Do you need help in finally choosing your major? This event will offer fun and enlightening workshops that will allow you to learn about yourself and in the process learn which majors will be the best fit for you.  This event will also feature a panel of professionals and faculty that will share their stories on picking their majors and how it lead to their future careers. Arrive early at 12:30 to have some pizza and beverages before we start.

Save the Date

Spring Career Fair

Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 11-2PM, Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex

Looking for a full-time, part-time, summer, or internship position? The Career Center's Spring Career Fair is open to all Hofstra students of any major and class level. Students are encouraged to attend in order to meet with employers from multiple industries who are looking to hire for a variety of positions. Professional dress is required. A professional photographer will be available to take LinkedIn profile pictures. Please bring copies of your resume. Students may attend the Career Center's Quick Question Hours any day prior to the fair for a resume review or for tips on how to make the most our of your fair attendance!

Etiquette Dinner

Thursday, March 19, 2015, 6PM, University Club

Join us for a unique dining event with a three-course dinner and an interactive seminar facilitated by a certified etiquette trainer. Participants will learn how to properly conduct themselves on interviews and meetings in a formal dining atmosphere, and learn proper networking and conversation etiquette. There is a $10 fee, which includes the seminar and three-course meal. Space is limited; Fee/RSVP can be submitted to The Career Center to reserve your seat.

Prepare for The Career Fair 1-on-1 Sessions – Provided by GEICO

Monday, March 9, 2015, 10-4PM, The Career Center

Join GEICO representatives during their drop-in office hours to practice your pitch just in time for the Spring Career Fair! Students have the opportunity to stop in without an appointment and meet with a representative to practice interacting with an employer. Students will learn:

• The etiquette of introducing yourself
• What topics to focus on and talk about
• Employer follow-up
• How to effectively use your time at the fair
• And more!

Zarb Alumni Mock Interview Night 1

Tuesday, March 10, 2015, 6-9PM, The Career Center

Students will be able to participate in a practice 30-minute interview with a Zarb School of Business Alumnus. Pre-registration on Pride-CMS is required for this event. Please bring a printed copy of your resume and dress professionally. This event is open to undergraduate Zarb students only.

GoinGlobal Workshop

Friday, March 13, 2015, 3-5PM, CV Starr 109

Join the Career Center and MISPO for an informative workshop on how to GoinGlobal, an online resource which provides country guides and advice on careers abroad, international career applications, Visa and related requirements, and much more! International students can utilize it to learn about U.S. Visas and also view career guides on states and cities within the U.S.!

Pride Shadowing Program

Application Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2015 on PrideCMS

Shadowing Week: April 6-10, 2015

We are proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for our brand new shadowing program! If you need help choosing a major or exploring careers, this program is for you! Check out Hofstra.edu/shadowing to find out more! 

#HUInternSelfie Challenge:

Sunday, March 15-April 20, 2015, Instagram @hofstracareer

Are you a student interning for Spring 2015? Do you want to a new internship wardrobe with a $250 Nordstrom gift card? Then all you have to do…is take selfies! Starting in March for 6 weeks, we will reveal a choice of two selfie-photo challenges, then you snap your photo, upload to Instagram, and at the end of the challenge, we’ll choose a random winner for the gift card! Visit Hofstra.edu/HUInternSelfie for more details on how to win!