Posted on

Benefits of Working on Campus

By Nerelly Checo ’18

 

Benefits of Working on Campus

Many Holy Cross students work on campus but there are still a large number of students who do not. If you are one of those students who have ever wondered whether you should get a job on campus, the answer is YES.  

It may seem overwhelming and unmanageable to have a job on this campus while also managing the high expectations of Holy Cross classes. But trust me, you can do it.

Not only will you be making money and begin paying off student debt…

there are additional benefits that can help you in the long run.

Here are just a few extra reasons why you should really consider holding a job in college:

1. This is the perfect chance to develop some career skills.

Rebecca Holey from Edvisors says, “learning how to work on a team, solve problems, be professional and communicate effectively will take you far.”

Jobs on campus are pretty flexible and typically revolve around your academic schedule. Therefore if you haven’t had any or many jobs in the past, this is the ideal situation to gain skills in an accommodating setting.

2.  Every job you have is a chance to network.

The people you meet at work may be able to offer you other positions or know of people who can talk to you about more opportunities. It’s definitely a plus if you are able to work within the community as those are all additional contacts you have an advantage of knowing.

3. Working while you are in college can really set you apart

Every job you hold can be put on your resume, which gives you extra things to show off about. Who doesn’t love adding things to their resume? Managing your Holy Cross schedule and work shows that you have a strong work ethic and real world experience. For employers, this means that it’s easier for you to transition to the actual working world. Why wouldn’t they want to hire you?

Bonus Tip:

If you know you want to work with something related to your major, ask your professors or advisor if they know of any job openings that you can take. This will give you direct experience and help you really decide if this is what you want to do in the future.

So now that you have read through the multiple benefits of having a job, we hope that you are running to look for one…

Or at least considering it.

Here are a couple of job opportunities available right now on campus.

https://apps.holycross.edu/sews/listing

In addition, the application for the Peer Career Assistant is now open and is a great opportunity for rising juniors and seniors! You can apply through Crusader Connections here.

 

 
Posted on

Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Center for Career Development

             By: Nerelly Checo ’18

Don’t know what you want to be when you grow up?

1. The Career Center consists of career counselors who are specifically trained to help you with career-related concerns. This group of professionals is best suited to help you figure out what your next plans are. In addition, each career counselor has certain areas of specialty allowing you to pick a counselor who is an expert in your desired industry.

2. The inside of the office is full of career-related resources ranging from informational handouts on how to make a resume or cover letter to online access to the STRONG assessment to figure out your work personality.

3. The career counselors are building relationships with employers who are going to potentially hire you in the future. The better the relationship a staff member has with you, the more likely they are to refer you to an employer if they are looking for a student for an open position.

4. You can receive one-on-one help on your resume and cover letter. The Center offers Drop In Hours everyday from 1PM-4PM, where you can sit for 15 minutes with either a career counselor or a Peer Career Assistant to have your resume or cover letter looked over.

5. Does interviewing make you nervous? Through the Career Center, you can schedule mock interviews with a career counselor and receive helpful criticism on how to improve.

6. Every Monday at 4PM, there are LinkedIn workshops in which you can have a professional photo taken and upload it to your own LinkedIn.

7. The most effective way to get a job is through personal connections. Career counselors can help you connect with alumni who may be of interest to you. Through services such as the Alumni Job Shadowing Program and Career Advisory Network, you can directly meet with alums who may have helpful advice to give you!

8. There are info sessions and events put on specifically meant to help you! Click here for a list of events that you do not want to miss.

9. Everyone in the Center for Career Development genuinely cares. We all want you to have a successful future and will do everything in our power (as long as you also put in the work) to make sure you have a job after graduation.

10. You’re paying for it!

 
Posted on

Meet Alum Liam Driscoll ’17, 3rd Grade Teacher in Denver

Name: Liam Driscoll
Class Year: 2017
Title: 3rd Grade Teacher
Organization Name: Annunciation Catholic School (Denver, CO)

In one sentence, what does your job entail?

My job entails pouring out endless amount of love over a bunch of little eight year olds, and building a community of love and growth in our 3rd grade classroom!

What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross?

