Lucas Heffler 鈥�26 is heading to one of the most storied research institutions in the world. The chemical engineering senior has accepted a position at (LANL) in Los Alamos, New Mexico鈥攁 facility synonymous with scientific breakthroughs and home to some of the brightest minds in the country. One of 17 National Laboratories supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, LANL has long stood at the frontier of discovery in science, engineering and national security.

Born out of the Manhattan Project during World War II, LANL made history as the birthplace of the atomic bomb. Today, the lab鈥檚 primary focus is to modernize the United States鈥� nuclear stockpile and maintain its safety, security and reliability. LANL鈥檚 scientists and engineers conduct advanced research in areas including national security, energy, geophysics and supercomputing.

Heffler will begin his position as a research and development engineer at LANL this summer. He became interested in the National Labs system through connections with (ECS) alumni and gained valuable industry experience through internships and the Nuclear Chemistry Summer Schools (NCSS), a Department of Energy workforce development program administered by the American Chemical Society. Heffler completed a six-week NCSS program at San Jose State University in California, where participants attend lectures, visit research facilities听 and conduct hands-on laboratory exercises to build their expertise in nuclear chemistry.

Heffler took advantage of ECS resources like attending resume reviews and employer information sessions offered through Career Services.

鈥淕etting that experience of just being comfortable talking to employers definitely helps while on job interviews,鈥� says Heffler.

Looking back on his coursework, Heffler says that Chemical Engineering Laboratory I and II helped him discern his career interests and prepare to enter the workforce. Setting up experiments, analyzing data and writing technical reports are all skills he will rely on in his work as an research and development engineer.

Heffler found supportive faculty in the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, including Program Director Katie Cadwell and his advisor, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering Radhakrishna Sureshkumar. He also appreciated the opportunity to take classes with professor Theodore Walker, who draws on his experience as a senior scientist for ExxonMobil.

鈥淗aving professors that have worked in industry and can look at things from an industry standpoint is enlightening,鈥� Heffler says.

鈥淟ucas possesses a rare combination of technical depth, creative insight and problem-solving skills,鈥� says Sureshkumar. 鈥淎fter working closely with him as his advisor and instructor, I am delighted by his highly deserving appointment at LANL. He is a natural leader who will undoubtedly make major contributions to the profession.鈥�

While a summer internship lasts a few months, the impression students make can launch a career.

For students who want to land a full-time position, it鈥檚 all about making a great first impression. And as Career Services Director says, you don鈥檛 get a second chance to establish a professional identity in the workplace.

鈥淎 first impression isn’t just a moment; it shapes how every interaction after that is seen at the company,鈥� Capozzi says. 鈥淔rom day one, employers are watching to see how interns carry themselves, whether they鈥檙e curious about the work and how they treat people at every level of the organization.鈥�

Summer internships are an opportunity where students will either confirm they’re on the right career path or realize they need to reassess. Capozzi says students should devise short- and long-term goals using the FIT (function, industry and type of organization) lens.

鈥淎n internship is the perfect time to do a career pressure test, whether that鈥檚 the job function you’re doing, the industry you’re in or if the culture of the organization resonates with who you are,鈥� Capozzi says. 鈥淭hat information is extremely valuable as you set your goals moving forward.鈥�

Capozzi shares how students should prepare for their summer internship and offers tips from employers on how to make a great first impression.

“Leaving the place I鈥檝e called home for the past four years is truly bittersweet. While I am sad to say goodbye, I am incredibly proud of what my peers and I have accomplished,鈥� says Kate Jackson 鈥�26. 鈥淚 look forward to more amazing opportunities and adventures ahead. Go Orange!”

Here are six things seniors should do before they receive their diploma on May 10.

1. : Don鈥檛 miss one of the last times on campus to celebrate with friends before graduation! Highlights include activities, food, giveaways and fun.
2. : Pay it forward by making your Class Giving Campaign gift of $26 and you鈥檒l !
3. : Celebrate your next adventure and complete today!
4. : Acting like a printed time capsule, order a yearbook to preserve University photos, memories of friendships, trends and more.
5. : Including preparation instructions, a complete schedule of events, accessibility information and more, this is your one-stop for all Commencement Weekend information needs.
6. : Graduation marks the start of the alumni experience! Be sure to stay in touch through the Alumni Association鈥檚 expansive events, services, clubs and more!

