Brockport graduates give career advice
Carly Hansford
Issue date: 9/16/09 Section: News
Four alumni from The College at Brockport shared their knowledge of job searching with students Tuesday, Sept. 8 in the Union. The lecture was brought to students by the Communications Department.
Representatives at the meeting included Kelly Sabetta, founder of Betta Book Publishing, Michael Graham from Paetec, Jessica Nicastro, employed at Paychex and Chuck Wade from WHAM TV13.
The alumni discussed topics such as their current jobs, what activities they were involved in throughout college that helped them find a job and what they would do differently if they could go back to college.
"I worked at The Stylus, which got me an interview," Nicastro said. "The interviewer told me the main reason I was there was because I knew how to use InDesign."
Wade said he worked at 89.1 The Point for three years, which helped him get a part-time job his senior year.
All representatives recommend starting your job search as soon as possible during your senior year and applying for as many as possible.
"Having a degree doesn't automatically get you in the door," Graham said. "There's nothing further from the truth. You have to work at it and get your foot in the door, even if it means doing something you don't want to do."
If you're looking for jobs online, they recommend typing in any search word you can think of that relates to your field of interest.
"Titles online can be misleading," Nicastro said. "Make sure you read the description and if you're remotely interested, apply."
Other places to search for jobs include looking in the paper and even picking up newspapers from other cities to expand your opportunities.
"Look for events in the Democrat & Chronicle and go to them," Nicastro said. "Approach someone while you're there instead of waiting for them to come to you."
Some Web sites that may be useful include www.monster.com, www.careerbuilder.com, www.journalismjobs.com and www.indeed.com.
Looking back on their college careers, the alumni admitted there were things they should have taken advantage of.
Their tips included everything from taking more of a variety of classes, getting involved in clubs and campus activities and doing at least one internship.
"I didn't get to do an internship," Graham said, "I wish I had because I probably would have gotten more job offers."
Searching for a job can be a lengthy process, but all representatives encourage students to not give up.
Even after you find a job, don't stop looking.
"Just because you get a job doesn't mean your job hunt is over," Graham said, "it's just beginning."
Representatives at the meeting included Kelly Sabetta, founder of Betta Book Publishing, Michael Graham from Paetec, Jessica Nicastro, employed at Paychex and Chuck Wade from WHAM TV13.
The alumni discussed topics such as their current jobs, what activities they were involved in throughout college that helped them find a job and what they would do differently if they could go back to college.
"I worked at The Stylus, which got me an interview," Nicastro said. "The interviewer told me the main reason I was there was because I knew how to use InDesign."
Wade said he worked at 89.1 The Point for three years, which helped him get a part-time job his senior year.
All representatives recommend starting your job search as soon as possible during your senior year and applying for as many as possible.
"Having a degree doesn't automatically get you in the door," Graham said. "There's nothing further from the truth. You have to work at it and get your foot in the door, even if it means doing something you don't want to do."
If you're looking for jobs online, they recommend typing in any search word you can think of that relates to your field of interest.
"Titles online can be misleading," Nicastro said. "Make sure you read the description and if you're remotely interested, apply."
Other places to search for jobs include looking in the paper and even picking up newspapers from other cities to expand your opportunities.
"Look for events in the Democrat & Chronicle and go to them," Nicastro said. "Approach someone while you're there instead of waiting for them to come to you."
Some Web sites that may be useful include www.monster.com, www.careerbuilder.com, www.journalismjobs.com and www.indeed.com.
Looking back on their college careers, the alumni admitted there were things they should have taken advantage of.
Their tips included everything from taking more of a variety of classes, getting involved in clubs and campus activities and doing at least one internship.
"I didn't get to do an internship," Graham said, "I wish I had because I probably would have gotten more job offers."
Searching for a job can be a lengthy process, but all representatives encourage students to not give up.
Even after you find a job, don't stop looking.
"Just because you get a job doesn't mean your job hunt is over," Graham said, "it's just beginning."
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