Success Stories of Students and Alumni who Networked with Skidmore Career Advisors!

About Four Months
Networking--Easy as Boiling Water!
The Right Place at the Right Time

The Right Place at the Right Time

Diana Gold Murphy '85 told us she had "a good story to share." This is an example of putting yourself in the right place at the right time.

Diana emailed, "over the years I've given plenty of informational interviews to fellow Skidmore alumni interested in magazine publishing, and last year had the pleasure of actually hiring one of them. Dana Chin '01 had the excellent timing of calling me for an informational interview, just as our former editorial assistant gave notice that she'd been offered another job. Instead of Dana interviewing me, I interviewed Dana, along with several other candidates, and she landed the spot. I'm happy to report she's one of the best editorial assistants we've ever had."

Diana Gold Murphy '85, is Editor-in-Chief at Country Living Gardener, a bimonthly gardening lifestyle magazine published by Hearst Magazines. For her contact information, and to find other Skidmore Career Advisors, visit the Career Network (contact Career Services if you need the search password).

About Four Months

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to land a really great job? Well, for Mara Mornaghi '03, it took about four months of doing everything right.

On May 6, we met for the first time. Mara described her goals of landing a job related to her international marketing, buying, and fashion interests. She hoped to utilize her fluency in Italian, and retail experience. We went over her job search strategy, and the relevant resources.

Mara spent two months in Italy following graduation, began networking, and kept her eye on leads from overseas, applying for anything that looked promising. She spied the "perfect" job listed in our online database --Merchandising Assistant at Salvatore Ferragamo--and said to herself, "this is the job for me."

The lead was sent in by Chad Miller '02, Construction Coordinator at Salvatore Ferragamo. He simply forwarded an email he had received internally.

Mara worked closely with Career Services to research the position, and to insure that her resume and cover letter were targeted and error-free. She wanted her enthusiasm to shine through, and was willing to go the extra mile to do so.

One important step in that direction was reaching out to Chad for clarification on questions she had. Of course, since Chad is a Skidmore grad, Human Resources contacted him to ask about Mara. Chad said, despite not really knowing Mara well, because they'd been in touch he was able to speak highly of her enthusiasm for the position, as well as for the diligent, hard-working reputations of Skidmore students. He said he also emphasized Skidmore's strength in the arts, which is directly related to the quality of Ferragamo products.

The result? Mara was granted a first round interview, which went well. She got her thank you note out quickly. Chad also helped Mara prepare for her second round interview, explaining what to expect. Success again! More thank you notes.

Mara was nervous and excited, at the same time. We discussed her final, phone interview, before and after the fact. Reflecting upon her interview, Mara decided to offer a stronger response to one of the phone interview questions as part of her thank you note.

My phone just rang. It was Mara, letting me know she landed the job!

Networking--Easy as Boiling Water!

Jimmy Zankel '92, anthropology major/creative writing minor, began his exciting career working in the publications department at Cultural Survival, a Boston nonprofit where he had interned for two summers.

He parlayed that opportunity into a part-time job at a major public relations agency "thanks to the Skidmore Career Advisor Network (there was a Skiddie VP there)," working on special projects for the CEO who was "a pioneer in 'cause-related' marketing, the marriage of companies and products to social issues and nonprofits." His passion for integrating philanthropy into marketing plans helped him to become the youngest account executive in the agency's history, winning several prestigious industry awards along the way.

Jimmy had his first brush with TV production after being asked to create a video presentation for prospective clients. "There was no looking back after that. Within 6 months, I resigned and relocated to New York." Despite his experience, nobody would hire him for an entry level TV job, but he didn't let that little obstacle stop him. He networked with a former client whose college roommate was the Assignment Editor at CNN's Showbiz Today, and finagled an unpaid internship. Then he was hired by Macneil Lehrer Newshour as a Desk Assistant. He quit after landing his dream job at VH1 (Jimmy tells us he's "a music junkie"). He stayed at VH1 for over four years, and was a News Producer / Field Director / Writer, "interviewing Springsteen, the Stones, Dave Matthews, Prince, and Bono, among others. It was an amazing ride." That's just what we were about to say!

He then moved on to freelance, left TV, formed an Internet company, failed, regrouped, and decided to pursue writing about his other love--food.

Jimmy went to culinary school so he could be a more effective food writer. He cooked at the renowned Union Square Cafe in NYC for a year to gain a firsthand perspective, then left to pursue a career in food journalism. After taking a freelance job producing instructional cooking shows and DVDs at Food Network, he went onto write a few food articles for "Time Out New York." Since then, Jimmy has become a staff producer at Food Network where he produces "Thirty Minute Meals with Rachael Ray," and "How to Boil Water" with Tyler Florence. He is also producing a forthcoming lifestyle talk show with Rachael Ray as well as various specials and development projects.

Jimmy said the twists and turns of his story shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, "After all, I'm a liberal arts grad!" And he's happy to help out Skidmore. "Without Skidmore's Career Advisor Network, none of this would have happened in the way that it went down. I am indebted."

Jimmy Zankel '92, is now a Skidmore Career Advisor, himself. For his contact information, and to find other Skidmore Career Advisors, visit the Career Network (contact Career Services if you need the search password).