鈥淪eeing the hard work of the past four years wrap-up is hugely rewarding and likewise emotional,鈥� says Nora Benko 鈥�26. 鈥淟eaving behind this place is bittersweet but the upcoming celebrations will be a great way to close out this chapter in 性视界.鈥�

When students land a job interview or score a spot at a networking event, the last thing wants them worrying about is what to wear.

That’s the idea behind the Career Closet, a virtual professional styling service launched in spring 2025 through a partnership between the University鈥檚 career services team and MyCareerCloset. The program gives students access to curated boxes of up to six items of professional clothing shipped directly to their door, with the option to keep what they like at a steep discount or return everything for free.

“This was created to fill a key gap,” says Lindsay Mason, employer relations specialist and the program’s point person. “Many students don’t have access to affordable professional attire for job interviews, career fairs, networking events or immersion programs.”

The need is real and growing. Across U.S. colleges, increasing numbers of students struggle to cover the cost of business clothing on top of tuition, housing and everyday expenses. The Career Closet aims to take that pressure off the table entirely.

How It Works

Students start by visiting the , where they select a style category: masculine, feminine or gender non-conforming. Those who choose the gender non-conforming option can schedule a free 15-minute virtual styling consultation to help match them with the right fit and look.

From there, students complete a short form with their 性视界 University ID, program of study and sizes, then book an appointment with a stylist. Their box of items ships within five to seven business days. Students keep the box for 30 days, then either purchase items at up to 60% off retail or send them back with a prepaid shipping label, no dry cleaning required.

The service costs $60, but students enrolled in a degree-granting program may be eligible for a one-time voucher that covers the full cost of one box. To check eligibility, students can email Career Services at careers@syr.edu with the subject line “Career Closet Voucher.”

Why Virtual?

The partnership with MyCareerCloset was intentional. Planning began in summer 2024 and took a full semester to finalize before the spring 2025 launch. Going digital solved several challenges at once: it eliminated the need for physical inventory space on campus, ensured a wider variety of styles and sizes than a single closet could hold, and kept the selection current.

“They manage all the inventory, which is key when you consider space limitations on campus,” Mason says. “But it also ensures there is a variety of options for all students and the styles stay up to date.”

What’s Next

Career Services is now focused on spreading the word. Mason and her team are partnering with student-facing departments across campus and with school and college career centers to increase awareness.

“We feel strongly this is a worthwhile service that can benefit all students, regardless of background,” Mason says.

For students gearing up for spring recruiting season, a career fair or simply their first professional event, the Career Closet offers a practical starting point鈥攁nd one less thing to stress about.

To learn more or get started, visit the or contact Career Services at careers@syr.edu.

What do 70 to 80% of successful job seekers have in common? They didn’t just apply, they networked their way in.

Career Services director Adam Capozzi says the same principle holds for landing a summer internship, and the students who figure that out early have a serious edge.

His three non-negotiables: start now, customize every application and treat networking as a skill worth practicing, not an afterthought.

鈥淚n career services, we鈥檙e trying to prioritize soft skill development around networking and the importance of how to start conversations,鈥� Capozzi says. 鈥淚nformational interviews are low-pressure conversations where you have an opportunity to learn. You鈥檙e not asking for a job, you鈥檙e asking for knowledge.鈥�

Make sure you鈥檙e using LinkedIn to the fullest, Capozzi says. Before an informational interview, check out their LinkedIn profile to see whether you both were part of the same club on campus. Then, you can use that as a soft opening to open the door to a meaningful conversation.

In this Q&A, Capozzi further explores what students should consider when applying for a summer internship and how can help them every step of the way.

Career Services Resources

• : Your 24/7 online career hub, showcasing all the programs, events, job opportunities and everything in between to enhance your professional skills.
• : A resume-building tool that helps set the tone for students who want to start building or enhancing their resume.
• : Lets you refine your elevator pitch by practicing different questions and scenarios to showcase your skills and improve the interview process.
• : A great tool for international students, showcasing the aspects of the H-1B Visa process and the search for global career opportunities.
• : Connects students with valuable individuals who are part of the Orange network to provide networking support and career guidance.
• : Links students with alumni who can serve as a sounding board as they explore career options.

The Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award applications are open now for juniors, seniors and graduate students of any major who seek to further their career development through undertaking self-initiated unique internship opportunities. The award provides students with financial support to pursue meaningful, hands-on experiences that would otherwise be financially out of reach.

The awards typically range from $1,500 to $6,000, and the funds can assist with internship-related travel, accommodations, living expenses and required materials.

Applying for the 2025-26 Clements Internship Award

This year鈥檚 application period closes Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 11:55 p.m. Applicants are responsible for developing and obtaining their own internships before submitting the application for a Clements Award, as well as securing a faculty or staff sponsor letter. Students must also complete a Handshake application and the Clements Internship Award Qualtrics Survey by the application deadline. Visit the for complete details.

Exploring New Terrain

The 2024-25 Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award enabled听 Elizabeth Henson ’25 to kick off her post-grad life in Alaska to intern with the Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP) for eight weeks, where she conducted glacial research and learned mountaineering skills.

鈥淚 really enjoyed every part of the program. The faculty, staff and students were great. Everyone was so motivated to be there, and I learned so much from everyone,鈥� says Henson, who graduated with a degree in geology last May. 鈥淲e had lectures throughout the summer, both about mountaineering skills and topics in glaciology. We were also able to help with a variety of research projects, from short day trips to multiday work.鈥�

The largest project Henson was able to work on during her time with JIRP involved glacial isostatic adjustment, the slow, ongoing movement of land due to the removal or addition of major ice sheets.

鈥淎s the ice sheet is melting and losing mass, the land beneath starts to rise up since there is less weight sitting on top of it, so the elevation of the [Juneau Icefield] area is changing and impacts local sea level,鈥� says Henson. 鈥淭here are a few historical GPS points scattered along the icefield where elevations were measured back in the 90s. Our team went out and remeasured them to look at uplift levels as the icefield has been melting.鈥�

In between the important scientific research she helped conduct, Henson鈥檚 internship with JIRP allowed for unique and fun outdoor experiences as well. 鈥淎ll of the camps were on nunataks [mountain peaks that protrude from ice fields or glaciers], so we were able to ski right out of camp,鈥� says Henson. 鈥淭here were countless ski days. I got to go on a few hikes and check out some glacial lakes. I went in a few crevasses and ice caves. I got to go to some of the most beautiful places and do some of the coolest things.鈥�

Henson鈥檚 summer internship with JIRP proved to be incredibly beneficial for her future professional endeavors. 鈥淚 learned so much and made so many connections to help guide my career,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 talked to a few professors about grad school and have that as a possibility in my future. I also learned about some jobs in Antarctica that I might apply for, and I have people willing to write letters of recommendation for them. I am so grateful to have had this experience!鈥�

For questions about the Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award, visit the , email Career Services or call 315.443.3616. Students are also encouraged to learn more about the annual , with applications scheduled to open Tuesday, Feb. 10.

As global opportunities alongside technologies expand, continues to lead career readiness with purpose and tailored student-focused support. Through innovation, data-driven strategy and expansive student engagement, Career Services has once again proven it sets the benchmark for professional development excellence.

Earlier this month, the Career Services team earned the Handshake Spark Award for the听third consecutive year. Out of over 1,500 schools using Handshake, 性视界 University is one of only 40 institutions recognized.

鈥淭his year, we didn鈥檛 just win, we became one of just three institutions that have earned this recognition, three times,鈥� says . 鈥淚t is continued evidence that we鈥檙e supporting student success. This accomplishment further highlights our role as a trusted, high-impact resource for students as they navigate their journey from college to career.鈥�

Prioritizing a Lifetime of Career Readiness

Impressive, inspiring and thoughtful are only a few descriptions found within the University鈥檚 Career Services award assessment. Those leading the award review emphasized the team鈥檚 innovative use of data to strengthen the continued support of the student experience.

Career Services connects students with experiences and opportunities that prepare them for success beyond graduation. Through strategic employer partnerships, innovative programming, a variety of easy-to-access technologies and one-on-one personalized coaching, the team supports students in transforming their education into lifelong career success.

