Freshman Seminar Fall 17 EWA

“Networking with EY”

networking with ey

On Monday September 11th, I went to a meeting where EY professionals gave us insight to how things work at EY and answered questions. At first, I was hesitant in going to the meeting for two reasons: 1. You had to dress business casual and I decided to wear sweats and sneakers; 2. I had no idea what this was for. However, I sucked it up and entered the room after standing outside for several minutes. I immediately felt out of place being surrounded by people who were wearing ties and blouses. 

When the panel of EY professionals started describing what they do and how EY is a great organization, I noticed how they spoke almost completely of accounting, finances, and similar topics. However, since I am interested in marketing, I wasn't sure if anything being said would be useful. I was wrong. I learned so much from the panelists and the experiences they shared with the group made me want to major in accounting and join EY. One thing that stuck with me was what John said about saying yes to things. Second chances don't come by often, so take advantage of the opportunities that come your way instead of turning them down. 

When all the questions were answered and the EY professionals said everything they wanted to say, we were left to get food and talk to others. I began talking to upperclassmen who answered my questions on if AKDP had people in marketing, since all I've been hearing since I entered the room was anything but that. I learned that there's a good handful of people who major in marketing and that the two main people I should talk to are abroad in South Korea and China (?). However, I was directed to someone who is in marketing (sorry, I forgot her name) and asked her some questions. I spoke with a few others and finally left the meeting.

If I'm being completely honest, I only attended this event because of Freshman Seminar, but I am so grateful for it. I would never have thought to attend something like this, since I am not comfortable in social situations (especially the networking factor). Now, I am a bit more open to going to events similar to this, and I even went to a MOB (Marketers of Baruch) GIM the day after. I can see myself going to meetings more often in the future because of this FRO assignment.

Muslim Business Association

The MBA was a very welcoming. We sat in the room getting introduced to what they did in the club. They told us the club had a religious and business part, which is really motivating to me. The club happens twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In the club, we did icebreakers which we each introduced ourselves. We also were served food and had to fill a sign in sheet. They were very organized they introduced important information in the PowerPoint and handed out flyers. Overall, I had a nice time meeting new people and hopefully I’ll have time to come here next time.

Bagatelle

So last week I went to Bagatelle for my friends birthday. His dad told him to be responsible with the credit card, so naturally a good time was ahead. We started off with a light breakfast, pancakes and waffles and some pasta and truffle pizza flooded the table. Once the “brunch” was eaten shit got real. We started off our services with 6 Bottles of Dom Perignon illuminated. My friend dylan and I headed down to the freezer room with Tellio, the manager, and selected a nice bottle for the next champagne show. Our choice was a Ace of Spades Gold Brut. Very good choice indeed. The champagne drunk is one with zero discomfort and ultra fun. Next my other friend, Nikan, put in an order for Don Julio Blanco Shots. about 20 shots came to the table, attracting slutty gold diggers. My friend josh liked this very much. Long story short it was a good day.

 

United Chinese Language Association (UCLA)

At first going there just to accomplish my Freshman Seminar homework, I was pleasantly surprised how much fun I actually had. Of course being a Freshman, I was really nervous joining this club because of all the unfamiliar faces there. Luckily I went with another friend, Tony Tan from my FRO class so things weren’t too scary. Getting there though, I felt very much welcomed because everyone was so helpful and friendly to one another. This past meeting, we all collectively learned about the traditions Chinese people do during the Mid- Autumn Festival (中秋節), which was funny to me because I myself don;t even do a lot of these “traditions” besides eating the Mooncake with my entire family under the full moon. Sadly, this was all I did that day because I had family business to attend to, but from what I heard from Tony, they also made lanterns and had a prize drawing at the end. I am very happy to be a part of UCLA Club because it sounds like the badass college and because I really had a great time. (In fact

(In fact, I had so much fun that I totally forgot to take a selfie there so I hope a flyer would suffice Myra

UCLA – United Chinese Language Association

I was given a pamphlet when I went to the club fair on the day of our convocation. I was always interested in Chinese culture and this club was the key to my interests. So I decided to join the club and I went to their general interest meeting last Thursday. Joining this club gave me a glimpse of the culture at Baruch and the importance of mentor ship. During my time in the club, we were playing google feud which is guessing google searches. I felt a sense of belonging and the atmosphere was very welcoming. I am planning to commit to the club .