Heading into my senior year I knew I wanted to do something other than work construction! I started to think my niche might be in teaching after I spent a lot of time coaching kids in lacrosse.

Secondly, I was planning on doing some sort of work like this because the classes on Liberation Theology had such a profound impact on me. After studying this stuff, I couldn’t just talk the talk about faith and social justice issues. I had to walk the walk, and I thought teaching was the best way for me to walk this walk.

How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

The people in this program are great people. Much like the people at Holy Cross. Graduates of the program were kind enough to talk to me about their experiences with ACE, and I was hooked.

My sister’s best friend did ACE, so she connected me with many of the people in the program. So, I am in debt to her!

What were you involved in when you were on campus?

While on campus, I was primarily involved with the Men’s Lacrosse team, and the opportunities that came with being on that team. Additionally, I was involved in Big Brothers, teaching CCD at St. John’s, volunteering at St. Mary’s nursing home, and spending time with a great group of friends that I am lucky to have in my life!

What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

What I studied at Holy Cross is a mouthful. I majored in Religious Studies and Asian Studies, and had a concentration in Peace and Conflict.

The Religious Studies major affected my career decision by teaching me that we are called to serve. We have the power to combat injustice by completely giving ourselves away. Specifically, we are called to serve those who have less than us. We must be Good Samaritans, and ask the question “If I do not stop and help this man (or woman), what will happen to them?”

Lastly, the Religious Studies Major was so meaningful to me because my classmates were incredible people. I was fortunate to be surrounded by many loving, inspirational people through this major. What they did in and out of the classroom was awe inspiring. Particularly the women in the major. Their work ethic and vision for the world is contagious. We need more people like them!

The Asian Studies major affected my career decision in two ways. I majored in Asian Studies because “heck, why not?” So, that taught me to follow what I was passionate about. Second, it taught me to venture out of my own bubble and have an “open mind.” While I learned a lot about Chinese language and culture, and Japanese history and politics, the most profound impact it had on me was teaching me to be present. I learned this in Asian Philosophy and Intro to East Asian Religions.

The Peace and Conflict Studies opened my eyes to many harsh realities in the world. And while there are many harsh realities in the world, in spite of the pain, there is a beauty in the faith of those who have a lot less than us, and who have been treated far worse than us.

Peace and Conflict Studies taught me we must act to make the world a better place. Consistent resilience to help others. It ain’t gon’ fix itself! The responsibility is ours, people!

What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

One “skill” I learned at Holy Cross is a particular set of leadership qualities. Leadership means service. Service means putting others before yourself and struggling for those people. What makes a successful team is a selfless leader, and a relentless worker at the helm. Successful leaders build their team’s foundation on love. While I should not claim to have this skill mastered, I do hope that in my teaching I have been able to lead the kids by putting their needs above mine, and giving them every ounce of love and energy that I have.

What advice do you have for students on campus today?

One, take classes taught by Matt Eggemeier and Peter Fritz. They will transform the way you think, even if you do not remember the specific lessons. They make you uncomfortable, mentally and spiritually. That is what makes Holy Cross a special place, being put to the test as a Christian and as a student, with the hope that eventually you will develop into a servant leader! The material you cover is mind blowing! It’s like rock ‘n’ roll religion class. It forces you to act.

Two, it’s the people at Holy Cross that make it a special place. You can take classes anywhere. This brand of people is tough to come by, however. So, spend time with them, get to know them and their stories, and grow with them! They are incredible people and that is what will teach you to be men and women for and with others. HC people are cream of the crop! Don’t wait ‘til senior week to realize that because you were by yourself in the library all day. With that said, get your work done on time! I got a very bad grade in one class because I handed in a paper late because I was too busy talking to people!

Three, get into the city of Worcester. Get out of the Holy Cross “bubble.” We are in a unique location that allows us to serve. On top of that, we are in a unique location that allows the Worcester people to teach us something! So, go out into the community. But, before you do that, know that the people you interact with are probably going to serve you more than you serve them! Get moving, people! Moving mountains starts with moving a pebble!!