Tying together the symphony of cross-campus support is Career Services’ strategic use of As a free resource to students and alumni, Handshake hosts available internships, professional employment and professional development opportunities offered through the different school and college career services offices, 性视界 University Career Services and other internal and external partners.

Benchmarking Student Career Success

This year鈥檚 recognition places Career Services among the top 2% of Handshake鈥檚 partner institutions nationwide鈥攁 remarkable distinction that underscores the University鈥檚 national leadership in preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing professional landscape.

鈥淭he award shows how effectively we’re using Handshake to streamline operations, measure our impact and most importantly鈥攑rovide the right support, to the right student needs at the right time,鈥� says Capozzi. 鈥淲e continue to strengthen career success outcomes while prioritizing those that matter, to employers, students, families and the University.”

Receiving the Spark Award for three consecutive years is a testament to Career Services’ leadership in preparing students for meaningful careers, while also demonstrating what it means to be a member of the Orange community, the expansive alumni network and the multifaceted return on investment.

Networking. Building skills. Analyzing data. Solving problems.

Competitive summer internships can help students fine-tune their interests and discover their career ambitions in ways that complement their classroom learning.

Three current students鈥擭adin Prabhu ’27, Gustavo Madero 鈥�26 and Nola Roberts ’27鈥攄iscuss the valuable lessons they learned on the job and how they feel energized to pursue their professional goals.

Nadin Prabhu ’27

Prabhu is a junior majoring in information management and technology in the and finance in the .

Prabhu is passionate about the financial services industry. After graduating, he wants to build a career that allows him to 鈥渨ork at the intersection of finance, strategy and technology, eventually taking on roles that involve solving complex business problems, advising clients and driving impactful results in the financial space.鈥�

Company: IMA Financial Group, a company that specializes in insurance brokerage and private wealth management. Prabhu worked in the Boston, Massachusetts-based office, focusing primarily on employee benefits.

Responsibilities: As a generalist intern, Prabhu rotated across different divisions, tracking financial revenue, collaborating with the sales and communications teams and working alongside benefits analysts. 鈥淚 gained a comprehensive view of how different teams work together to deliver client value.鈥�

Most important lessons learned: 鈥淭he importance of genuinely connecting with people. When you鈥檙e truly interested in others and bring authenticity to your interactions, it goes a long way in building trust and fostering collaboration. Who you are as a person matters just as much as the technical skills you bring to the table.鈥�

Most valuable piece of advice: 鈥淎lways bring your best because client relationships need to be earned and maintained. Early in your career, be the first one to make coffee and the last one to leave the office. That鈥檚 about showing initiative, humility and a strong work ethic. Every professional experience can equip you with skills and insights that make you better prepared for the future.鈥�

Gustavo A. Madero 鈥�26

Madero is a senior majoring in public relations in the and political science in the .

Once Madero graduates, he plans to enroll in law school, with a goal of becoming an attorney who potentially focuses on immigration law, 鈥渨here I can use both my profession and my skills to assist my community and help families solve their issues.鈥�

Company: Just Legal, a Tokyo-based legal recruitment and search firm that connects legal professionals with opportunities in various environments.

Responsibilities: Helped with administrative tasks like cleaning and sorting their database and writing blog posts for the website. Madero also accompanied his boss to meetings with law firms and met with potential job candidates. 鈥淚 learned firsthand what life was like as an attorney in Tokyo and how the Tokyo job market worked.鈥�

Most important lessons learned: 鈥淗eadhunters know exactly what law firms are looking for in candidates and they help candidates get ready for their interviews. Now, when it is my turn to interview, I understand what sets people apart and what skills I should start developing. I also learned more about the day-to-day life of an attorney. This experience was an eye-opening and valuable learning experience that only solidified my career decision.鈥�

Most valuable piece of advice: 鈥淵our reputation is everything. Whatever you do in life, always carry yourself with professionalism and respect. Never burn a bridge, since you never know what direction life might take you.鈥�

Nola Roberts ’27

Roberts is a junior studying public relations in the Newhouse School and political science in the Maxwell School.

