The University’s Office of Career Services teamed up with the business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, to co-host a panel for Careers in Finance and Economics in Young Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 7.
The audience was composed of students and alumni. Some came to learn about the industry while others came in hopes of networking, finding an internship, or simply gaining valuable knowledge.
The panel included University alumni and industry professionals such as Brian Sforza, Samantha Bernstein, John Genovese, Deborah Mannix, and Ken Engel. Laura Cornish, graduate of Scranton University, was also on the panel.
Each panelist spoke about their search for their desired careers. They gave advice to current students about taking advantage of the resources that the University’s Career Services Office has to offer. At the conclusion of the event, there was an opportunity for a question and answer period and one-on-one networking with panelists and other alumni.
William Hill, Assistant Dean of Career Services, explained that Career Services is available to help students with every phase of their job search. This includes help with resume preparation, interview coaching, and even searching for jobs by using the weekly full time and part-time newsletter that is sent to students’ University email addresses.
Sforza explained his journey that eventually led him to his current position as a Relationship Manager for PNC Bank. While at the University, Sforza said he aspired to be a State Trooper.
After being put on a waiting list, he utilized Career Services at the University in hopes of finding a job. This decision helped him get an initial interview with PNC, which eventually led to two additional interviews with the company.
Sforza said current students who are looking for internships or jobs should use the resources provided by the University and work hard to advance.
“Do your best and then do a little more,” Sforza said. “There are very few things in your career that you can control, but the one thing you can control is the effort that you put in and the tenacity in which you work.”
Many of the panelists stressed the importance of starting the job search early and doing things to make one’s self stand out. Engel, Executive Vice President of RJ Wireless Group Companies, advised that the best way to have a resume stand out from the thousands of others is to find an internship earlier on rather than waiting until senior year. He credits his start to the University Career Services office saying, “Will Hill was instrumental.”
Genovese graduated from the University in 2010 with his MBA. What attracted him to the University’s MBA program was the Graduate Assistantship program that provides on-campus employment for qualified students to help pay for the student’s tuition.
Genovese began his career in the industry through an unpaid private equity internship that he found through Career Services. From there, he worked his way up to numerous positions in the business field. He claims that persistence is key to making it in the business industry. His recent start-up company, PolitePersistence, can help students, or anyone in the job market, get on the radar of potential hiring managers in an easier, less time consuming manner.
Deborah Mannix, a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley and co-chair of the University Business Council, said one must, “Network like a ninja.” She also said that on-campus recruiting is crucial to building relationships and getting the chance to interview.
Mannix admitted that she made three large mistakes at the start of her career. First, she let fear stop her from taking a position in New York that she was offered. Second, she missed a potentially great opportunity because she would simply drop hints to someone she knew about wanting an internship rather than coming out and asking directly. Lastly, Mannix regrets not taking advantage of all the pertinent programs that the University had to offer.
Micah Freedman, senior and Vice President of Professionalism of Alpha Kappa Psi, explained why students should take interest in the networking events on campus. “These events are important so students can be exposed to real world employers and people who have been in the same situation that they are in now,” Freedman said.
The group of panelists each explained that it is never too early for a student to start networking, and if they wish to succeed, they must be willing to work hard.
“You’ve got so many resources here at Monmouth; use them. People here want to help you, it’s a shame if you don’t utilize them,” advises Sforza.
Hill said, “You can achieve success if you are diligent, hardworking and not afraid to network with other successful people.” He also suggests that students attend the Fall Career Fair that will be hosted in the MAC from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Nov. 20.
PHOTO TAKEN by Alysha Zimmerman