Lastly, work your tails off! You have to be resilient and gritty!
Posted on

Meet Alum Meg Grogan ’08, Group Director, FRUKT

Name: Meg Grogan

Class Year: 2008

Title: Group Director

Organization Name: FRUKT

In one sentence, what does your job entail?

Helping brands tell great stories through entertainment partnerships.

What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?  

My first job came from summer internships – in fact, I took another internship after graduation and that lead to my job as an executive assistant. I knew I didn’t want to be an assistant forever but the skills I learned in that job – time management, executive communication, and briefing, organization etc. have been some of the most valuable skills in my career.

What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I participated in two immersion trips to Kenya – first as a participant, then as a leader. I also helped to organize two benefit concerts (with Matt Wertz and Matt Nathanson) with CAB, FCA, and the Chaplin’s Office to raise funds for two programs I worked with in Kenya.

What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

English Major and Studio Art Minor. Being able to effectively communicate in a clear concise manner is essential to my job. I am constantly presenting, pitching, and providing my point of view to my clients and partners. Creative campaigns most successful when they have great writing and strategy behind them – all things English at Holy Cross taught me. Marketing also allows me to leverage my Studio Art experience and keep my creative skills fresh. Having an inherent sense of design adds another layer to my day to day work and makes everything I do just a little more creative!

What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Collaboration is something I learned at Holy Cross that I use every day. Whether it was study groups with my English seminars or planning a benefit concert, Holy Cross gave me the skills I needed to work with others to deliver success. Finding a group of intelligent passionate people to help and support you in all your professional endeavors is essential and Holy Cross helped me develop the skills to build those relationships.

What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Enjoy it! College is only four years – soak in as much as you can – take the classes that interest you the most there may not be another time in your life when you can just learn. Foster your friendships since your fellow Crusaders will be the ones supporting and helping you the most in the real world. Remember that professors are people too and have a wealth of life and work experience to share with you-you just have to ask.
Posted on

Meet Alum Karina Camargo ’16, Marketing Coordinator at NBCUniversal Hispanic Group

Name: Karina Camargo

Class Year: 2016

Title: Marketing Coordinator

Organization Name: Network Partnerships, NBCUniversal Hispanic Group

In one sentence, what does your job entail?

My job entails supporting and contributing to the development and implementation of integrated ad sales marketing strategies for clients across the Hispanic Group’s (Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes, and Universo) multi-channel and multi-platform initiatives – including on-air, online, and new media.

What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

I was informed about the NBCUniversal Page Program by an alum to whom I had reached out when I finally figured out that I wanted to pursue a career in the media/entertainment industry. I had found this person on one of  the Women In Business Conference alumni attendance sheets I had collected from past conferences. I then cold emailed her along with every other alum listed as being in the field of media/entertainment and in true Holy Cross fashion, most of them quickly got back to me and took time out of their busy lives to call me and share their stories. I subsequently applied to the Page Program and after an arduous yet pleasant interview process, was accepted into the program. It was during that incredible year of once in a lifetime experiences over the course of four rotations in different departments within NBC (the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon/Late Night with Seth Meyers/Saturday Night Live, Telemundo, Corporate Diversity, and the Today Show) that I learned it was a perfect fit for me.

What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was involved in LASO (Latin American Student Organization), The Crusader, Holy Cross Dance Marathon, Gateways Summer Orientation, Odyssey, The Agency, Spanish and German Clubs, and the Peer Mentor Program.

What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a Spanish and German double major. It greatly affected my career decisions as I always knew that I wanted to ultimately work for a global company that would allow me to travel and use both languages. Being of Hispanic descent, I was raised bilingual and have always had a passion for Hispanic media and pop culture, therefore I had always dreamed of working for either one of the big US Spanish language television networks, Univision and/or Telemundo. My senior year I interned with Univision Boston as part of an AIP (Academic Internship Program) class. I really enjoyed my experience at the local station, but always wanted to pursue endeavors in national markets especially with a focus on entertainment. The NBCUniversal Page Program would be my ticket into this world of Telemundo, where I was able to spend my first rotation in Miami at the headquarters working in production and development and where many of my lifelong dreams came true. I worked my first red carpet music show (the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina [pictured below]), met some amazing industry professionals who I have always admired such as Angelica Vale and Don Francisco, set foot on the sets of shows I’ve watched all my life, and even worked the iconic New Year’s Eve special in Times Square. Now, my current role allows me to travel for shoots with clients. In a couple of weeks I will be traveling for the first time on shoot for a segment in Telemundo’s morning show, Un Nuevo Día. My dream is to be able to attend the Latin Billboards one day!