After graduating, Roberts plans to work at a public relations agency that represents law firms, attorneys and/or health care agencies. Once she earns a law degree, Roberts wants to pursue a career in either intellectual property or entertainment law. She says her summer internship 鈥渉elped me build the fundamental public relations skills that will be needed in future roles.鈥�

Company: Rosen Group PR is a public relations and communications agency based in New York City that provides counsel and campaigns for media relations, thought leadership, special events, social media, strategic consulting and policy advocacy.

Responsibilities: Roberts worked on three main accounts鈥擣irst National Bank of Omaha, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and Shanken Communications鈥攚hile contributing to other client projects, including work for individual authors, nonprofits and creative agencies. Roberts participated in client meetings, wrote and tracked coverage reports, drafted media pitches, contacted journalists, built targeted media lists, prepared award submissions and researched business and media trends.

Most important lessons learned: 鈥�I learned how to work in a fast-paced public relations environment and had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the media world. I gained incredible hands-on experience in the field and fundamental skills I鈥檒l carry with me into future roles. I also learned the importance of building trusted client relationships and collaborative relationships with my team members.鈥�

Most valuable piece of advice: 鈥淭he importance of communication. Teams simply cannot function efficiently without proper communication on projects to meet deadlines. Maintaining strong, open communication with clients is crucial, as their needs are the top priority.鈥�

From the looks of it, our University community members sure enjoyed themselves over the summer months. From a big adventure around the world to a laid-back staycation, take a look at the fun they had.

With so many career possibilities open to them, how can students explore which fits their interests? The 听offers a variety of programming to facilitate career exploration and readiness, such as听.

Over spring break, a group of 17 A&S | Maxwell undergraduates had the chance to experience one of those immersion trips: the annual Winston Fisher Seminar in New York City, which allows undergraduate students from all majors across the and the to explore how their liberal arts education can be leveraged into a wide variety of careers in the business world.

Founded in 2006 by Fisher Brothers partner, AREA15 CEO, Dean鈥檚 Advisory Board member and Trustee Winston Fisher 鈥�96, the weeklong Winston Fisher Seminar allows听students to spend time developing and presenting business plans, touring different employers and gaining critical networking experience with recruiters and alumni.

During this year鈥檚 immersion, participants visited several high-profile organizations, including Penguin Random House, Major League Baseball, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Morgan Stanley, iHeartMedia and more.

鈥淐onnecting with the students throughout the week, hearing their business plans and learning about their aspirations is truly one of the highlights of my year,鈥� Fisher says. 鈥淎s a firm believer in the power of a liberal arts education, I鈥檓 excited to see where their journeys take them and the impact they鈥檒l have on the world.鈥�

鈥淭here鈥檚 no substitute for the first-hand knowledge and experience Winston鈥檚 seminar provides. In addition to gaining insight into the professional world and entrepreneurship, students build lasting relationships with peers and accomplished members of our alumni community,鈥� says , director of employer and alumni engagement.

Check out these other photos from the 2025 Winston Fisher Seminar:

Erica Kiduko G鈥�25, who grew up in Tanzania, decided to use her 2023-24 to help further her research and promote education around gender-based violence through a nonprofit in the country.

Kiduko, who is pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in Pan-African studies in the , was doing her thesis research on the status of women in Tanzania and a National Plan of Action to help prevent violence against women when she decided to expand her work through a Clements Internship.

鈥淚 was working on a project that is my passion, and I applied for an internship that captured my goals and my passions,鈥� Kiduko says.

The Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Awards are now open for juniors, seniors and graduate students of any major who seek to further their career development through undertaking self-obtained unique internship opportunities. The award provides students with financial assistance to help in the pursuit of their unique professional goals.

The award typically provides students with $1,500-$6,000 to assist with internship-related travel, accommodations, required materials or living expenses.

Kiduko was working on a thesis titled 鈥淩eckoning an Icon: Exploring Scholarship and Activism of [Kenyan professor] M末cere G末thae M农go,” where she explored the ongoing imbalance women in Tanzania face and why, despite the implementation of the National Plan of Action, many women were still experiencing physical violence.

The action plan focuses on protecting the rights of women and girls, preventing such violent acts from occurring in the future and providing relief to help violence victims recover, but Kiduko says many of the citizens are unaware of the plan and many of the laws in place to protect these girls and women aren鈥檛 strict enough.

