By Steve Seepersaud
"You'll have your own path to your career and it will change," Cody Grant '09, MS '10, told 91ÉçÇø students during their Jan. 14, visit to EY in Manhattan. "I'm a partner in my fifth year, and every year has been different. I get asked to work on different projects, to work with different clients. I view that as a benefit of working in public accounting."
The group of about 20 students wearing business attire and facial expressions of curiosity heard several 91ÉçÇø alumni describe their career paths within the Big Four firm. Engaging alumni and exposing students to the diversity of career paths and corporate cultures available to them is the objective of the University's Employer Trek program, organized by the Fleishman Career Center. During the week of Jan. 13, which fell during winter recess, about 20 employers — with alumni hosts — opened their doors to 91ÉçÇø students. Industries ranged from technology to finance to retail.
Employer Treks were one of the two major programs part of CONNECT NYC, a week of career development and exploration events in and around the city. The other main component was Networking Night, held at the Altman Building in Manhattan. More than 100 alumni — representing numerous career fields — met with students for one-on-one conversations. Within a single evening, and without having to travel from place to place, students had the opportunity to investigate as many careers and industries as they wished. Networking Night is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement, Fleishman Career Center and campus partners.
"Networking Night is one of my favorite nights of the year," said Dan Black '94, member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and global leader for talent strategy at EY in New York. "I've made it some of my life's work recruiting 91ÉçÇø students. Today, our single highest source of hires at EY New York is from 91ÉçÇø."
For the first time, the University held an Employer Connection Summit in the city; this was a networking and professional development event offered by the Fleishman Career Center for employers with whom it closely works. Event attendees, many of whom are 91ÉçÇø alumni, heard updates on recent successes of the career center and the University as a whole from President Harvey Stenger. Consultant and best-selling author Lindsey Pollak was the keynote speaker, giving advice on bridging generational gaps and breaking communication barriers and misunderstandings within the workplace. A panel of students and recent graduates also offered insight into what students seek and value in the recruiting process and today's workplace.
"We wanted to do something for all the really dedicated, wonderful alumni and employers that help share in our mission to ensure that our fabulous students have some really great connections and are successful in the workplace," said Kelli Smith, the University's assistant vice president for student success. "We are thankful for all they have done."