Tenement Museum

On Tuesday I visited the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side. Why did I choose the Tenement Museum I hear you asking me? Well, I missed the baseball team’s meeting on the 7th, I was running out of options, and I live 5 minutes away from it, so, it was my best bet. Fortunately though, it wasn’t as bad as a last option might sound. I learned about the Wong family, the Epstein family, and the Velez family and their struggle to make it in New York City as immigrants. The Wong’s got by from the mother of the family working in sewing shops in Chinatown, the Epstein’s were Holocaust survivors, and the Velez family came from Puerto Rico for new opportunities and “The American Dream.” While the tenement of what the museum is based around housed over 10,000 families over it’s time of being a residency, the museum chose to focus on these specific families. I believe they did this to show the diversity this city has and how everyone is just someone trying to make it, which I believe reflects Baruch. Baruch is a diverse college with over 132 countries being represented, but the Tenement Museum opened my eyes to show me that it’s a small world after all.

-Matt Salcedo

I swear I take better selfies lol

 

UCLA Lantern Making YO.

So on Tuesday I went to the UCLA (United Chinese Language Association I think) club meeting. In that meeting we learned about the Mid Autumn Festival or Moon Festival in China. I went with my friend Jeff and we got to learn about the folk lore behind the holiday and celebration. It was also really interesting to learn about the things that Chinese people did during the Moon Festival. Apparently they eat moon cakes and play games where the adults give the children riddles and whoever solves a riddle would get a prize. So after the presentation they gave us riddles and it was pretty cool since everyone was ACTUALLY participating. There was this one guy who already knew half the riddles so he just shouted the answer before the riddle was even asked. After that we had a lantern making contest and the winner was to be given a prize. I tried to submit my lantern to the contest but I took too long (lol). I got to meet Sandy, Alexandra, and Kelly from UCLA. They were really chill and they were so welcoming. I was glad that I got to go to the club because it was pretty interesting and I got to meet new people.

(Btw that’s Jeff in the white shirt, great guy and that was my first lantern I scrapped it and made a better one.) :)))))))))

Alpha Club’s Resumé 101 Workshop

When my father was laid off in the economic crash of 2008, I remember sitting there with him, attempting to find out which words made him sound as the most qualified employee who should be working in the office. Though, i did not understand much about jobs and what it took to become a so called “employee.” I started working at the age of 13, and was only employed by two different employers up to even today. I was looking for a way to make myself sound more professional as I attempt to find a new and better job. As I was looking through the list, I was glad to fine the Resume 101 workshop. In the workshop I was informed of  interview questions and ways to establish relationships with the employer. Alpha Club gave us real life impersonations and tips and tricks for those brownie points with employer.  Alpha Club also showed us how there is nothing to worry about or be stressed for or during an interview. They also taught us how to set up online profiles and interact with employers properly in order to succeed in the art of resumé making and job application.

BSA

   

On September 7th, my friend and I joined the club BSA, Bangladesh Student Association, after finding their page on facebook. We looked through their posts from previous events and we were immediately hooked.  Their first general interest meeting was held on September 12th and they went over the basics such as what to expect from the club and like the cultural events they are planning . They mentioned how they are involved with a foundation that strives to end poverty in Bangladesh. Also Lamia, the president of BSA, mentioned how BSA has partnered with Bangladeshi Professional Network to provide its members professional workshops and events. Honestly I joined this club because I wanted to keep in touch with my roots. I can already tell this club will bring out my inner self and remind me about what is so great about my country and my culture. I know my classes are going to stress me out gradually but it seems like BSA will be my comfort zone where I can just relax. At the end of the day, BSA will remind me that there are so many people who are like me in Baruch and that I belong here as well.

Baruch Hillel

I attended the Baruch Hillel for my club. Choosing to visit the Hillel, I was immediately introduced to the club leader, who was extremely kind and welcoming.  I felt very comfortable at the Hillel, and they told me about opportunities to get involved. I was also informed that they offer food every day to club members, and sometimes a fellow pier even gives a 5 minute speech pertaining to the weekly Bible portion. I look forward to hearing these speeches in the future, and learning more about Judaism. It is also nice to know I have a place to go and relax when I want to hang out somewhere on the vertical campus. I am so fortunate that I was able to discover all of the amazing resources Hillel at Baruch has to offer!