Wanting to connect and enhance the research in her thesis with a hands-on summer internship, Kiduko turned to the Clements Internship Award to study the effectiveness of the National Plan of Action through a self-secured internship with the Global Peace Foundation, which was one of the organizations involved in launching the National Plan of Action.

As a program officer, Kiduko worked on the Global Peace Foundation鈥檚 Uniting to End Violence Against Women in Football [soccer] initiative, which focused on both resolving issues of gender-based violence in women鈥檚 soccer and changing the societal norms and behaviors that often prevent victims of violence from reporting these incidents.听Kiduko worked with soccer players ages 16 to 25.

鈥淭he initiative was trying to promote women鈥檚 empowerment by preventing gender-based violence while creating a safe environment for everyone to play their sport,鈥� Kiduko says.

Kiduko helped run workshops where she and her fellow program officers would provide consultations to determine how much they understood about the prevalence and risks of violence while also equipping them with the knowledge of how to proceed should they witness an attack. One of the culminating projects was the release of an app where the players could anonymously report incidents of violence, whether they were the victims or the witnesses to an attack.

鈥淚t can be really hard for these players to report these incidents. Soccer could be their entire life and they鈥檙e afraid of being taken off the team for reporting an attack,鈥� Kiduko says.

How will Kiduko apply the critical lessons learned through her internship and apply them to her work once she graduates from 性视界 University?

鈥淥nce I graduate, I still plan on exploring this community-driven approach to solving the important issue of gender violence. Now, I can conceptualize the different types of activism, from political and humanitarian activism, and I’m so grateful to have received the Clements Internship Award,鈥� Kiduko says.

Applying for the 2024-25 Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award

This year鈥檚 application process closes on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. In addition to being responsible for self-securing internships, students interested in applying are also required to include their internship proposal, including outlining the purpose and goals of the internship and how this relates to their educational and career objectives. Interested students also need to secure a faculty or staff sponsor letter by the application deadline. Visit the for complete details.

National First-Generation College Celebration Week is Nov. 4-8, and provides an opportunity to celebrate first-generation students whose parents have not attended a higher education institution. Around 20% of 性视界 University students identify as first-generation. The campus community is invited to participate in several events throughout the week, including:

All week:

• Sign your graduating class’s first-generation banner at the Intercultural Collective in the Schine Student Center. The banner will be displayed during graduation season. Participants can also get free first-generation stickers.
• A poster display, 鈥淓xploring the First-Generation 性视界 University Experience,鈥� featuring campus community members, will be on exhibit on the first floor of Bird Library. Learn about the history of the first-generation identity in higher education, the diverse definitions of “first-generation” and inspiring profiles of current first-generation campus members. A library research guide will offer a wide array of books and resources by and for first-generation individuals, covering themes such as cultural education, memoirs, celebrations and wellness.

Monday, Nov. 4

• • A workshop on “Crafting Your Pitch” will be offered by Career Services and the Kessler Scholars Program from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Room 104 of the Tolley Humanities Building. The workshop is tailored to the needs of first-generation students, with a special emphasis on undergraduate students. Participants will discover, practice and leave with branding and elevator pitch techniques to support their career journeys.
  • “,” will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, 114 Bird Library. A diverse panel of faculty, staff, students and alumni will share their unique experiences, challenges and advice in navigating college and the professional environments. The discussion and Q&A session will include how to gather support and resources,

Tuesday, Nov. 5

• The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS), located on the lower level of Bird Library, will hold an open house from 3:30-5:30 p.m. for first-generation students to explore the variety of individual and group academic support services available.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

• Affinity and networking pop-up space for first-generation students, faculty and staff will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Intercultural Collective office in the Schine Student Center. Meet fellow first-generation peers, share your experiences, sign your class banner and enjoy some light refreshments while building a supportive community.
• “Thriving as a First-Generation Professional: Navigating the Workforce with Confidence,” a trauma-informed workshop designed to empower first-generation college students as they prepare to enter the professional workforce, will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. in 103 Huntington Hall. Participants will explore practical strategies for overcoming challenges unique to first-generation professionals, such as navigating workplace dynamics, developing self-advocacy and managing financial independence.