What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

At Holy Cross I developed the skills of clear communication and organization. Consistent and timely communication is an essential skill for my work as I need to use it both with internal and external parties as it relates to client campaigns, and I must be organized as I manage my accounts in the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) Food category as well as the categories of my manager (Automobile, Pharmaceutical, Insurance). I am responsible for sharing assets gathered, communicating any changes to deliverables and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

What advice do you have for students on campus today?

The advice that I have for students on campus is to dream big and follow your passions. When you enjoy your job it doesn’t feel like work because it’s fun! Try to think outside the box and see how you can take courses that are of interest to you, while also completing the credits you need to graduate. Remember to network and take advantage of the amazing resources Holy Cross and Career Services offer. Participate in mentor programs, conferences, job shadowing days, and never be afraid to cold email alumni. Purple pride is real and most alumni are very interested in giving back and paying it forward.
Posted on

Meet CrusaderIntern Rebecca Beaulieu’ 18

Meet Rebecca Beaulieu ’18 Proprietary Content Editorial Intern at EBSCO Information Services

Tell us about where you are interning and the kind of work you are doing.

I’m interning at EBSCO Information Services, with their Proprietary Content Development and Management Team. Basically, articles and content that EBSCO owns the rights to are edited here and put onto the databases. As an intern, I am working on lateral linking within Research Starter articles and assisting with content correction.

Give us an example of how you have applied your academic learnings to your internship?

While these articles go through many rounds of edits within the team, I have to proofread to make sure there are no grammatical errors in the content. As for the articles I am reading and the lateral linking, a lot of that information was new to me when I started this internship last summer.

What has surprised you about being an intern?

Particularly at my internship, I am surprised at the kind of work they’re giving me. I have a lot of projects and responsibility as an intern. I’m not making coffee for coworkers or observing the work of other people. I’m not fact-checking articles in their first round of edits but I am taking work off of the shoulders of others who work here. For instance, this summer I’m working on a batch of Military History articles that need lateral links. Now when someone opens the article about Ethan Allen in EBSCO’s Discovery Search, they can click on “American Revolution” and it will bring them to that article. The project had over 1,000 articles when I started and will be completed in six or seven weeks.

How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans / goals?

This experience has given me insight to one aspect of publishing. My hope for a future career is in communications or journalism, so this experience has improved my editing and critical reading skills for the future.

Any internship advice to pass on to other Holy Cross students?

Don’t hesitate to ask coworkers for advice, or to eat lunch together!
Posted on

Meet Alum Marc Jacques, Senior Political and Economic Affairs Officer

Name: Marc Jacques
Class Year: 1996
Title: Senior Political and Economic Affairs Officer
Organization Name: Consulate General of Canada

In one sentence, what does your job entail?

As Senior Political and Economic Affairs Attaché, I represent Canada’s public policy interests to the New England business community.

What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross?

My first job after graduating from Holy Cross (at the State House in Boston) was directly related to the internship I’d had Senior Year at the same office.

How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

I had been interested in government and politics since high school and combining that with my passion for Canada and the United States provided the perfect career path.

What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I played soccer and hockey, coached the women’s hockey team and played drums in a band.

What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I majored in Political Science, was immediately employed in that sector and after some brief exploration returned to the sector for graduate school. Upon completion of graduate school, I was immediately employed by the Government of Québec. (and yes, I’m extremely lucky to have been immediately employed in my sector following both graduations.)

What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

The importance of genuinely listening and the art of networking.

What advice do you have for students on campus today?

The greatest advice I can give to students is to utilize the Holy Cross alumni network.  There are some incredibly successful alumni out there and most are willing to help students learn more about a career and many are in the position to be able to hire.  For others, such as myself, while we will never be able to donate large amounts of money, we can give our time and discuss our experience and how we got to where we are.