What I Want to Be

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking to 1,700 local elementary school students. (Yes, you read that correctly, 1,700 of them!)

This event was created by the Hofstra Athletics Department and was called “What I Want to Be Day.”  Professionals from both Hofstra and non-Hofstra organizations spoke about what they do in their job.

I briefly told them what I do as a career counselor, and then started a short exercise with them.  Since many of the students had already said that they wanted to go into professional sports as a career, I asked them to name other jobs that a sports fan can do, aside from playing the sport.  Lots of hands went up enthusiastically.  I received answers like “commentator”, “sports doctor”, “manager”, and “trainer.”  The goal of this exercise was to let the kids know that you can pursue your interests, even in a way that you did not originally imagine. Not every one of those kids is going to be a professional athlete, but each can still work in that industry if they choose.

This activity is one that we do often with college students.  Career counselors work with students to help them see that there are often a multitude of career possibilities within a given area of interest, aside from the one that may seem the most obvious to them.

Sometimes we can’t obtain our “fantasy job”, but if we explore a bit, we may be able to come close!

Darlene Johnson
Director of External Relations  

Meet Our HU Students: Sabrina Iaria

Name: Sabrina Iaria 

Hometown: Long Island, New York

Major(s): Foreign Language Education in Italian Major, General Business Minor

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

Honestly, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I have always loved the classroom setting and the idea of guiding students towards the future. There have been times where I have had second thoughts about my choice, but in the end I know that this is what I am supposed to be doing.

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

Ideally, I would like to find a teaching job on Long Island. I hope to find a school that I really like as opposed to constantly switching from district to district. That way, I have the potential to move up to a higher position, such as the chairperson of a foreign language department.

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

I have always tried to get involved with students in any way that I could. For years, I have been observing classrooms in order to have the full teaching experience. However, recently Hofstra has given me the opportunity to tutor on campus. I feel that being able to teach the Italian language to a student will give me the experience that I will need to lead a class.

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

 In order to be successful in this field, experience is definitely required. Education majors should definitely take advantage of the required observation hours in order to be the best teacher possible. In addition, networking is incredibly important in any field, but that goes without saying.

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

I could not choose one person that has impacted me because Hofstra, as a whole, has greatly affected my life. I would have to say that the Italian Department has significantly helped me in becoming who I want to be in the future. In addition, the entire staff at the Career Center has definitely given me the experience I need to venture off into the real world. 

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'.  

Finding the Distinction: Personal Statements vs. Cover Letters

What is the difference between a cover letter and a personal statement?

A personal statement is exactly what it says, it's "personal". It tells a personal story about you and how you have gotten to where you are today. It may consist of why you want to be a doctor, social worker, teacher, lawyer or accountant. The story has to be compelling it should keep the reader interested. It may also explain why you want the reader to know these things about you. Convince them to choose you!

A cover letter may have the same elements but you need to link your story to the job in which you are applying. Make sure the employer can envision you doing the job, give clear and concrete examples of your work.  

Common denominators between a personal statement and cover letter:

• Keep readers interest
• Explain yourself
• Set yourself apart.

There a lot overlap but vast differences.  Make sure your cover letter is not too personal but has aspects of your personality. Either way make sure you put your best foot forward. And if you need an unbiased eye to look over your personal statement or cover letter, remember the Career Center is here to help! Give us a call at (516) 463-6060 to make an appointment or stop by our Quick Question hours Monday-Friday 10-11AM & 2-4PM.

Lorraine Massiah,
Assistant Director

Events for Week of 2/23/15

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:

OEC Group (New York): Monday, February 23rd at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for Air Import Coordinator, Executive Assistant, Ocean Import Coordinator, and Pricing Coordinator. See each listing for desired majors, class year, and degrees.

BDO LLP: Friday, February 27th at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for Pathway to Success Summer Leadership Program. See listing for desired majors and class year.

FCE Group: Friday, February 27th at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for Junior Operations Analyst. See listing for desired majors and class year.

GEICO: Tuesday, March 3rd at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for Management Development Program. See PrideCMS for details and desired majors, class year, and degrees.

Kohl’s Department Stores: Thursday, March 5th at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for 2015 Store Management Internship and 2015 Store Management Trainee. See each listing for desired majors and class years.

Target Corporation: Friday, March 6th at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for Executive Intern and Executive Team Leader. See each listing for desired majors and class year.

Sound Wealth Financial Group: Friday, March 6th at 11:59 PM

OCR Position for Financial Relationship. See listing for details, and desired class year and major.

LinkedIn Power Hour: Building Your Profile

Wednesday, February 25, 2015, Common Hour (11:15-12:30), Calkins Lab

Start or update your LinkedIn profile to join the World’s Largest Professional Network. The Career Center and Sigma Alpha Mu will be offering tips and help along the way. Dress professionally and get a free LinkedIn profile picture taken. It is highly recommended that you bring an updated resume to use when creating your profile.

Teach For America Information Session

Wednesday, February 25, 2015, 6-7PM, Career Center

Teach For America is a national teacher corps of recent college graduates who work to ensure an excellent education for America’s students. They are recruiting seniors of all majors, backgrounds, and career interests who are interested in teaching and committed to students’ academic success. Attend this information session and hear about this great program straight from a TFA representative!

Deloitte Office Hours

Thursday, February 26, 2015, 11-2PM, The Career Center

“Deloitte” is the brand under which tens of thousands of dedicated professionals in independent firms throughout the world collaborate to provide audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management and tax services to select clients. Candidates seeking an internship in summer 2015 may schedule an appointment to meet with a Deloitte representative on February 26 between the hours of 11-2 in The Career Center.

Criteria for students for Office Hours:

Must be candidate for Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting or Master of Science in Accounting

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Target Graduation dates:

Students who are graduating in 2016 with their 150 hours and seeking an internship for the summer of 2015

Appointments can be scheduled through your PrideCMS account.

Long Island Real Estate Group: Real Estate @ Work Shadowing Program

Application Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2015, 5PM on PrideCMS

The Long Island Real Estate Group and the Career Center are offering juniors, seniors, graduate students, and law students the opportunity to participate in a shadowing program for those curious about the real estate industry. Students will visit employers from multiple segments of the real estate industry including developers, brokers, appraisers, attorneys, insurance professionals, and much more! For more information and to apply, search ‘LIREG’ and look for the Spring 2015 Real Estate @ Work Program on PrideCMS.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Tips From a Hiring Manager

Even after the work day is over, being a career counselor never stops. Sometimes when I am home and looking at my personal Facebook page, I come across posts with job tips and career advice. Most recently, I noticed that a Facebook friend of mine, who is an Assistant Principal, is looking for a teacher. She had posted some tips for prospective teachers based on her hiring experiences and I thought I would share them with you. Please note that these tips are applicable to all job seekers. 

Tips for Job Hunters:

1.     When you apply for a job, you should KNOW what position in which you are applying for and be prepared to ask intelligent questions about the position.

2.      If a potential employer contacts you to invite you in to visit the work site and shadow a current employee, do not ask why it is necessary.

3.     When the potential employer asks if you know anything about the job site or company, the answer should not be "I don't know." Make sure you do your research. 

4.     During an interview, pay attention to the questions that are being asked and make sure you answer all parts of the question.

5.     Also while interviewing, if you are given the questions to look at and have the opportunity to take notes, do it! 

6.     If you are asked what you struggle with, please take a moment to think and be reflective about the answer before you respond. Do not respond with nothing. There is always room for improvement. 

Employers want qualified candidates to fill open positions and the interview is to see how well you will fit into their organization. Always remember, first impressions count!

Lorraine Massiah,
Assistant Director