For the first time since 2020, the Fleishman Career Center and partner offices across
campus were able to host NYC CONNECT in-person. This annual networking and job exploration
program consists of Networking Night and the Employer Treks. Students travel to Manhattan
over winter break to meet with alumni and recruiters who are
eager to answer questions, give students career advice, and talk about their own experiences.
NYC CONNECT drew students from all class years and at all points in their career path,
from those who just started exploring major options to others looking to lock down
an internship or job in a specific line of work. Antonia Djuric, an undeclared sophomore,
jumped at the chance to participate.
“As an international student, when I moved to America I wanted to explore my connections,”
she said. “When I heard New York City, networking and all together, I was
like, ‘I have to go’.”
Participants like Antonia had the opportunity to connect with alumni from a wide variety
of industries and job levels — people who were once in the same shoes as these students.
(Check out this directory of participating alumni and the Mentor Match platform).
Over the course of the next week, students embarked on various ‘Employer Treks’. Employer
Treks are an opportunity to get an inside look at the Manhattan offices of industry
giants like Grant Thornton and Northwell Health, as well as smaller, growing companies.
Participating businesses hailed from industries like healthcare, accounting, media,
finance, and education. Each Trek begins with an introduction to the company, including
open positions or future career options, and a tour of the office building.
It was an eye-opening experience for Kayla Buccellato-Singer, a sophomore majoring
in business administration with a double concentration in marketing and leadership.
“They really Immersed me in every aspect of the company,” she recalled from her visits
to Google, Disney/ABC and PwC. Each visit gave her a taste of a different workplace
culture. Google’s office sported a game room, a Lego-themed room, and employees were
able to bring their dogs to work. At Disney/ABC, Kayla got to see the film studios
where management and artistry converge. “As a more creative business person, that
was really interesting,” she said. “I could see how the creativity tied in with the
business element, management backstage and the creativity that is seen externally.
It reinforced that I want something more creative and collaborative in my career.”
Many of the Employer Treks feature panels of alumni who offer students advice on transitioning
from life as a student to a professional career.
Kayla noted that some of the professionals were recent grads, who revealed that their
journeys were not always linear or full of internships at every turn. “It was really
beneficial to hear them be so honest about their career paths,” she said.
Sam Wofse, a sophomore majoring in accounting, acknowledged that the Treks pushed
him to step out of his comfort zone, but that they were also a supportive environment
for growth.
NYC CONNECT is an unparalleled opportunity to network with recruiters for future opportunities,
get an intimate look at well-established companies and explore (career) paths forward
for those who are uncertain where they want to go.
“NYC CONNECT has helped me to care about school more, to put in the effort, to make
a connection,” Antonia remarked. “It has shown me the light at the end of the tunnel,
that there is something to work for.”