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Alumni Job Shadowing Program: Marialena Bevilacqua ’20

Meet Marialena Bevilacqua ’20 who participated in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program at Amazon Robotics 

Full Name: Marialena Bevilacqua
Class Year: 2020
Major: Mathematics
Shadowing Visit Site: Amazon Robotics
1. Describe your visit and what did you gain from the experience?
During Christmas Break, I shadowed Mr. Chad Wright at Amazon Robotics, in North Reading, Massachusetts. The original date that Mr. Wright and I had planned for was altered due to the biggest storm of the winter occurring during my visit to Massachusetts. Later on in January, I finally made it to the site. When I first got to Amazon Robotics, I walked by a large cement floor, where robots were being produced,  tested, and were carrying around tall boxes.   Soon after that, Mr. Wright explained to me what the company does, who works at the company, and what his position and daily routines are at the company. Throughout the day, I met with people of various job titles, including a Business Intelligence Developer, Business Systems Analysis, a Project Manager, a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, as well as a Security Engineer and a Help Desk Technician. Each career and job position had its own purposes and responsibilities, and each employee had their own path in order to achieve their current position. It was extremely interesting to learn how each employee got to where they are and what steps they took in order to achieve their goals and fulfill their daily responsibilities at work. What I gained most from this experience was learning that there are many possible career opportunities for STEM majors, and that there are many different paths to travel down in order to achieve ones’ future career goals. At the end of the day, Mr. Wright brought me for a tour of the site where I was able to piece together how each persons’ role played an important part in the overall production and success of the company. Overall, it was a great experience and I was able to visit a unique and interesting company that I would have not been able to explore without the Alumni Job Shadowing program.
2. How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans/goals?
As a Mathematics major, the most common route to follow post-graduation is to become involved in the business or finance fields. But this experience opened my eyes to the vast opportunities that exist for a math major in the technology sector. Within technology, a mathematics major can obtain a degree in engineering, computer science, and other scientific fields. There are also opportunities to be involved in business or finance within a technology company. For a math major who is interested in Finance, but does not want to work on Wall Street, a technology company is another great alternative. Learning about all of these new and fascinating career opportunities opened my eyes to potential careers that I was not aware of prior to my visit with Mr. Wright at Amazon Robotics.

3. What is some helpful advice your alumni host shared with you?

 Some helpful advice my alumni host shared with me was to do everything I can in order to prepare myself for a variety of future careers. For example, Mr. Wright suggested that I take Computer Programming in order to open up doors to various technology opportunities that might present themselves in my future. It might even be helpful to take technology courses at schools that offer these classes, such as WPI, in order to better my chances at a future in the technology field. This is advice that I had never received before, and am sure that it will prove to be beneficial to myself and my future.
4. Why would you recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students?
I would most definitely recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students. This experience allows you to connect with a Holy Cross alumni who has shared similar experiences to your own, and shows you what your work-life and future employment could look like in years to come.  The job shadowing program provides you with someone who becomes a role model, as well as goals that one might aspire to achieve. On the contrary, the Alumni Job Shadowing Program may provide a student with an idea of what they do not want to do with the rest of their life, which is just as equally beneficial, and sets the student on a mission to explore exactly what they want to do and participate in more shadowing  experiences. All-in-all, I had an amazing experience at Amazon Robotics this winter break, and was fortunate enough to connect with another member of “Sader Nation,” all thanks to the Alumni Job Shadowing Program.
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Alumni Job Shadowing Program: Manuel Alvarez ’20

Meet Manuel Alvarez ’20 who participated in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program at the Boston State House

 

Full Name: Manuel Alvarez

Class Year: 2020

Major: Spanish/Latino Studies

Shadowing Visit Site: Boston State House

1. Describe your visit and what did you gain from the experience?
For my job Shadow Visit, I had the wonderful opportunity to shadow Anne Ziaja. Anne is the Executive Director of the Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement. Before I speak of my experience at the state house, I wanted to emphasize how great Anne is. Without her, I do not think that my experience at the State House would have been as amazing as it was. As soon as I met Anne, she greeted me with so much energy and excitement which made me feel very welcome to be at such a prestigious place.