• A on “Building Your Professional Network” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Learn how to unlock life-changing conversations, mentorships, internships and jobs. Connect with members of the vast Orange community. Open to all undergraduate students, regardless of school/college affiliation.

Thursday, Nov. 7

• An open house will be held in 208 Bowne Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for participants to learn about research, fellowship and other resources and opportunities available for first-generation students with the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA), 性视界 Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE), Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) and the Lender Center for Social Justice.

Friday, Nov. 8

• A First-Generation Resource Fair will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Jacquet Commons in Huntington Hall. The fair will feature information from听 SOURCE, 性视界 Abroad, Blackstone Launchpad, the McNair Scholars Program, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and more.
• A First-Generation Celebration featuring “Living Between Two Worlds” with Tianna Faye Soto will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the听Jacquet Commons in Huntington Hall. Soto will focus on empowering first-generation students to explore their identities, celebrate intersectionality and highlight the unique strength each person holds.

The National First-Generation College Celebration is celebrated annually on Nov. 8 to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The act provides equal opportunity for those from low-income and minority backgrounds. The legislation created grants and loan programs, invested in higher education institutions and started the Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) to facilitate the academic success of first-generation college students.

First-Generation College Celebration Week events are made possible by the collaboration and generous contributions of multiple individuals, offices and units on campus that believe in elevating and celebrating our first-generation community of students, faculty and staff.

New Student Programs maintains the for those who self-identify as first-generation college students. The list serves a visual representation of faculty and staff dedication to helping current first-generation college students build their personal success networks and their eagerness to help grow a campus of support. Students are encouraged to connect with faculty and staff members who can share their personal journeys, insight and support throughout this unique student experience.

For the second year in a row, the University鈥檚 Career Services team has been honored with the prestigious Spark Award from Handshake, a career management platform that connects students with jobs, internships and employers. The recognition highlights the team鈥檚 innovative use of the platform to support student career development and underscores its commitment to student success.

The University adopted Handshake just before the start of the Fall 2018 semester. Over the years, Handshake has become an integral tool for uniting all career service centers across the University. It offers a range of services to students and staff. Students can schedule appointments with career advisers, upload resumes, explore employers, apply for jobs and internships, view upcoming events and career fairs, and access a wealth of career resources. For staff, the platform provides key insights into student needs, enabling better support through data and analytics.

鈥淭he University鈥檚 Career Services team has been recognized for its strategic use of data and analytics,鈥� says Adam Capozzi, director of career services, assessment and student success. 鈥淏y tracking student outcomes through the first-destination survey and utilizing hundreds of analytics reports, the team has engaged more deeply with students and shared insights creatively with internal and external partners. This data-driven approach has significantly impacted student support both on-campus and beyond graduation.鈥�

Receiving the Spark Award strengthens the team鈥檚 mission to empower students and promote innovative, inclusive career development and affirms the goals of expanding access, enhancing student engagement and strengthening partnerships.

鈥淲e are absolutely thrilled to receive this award for the second year in a row,鈥� says Capozzi. 鈥淏eing recognized by Handshake once again is truly an honor, and we are deeply appreciative of the acknowledgment. It is a testament to our team鈥檚 dedication and the incredible support from our campus community. We could not be more grateful.鈥�

Fall 2024 Career Week serves as a reminder for students that it is never too soon to take steps toward achieving their individual career goals.

The week offers a lineup of designed to help students connect with employer partners. From the campuswide Career and Internship Fair to specialized opportunities hosted by schools and colleges, students can explore these experiences by visiting the or logging into their .

Open to all students, regardless of class year and major, Fall 2024 Career Week runs from Sept. 23-27, with the signature Career and Internship Fair event featuring who will be offering internship and post-graduation positions.

鈥淐areer Week is a student鈥檚 gateway to unlocking future opportunities,鈥� says Lisette Child, assistant director, employee relations in the University鈥檚 Career Services office. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an amazing chance to connect with top employers, explore diverse career paths and gain insights that could shape their professional journey. Don鈥檛 miss out on the chance to make valuable connections and set yourself up for success.鈥�

Students are encouraged to learn about each opportunity via before the events. This will show students the employers who will be attending and ensure the events align with their respective career interests.听

Career Week Events and How to Register

Explore Career Week event highlights below with the complete list available on the . For each event, students should听 and prepare before attending.

