It’s all about who you know in the job industry.  Connections can give you an edge over other prospective job candidates. You may not know it but you already have access to a plethora of connections. College is one of the best places to meet new people and network. Joining a club or organization on campus is the simplest way to start this process as you are immediately introduced to a number of students who are there to help you. Below, two students at Baruch tell us about their experience and knowledge of this social practice.

 

The Students:

 

Victoria Lee is an upper senior majoring in English Literature currently working at Estée Lauder Companies, Inc.  She is a member of alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, Inc. at Baruch.

 

 

 

Daniel Ramdular is an upper junior majoring in Human Resource Management.  He presently works at the Weissman Center for International Business at Baruch College and is a member of BaruchSHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management).

 

 

 

 

 

What internships, jobs, or work experiences have you had?

Victoria: I’ve worked at LUSH Cosmetics, Holiday Events LLC, Danielides Communications Inc., STAMP Event Management, and at The Estée Lauder Companies.

Daniel: I’ve interned at a luxury hotel my sophomore year and a staffing agency my junior year.  I’ve worked for the US Census Bureau in 2010 and started my job at the Weissman Center in 2012.

How has being in an organization and/or club on campus benefitted you?

Victoria: Prior to joining, I was a reserved, stereotypical Baruch student: come to school, go home, and repeat. None of the clubs on campus appealed to me until I found aKDPhi.. I’ve met sisters from all across the nation–some that have shared their passion in event planning with me.

I knew that I wanted to become an Event Planner after joining aKDPhi because as sisters, we are constantly planning events. Prior to working at my first major event related internship at STAMP, I had already developed the knowledge of contract negotiations, developing budgets, and creating showflows and dayflows. Essentially, I was an event planner without even knowing it. Currently, I work at The Estee Lauder Companies as a Travel and Meeting Planner. I was referred to my position by my Big Sis from aKDPhi. I hope to return the deed by mentoring aspiring planners as I gain more experience.

Daniel: Being in a professional organization helped get my foot in the door at my first internship, as my boss was also a member of BaruchSHRM.  I learned a lot from the numerous guest speakers and networking events my organization has sponsored.  BaruchSHRM also helped me obtain the job I currently have, because my current employer was a guest speaker at one of our professional events, I was well aware of the organization and its role on campus. Being a part of the organization really helped me stand out from other candidates.

Do you have any recommendations for Baruch students looking to expand their networking opportunities?

Victoria: Don’t be afraid to network.  Regardless of whether or not you are part of a Greek organization, try and get to know the members.  Most Greeks at Baruch have already established themselves in the professional field while developing great social skills. You can truly have the best of both worlds.

Daniel: Definitely look into joining an on campus professional organization.  They go out of their way to help students expand professionally.  Through my professional organization, I had the opportunity to volunteer in corporate settings, participate in discussion panels and network both on and off campus.  Also, at a club/organization’s event, professionals can interact with you more personally. That is how I obtained my first internship.

 

 Joining a club is a great stepping stone to meeting new people. The relationships you build with these new people can benefit you. Through them, you can learn about opportunities for jobs, internships and more!

You can browse the list of organizations established at Baruch here.