Throughout the day, we attended two very interesting and important meetings. We started our day by attending a proposal for The Delegation of Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Here I heard Secretary Matthew Beaton, whom works in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, speak of water pollution in Massachusetts. We also attended a hearing to pass a legislation for hunting law. During the hearings, all of the state senators gather to debate about passing a certain law. I was able to see many, if not all of the Massachusetts Senators in one single room. Anne made sure I meet as much as I could.

My favorite part of the shadow visit was when Anne took me to Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz office. Senator Chang-Diaz is the first Latina elected to the Massachusetts Senate. She is also The Senator of my district in Boston which is the South end! Here I was able to meet Nathanael Shea who is the Chief of Staff and is also an Alumni of HC as well. With the help of Anne and Nathanael, I was offered a summer internship in Senator Change-Diaz office. This was definitely the highlight of the Shadow!

2. How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans/goals?
After college, I would like to work in the field of international affairs concentrating in a Humanitarian area. Although this experience is not related to my future goal there is a connection. I believe that they both have a goal to insure development, health and protection for the greater good. The people at the State House work together for the citizens of the common wealth. This experience also influenced me to keep up with what is going on in the state politically.
3. What is some helpful advice your alumni host shared with you?
From Anne, I learned that I should not be scared to show who I am. With the help of Anne, I was able to meet and connect with so many people. She made sure I was able to introduce myself, ask questions and also speak of my interest with as many people as I could which is very important in such environment. She influenced me to not be afraid of introducing myself in a very proud and professional manner. As a college student, it is essential that we make as many connections as possible for future references such as internship and job opportunities.
 

4. Why would you recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students?
I would definitely recommend shadowing at the State House because there are many opportunities here no matter what your interests are. It is a great opportunity to learn about what is going on in state today. You can also meet and hear about experiences from many alumni of Holy Cross. I was very surprised to have met so many HC graduates. They were more than happy to speak of their work and collegiate experience.
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Alumni Job Shadowing Program: Brandon Brito ’20

Meet Brandon Brito ’20 who participated twice in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program 

Full Name: Brandon Brito

Class Year: 2020

Major: English and Theatre

Shadowing Visit Site: Cristo Rey New York and KIPP Charter School

1. Describe your visit and what did you gain from the experience?

I never know what to expect with my visits but being this was my second time doing it, I realized how much alumni want us to reach out and network with them. I visited Cristo Rey and KIPP Charter school and got to have two very different experiences. At Cristo Rey, I actually shadowed a teacher and sat in his classrooms as well as engaged in conversations with his students including a debate that was done. I got to meet all the teachers as well as learn about a possible fellowship I may want to do when I graduate. At KIPP Charter school, I had a more administrative experience. I got to learn about the process it takes to build a school from scratch including the teacher hiring process that was useful to learn about because in a few years, I will be interviewing for that.

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

I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher and get into education. With every visit, I am reminded how much I want to do this. I got excited walking into those classrooms and speaking with students. With Cristo Rey, I got that rush and excitement when I stepped foot inside. I often forgot I was a Holy Cross student and felt like a teacher in that moment- sharing my experience and the process up until to this point.

3. What is some helpful advice your alumni host shared with you?

I got to know two alumni and felt confident in the education I am getting here at Holy Cross. Both shared a similar advice which was to reach out to more alumni and create a strong network because they are eager to assist to fellow Crusaders.

4. Why would you recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students?

You lose nothing by doing this program. It’s best to do it as early as possible because it does help with the constant uncertainty of what you want to do especially for those struggling to pick a major.
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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.

 

 
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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!

 
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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.
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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.