What's Really Important
A frequently overlooked resource on campus: your faculty and staff. We have been around for a while, a little longer than most of us like to admit, but because of this we have gained experience and knowledge that you may not have had the opportunity to learn yet. We all came from somewhere, and all of us want you to go somewhere great and have happy and fulfilling lives. So, take it from us. Here’s some advice we wish someone had given us as college students.
Professor Sarbjit Singh, Associate Professor, Chairperson Sport Management
Two pieces of advice I believe are important for students are as follows:
First, leverage the networking opportunities with your classmates, professors, and
alumni. I have found that connecting with folks who went to the same college as I
did was pretty easy. More people than you may think are proud of their college affiliation
and see connecting with alumni, especially younger ones, as a way of "giving back."
Second, I would also suggest concentrating on your development in communications,
including public speaking and writing. In the marketplace, if you are a good writer,
you will actually stand above many others as they are not as adept as you at communicating.
Marty Polizzi, Adjunct Professor
I am sure that you heard all the usual advice; explore while you are in college, attend job fairs, network to the max, improve your communication skills, get an internship, etc. Here’s the reality: It’s not always easy for a college student to do this because they don’t have the confidence yet to do it.
For over a decade, students have repeatedly asked me, “What do I say to open the conversation
at a career fair,” and “How can I become more influential and gain more credibility
at work?”
They also say, “I’m not comfortable talking about myself, so how can I sell myself
during an internship interview.” And they ask, “How can I gain commitment during a
job interview,” and “How do I become more assertive without coming off as too aggressive?”
In other words, “How do I sell myself to gain more positive outcomes?” This requires
skill. Most people refer to these skills as soft skills. I like to refer to them as
POWER SKILLS. Obtaining these selling skills while in college is essential; however,
practicing them is monumental.
How can you accomplish this? Take a sales class! While you are here at Farmingdale
State College, BUS 254 Principles of Selling will help you gain credibility, become
more influential, gain more positive outcomes, and most importantly gain confidence!
Kimberly Forman, Assistant to the Dean, School of Business
My advice for students is, “Take advantage of everything FSC has to offer,” e.g.:
Don’t be afraid to take classes outside of your major. Take classes on finance; they’ll
teach you valuable skills that will help you in your personal adult life. Take writing
and editing classes; you’ll be amazed at how being a good writer will get you ahead
in your career. Take advantage of your free electives and use them to explore something
you love; maybe you’ll find out how to make a job out of it!
Visit our Internship Coordinator Lisa Lubrano and make appointments at the Nexus Center.
There are extremely knowledgeable people on campus who are more than willing to help
you with your resumes and cover letters while also providing you with the proper tools
to aid you in your career search.
Take the internship class. Use it as an opportunity to see if your dream job is really
what you want to do all while earning college credit.
Participate in events! Not only can they be added to your resume under campus involvement,
but they also provide incredible networking opportunities.
And lastly, form relationships not only with your peers but also with your professors.
I cannot express to you enough how important networking is. I graduated from FSC five
years ago and still speak with many of my professors and classmates, all of whom have
helped me immensely outside of the classroom.
