Shiraz Jafri '21, Major: Management & Business

Networking Advice: I think the most effective way to network is to be professional, but also personable.  When I'm talking to a professional, the first thing I ask about is the person's company’s culture and why they wanted to go into the field that they are in. If I'm talking with a Skidmore alum,  a question I like to ask, is “What is the best lesson you have taken away from Skidmore that has helped you see success in the work-field?”   I also try and do my research regarding the company and professional before getting on the phone with them or meeting them in person.

Success Story:  Shiraz leveraged his professional network to gain an internship Summer 2019 at Hunt Real Estate Capital. Through networking connections, Shiraz secured an invitation to the firm's interview process and landed a 10-week internship position.

Cecily Szady '22, Major: Chemistry

Networking Advice: I would say showing interest is the most effective way to network.  I focus on eye contact and body language when networking in-person, as how one holds themselves says a lot about their confidence and maturity. Everyone likes talking about themselves and what they do for a living,  so being engaged and asking questions during conversation can be very effective. It is also important to be flexible and open to learning about different kinds of jobs you may have not known about previously.  One of my favorite networking questions I like to ask is what made a person choose a specific company for employment over another choice.

Success Story: Cecily leveraged her professional network to connect with New England Biolabs in Ipswich, Massachusetts two years ago-- just as she was graduating high school!   The company had an internship program that focused on microbiology, and while Cecily had no previous education in this area, she shared with interviewers that she was open to learning.  Cecily credits this experience in helping her to be self-sufficient in a day of work within this field.

Brian Kowalski '21, Major: Political Science

Networking Advice: When I chat with employers in person, I like to hold a personable conversation, while asking about their profession, what they like about it, and what they have learned from it that has impacted their life outside of work.  When I contact employers via email, I thrive to be as personable and genuine as possible.

Success Story: Brian leveraged his professional network to connect with Losi and Gangi Attorneys at Law.  He was able to meet two lawyers who practice personal injury and worker’s compensation law . Both individuals were open to letting Brian shadow them.

Camille Fillion-Raff '20, Major: English

Networking Advice: I try to network at each possible moment via any connections I come across.  I always like asking employers how they became interested in the job they currently hold.  When a professional provides a personal reply, it becomes easier to relate my own experiences to their processes and this helps to keep the conversation going. If there is a particular position I am interested in, I like to relate that job’s role with the skills and experiences I already have.

Success Story: Camille found her current internship at the Children's Museum at Saratoga through Handshake.  When applying for the  internship, she credits being able to use her past experiences as a camp counselor to help show her interest in once again working with children.

Gabriel Rossi '20, Major(s): Management & Business, Political Science

Networking Advice: Go to Career Jam!  Without Career Jam and other initiatives of the CDC, I'm not sure my job search would've been this successful.

Success Story: Last year's Career Jam put Gabriel in contact with a mentor who changed the course of his career.  Through meeting a professional from Santander Bank, Gabriel gained a referral to the firm,  support during the interview process, and he was offered a spot in the bank's summer internship program. After successfully completing the internship, Gabriel was offered to return to the bank full time as an Analyst upon graduation.