• Tuesday, Sept. 24:
• Tuesday, Sept. 24:
• Tuesday, Sept. 24:
• Wednesday, Sept. 25:
• Wednesday, Sept. 25:
• Friday, Sept. 27:

How to Prepare for Fall 2024 Career Week

• Keep profile up to date: Students should make sure they听.听This includes updating their photo and details, such as graduation year, education and work experience. Upon completion, the account will reflect 鈥�100%.鈥�
• Know who will be there: Check the list of employers attending and prioritize those that align with your career goals. You may not have time to meet everyone, so focus on the most important ones.
• Do research: Employers appreciate students who know something about their company. Research your top choices and tailor your conversations based on what you learn.
• Bring the essentials: Having a folder with a handful of resumes and paper for notes is always great. There is a bag check area available, but it is easier to leave bulky items at home.
• Dress appropriately: Choose business professional or business casual attire. Comfortable shoes are key.
• Prepare a pitch: Have a short, practiced introduction about your background and goals.
• : Rehearse your pitch and answers to common questions with a friend. Stay natural鈥攄on鈥檛 memorize word-for-word.
• Ask meaningful questions: Have thoughtful questions prepared for each employer, showing you鈥檝e done your research. Avoid basic questions like, 鈥淲hat does your company do?鈥�

What鈥檚 New This Year

Based on student feedback, there will be a student welcome lounge on the career fair floor.

In addition, for the first time in-person since 2019, the will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center. This event is an invaluable opportunity for students to engage directly with representatives from over 100 prestigious graduate and law schools from across the country. Students can gather insights into various programs, admissions processes and what sets each institution apart.

With questions or to request accommodations, contact at careers@syr.edu听or connect with within each school or college.

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to those soon-to-be 性视界 University graduates who are searching for their first professional jobs after graduating.

With Commencement rapidly approaching, it鈥檚 only natural for members of the Class of 2024 to feel anxious if they don鈥檛 have a job lined up yet. But instead of feeling uncertain, , the University鈥檚 director of , assessment and student success, recommends students exercise patience and focus on identifying opportunities that resonate with their passions to help advance their job searches.

鈥淭he important thing is there are resources here to help with your job search,鈥� Capozzi says. 鈥淥r maybe you don鈥檛 know if you want to go into the workforce. Maybe you want to continue your education, maybe you want to take on an internship or go into volunteer work, or maybe you even want to take a gap year. Figure out what you鈥檙e passionate about and a lot of that will be figured out within six months of graduating.鈥�

Career Services annually where soon-to-be graduates provide information on their plans after Commencement, including whether they had accepted a job, enrolled in graduate school, joined the military or took on a volunteer or service program. According to the most recent data available, for the Class of 2023, only 8% of respondents were still searching six months after graduating.

It鈥檚 easy for students to access job and internship-based resources on the , which features relevant content and information, including links to central and individual school/college Career Center websites, upcoming career services events, ways to build and enhance career skills, and more.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the following resources:

• , the University鈥檚 centralized career management tool that allows students the ability to schedule career advising appointments, apply for internships and professional employment, explore career fairs and professional development events, as well as connect with over 300,000 employers and continuing education institutions, including Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and alumni;
• , a resume review platform intended to help your resume standout;
• , where students learn about the job interview process while practicing their interviewing skills with school and college career advisors or the Career Services team; and
• , which connects students with free access to more than 16,000 online courses taught by industry experts.

Among some of Capozzi鈥檚 favorite tips and pointers for students:

• No matter how many jobs you鈥檙e applying for, tailor your resume and cover letter to match the specifications of each opening. With more companies relying on artificial intelligence to filter through resumes, incorporating certain keywords from the job description can help candidates stand out from the crowd.
• Don鈥檛 burn bridges when networking, especially when it comes to cold outreach.
• Identify your interests and skills to figure out what really excites you in a job.
• Have faith in your talents and abilities, and never downplay your experiences.

Capozzi sat down with SU News to share how the University can help advance your career, explain the best practices when it comes to asking for a job reference or recommendation and discuss the impactful role immersion programs play in setting students up for professional success.