Career Services

Checking in to a “suite” internship with Marriott International

Sarah Holland — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:34:55 +0000

Checking in to a “suite” internship with Marriott International Sarah Holland Wed, 01/15/2025 - 09:34

When business major Kyle Samuel went to ��AV’s Fall 2023 Career Fair with a list of companies to speak with, he didn’t realize he would land an internship that would kickstart his career.

With a legacy connection to Marriott hotels through his father, who worked for Marriott at the property level, a chat with the Marriott representative led to securing a competitive spot as a finance HQ intern with Marriott International.

Now, in addition to completing a summer internship with Marriott, Samuel is working part-time for the hotel company and making plans to return in summer 2025 for a second internship.

Kyle Samuel (left) with Marriott founder's grandson, David Marriott. Photo provided.

Why did you choose George Mason?

There are a couple of reasons why. First, it’s close to home and within my culture we try to live with our parents even after we’re 18. So that was important to me. Affordability was a major aspect, too, because staying home saves some tuition. George Mason’s Costello College of Business is also great and well-established, especially compared to other schools in the region.

What inspired your interest in finance?

In junior year of high school, one of my uncles recommended the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. And that opened my eyes to how much personal finance matters in your life. I started reading more, like The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike, Jr., and my interest just took off from there.

How did you find out about the internship at Marriott?

Through the career fair at George Mason. I went into the fair with notes about each company I was interested in, and Marriott was on the list. I spoke with the representative, and we really connected. She told me about the internship—I didn’t know that Marriott offered internships—and she recommended that I apply.

It’s funny, whenever someone asks me about the career fair, I tell them I have a 100% track record, because I went to one fair and got an internship from it!

What did you do during your summer internship with Marriott?

Some of my major projects were conducting reviews of around 50 capital expenditure budgets from Marriott Select brands to ensure compliance and accuracy, checking the integrity and translation of data from Excel sheets to visualizations, and helping a senior manager send out revenue share allocations to select brand owners.

I also participated in a competition with the other interns where we were given a real-life business challenge that Marriott is facing, and we had to design a potential solution. So we brainstormed ideas for improving Marriott Bonvoy sign-ups among the Gen Z demographic.

One of the things I really appreciated about my internship is that I wasn’t just doing internship work that wouldn’t go anywhere once I was done: I was doing projects with impact.

How have your experiences at George Mason prepared you for your internship?

Many classes gave me the foundations I needed to succeed at my internship. BUS 210 Business I and BUS 310 Business Analytics II were really helpful because it allowed me to strengthen my Excel skills, and BUS 103 has helped improve my professional development skills.

University Career Services also played a monumental role. They helped me establish my resume, create my LinkedIn profile, and prepare for the interview with Marriott.

Kyle Samuel (right) with Anthony Capuano, current CEO of Marriott. Photo provided

What would you say is the importance of an internship?

School does prepare you for the workplace, but there’s really no substitute for actually experiencing a workplace. Understanding office culture, learning the hierarchies, networking; you can only really learn those soft skills through being in the workplace. And networking is so valuable. I’ve had a meeting with the CEO of Marriott because I was able to network with the former intern, who connected me to the right people.

Where do you hope to be in ten years?

My long-term goal is to become the CFO of Marriott. I’m minoring in real estate, so working for Marriott combines my interest in finance with my interest in real estate. I love the culture; I feel like they really put people first and work together as a team. And there’s a lot of potential for them to grow in the future.

George Mason is Virginia's best for interships

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Just-in-Time Hiring Fair is one of many ways ��AV supports students and alumni

Shayla Brown — Thu, 23 May 2024 18:17:18 +0000

Just-in-Time Hiring Fair is one of many ways ��AV supports students and alumni Shayla Brown Thu, 05/23/2024 - 14:17

Nearly 11,000 degree and certificate earners, from 114 countries and 50 states graduated on May 9 from ��AV. Some of those graduates attended the university's “Just-in-Time Hiring Fair” on May 13 where employers seeking to fill immediate roles recruit current students and recent graduates.

This event is one of many career resources provided by the university that gives students an opportunity to make connections with various companies and experienced professionals, promoting employment and social mobility for students and alumni.

A graphic of ��AV alumni career statistics. Graphic by Career Services.

George Mason University Career Services hosts many fairs during the academic year, connecting students with internships, part-time, and full-time roles. Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services, said Mason career fairs consistently fill to capacity. “The comments that we get back [from employers] say they are very impressed by how much effort students put in and how serious they are,” she said.

Other career resources include more than 140 career programs and hiring events, more than 480 members of the Career Influencers Network faculty and staff, more than 650 employees at Recruit at Mason, as well as a lifetime of career support.

Based on the Career Plans Survey, which gathered data from graduates from the class of 2023, 87% of George Mason students have a positive career outcome at or within six months of graduation and 69% of are employed full-time. Graduates are employed across 10 countries and 37 states, while 83% are employed in the Washington metropolitan area.

According to the survey, 88% of George Mason alumni are employed in positions related to their career goals. Top industries for George Mason alumni include education, technology, government/military, and health care, and graduates start with an average salary of $74,000.

George Mason’s many programs helped to shape our “future leaders who these past few years have lived, learned, and engaged in one of the most diverse environments you will find,” President Gregory Washington said at this year’s Spring Commencement.

The top five majors among the 6,138 undergraduates in the Class of 2024 are business; information technology; psychology; computer science; and criminology, law and society.

Learn more about how George Mason prepares students for the workforce in the following Campus Quick Takes video, where Shayla Brown, communications officer, speaks with students at the fair about their goals and experiences.

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Mason students connect with alumni, employers at Spring 2024 Career Fair

Colleen Rich — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 18:04:24 +0000

Mason students connect with alumni, employers at Spring 2024 Career Fair Colleen Rich Fri, 03/01/2024 - 13:04

On Feb. 21-22, more than 4,000 students made their way through the Johnson Center’s Dewberry Hall, speaking to 240 potential employers. Over the two days, ��AV’s Spring Career Fair 2024 gave students and alumni opportunities to further their career aspirations. The first day focused on science, technology, engineering, and math-related fields, and the second focused on business, government, and nonprofit organizations.

More than 4,000 students met with 240 potential employers at the Spring Career Fair. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

According to Bernadette Davey, career fairs manager in University Career Services since 2005, Mason is known for its strong brand and great career fairs. “We are known for the diversity and quality of our students,” Davey said.

Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services, said a lot of colleges struggle to keep their career fairs going, but Mason career fairs consistently fill to capacity. “The comments that we get back [from employers] say they are very impressed by how much effort students put in and how serious they are,” she said.

More than 100 alumni employer representatives, identified with green “alumnus” ribbons, attended, eager to connect with Mason students.

“We have been able to see how [Mason alumni] are able to come in and do well,” said Kate Desai, MBA '12, representing career fair sponsor FORVIS. “Mason students are really amazing cultural fits for our teams, and we have yet to have a bad experience.”

Mark, Marketing '01, representing the Central Intelligence Agency, said he is “happy to be back [as an alumnus] and feel a connection.” The CIA has a strong relationship with Mason and often looks to recruit students from the career fairs.

Altaf Patel, a 2021 MBA graduate representing the U.S. Postal Service, said, “It’s great to come back and help other future alumni. I like to be a part of the alumni team that helps students further their career goals.”

Students and alumni alike credited the career fair for helping them find their current positions.

Art history major Emma Paskey said a career fair helped her get an internship as an explainer at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. She wants to continue working for Smithsonian after graduation and said her internship has set her up for success. “My main impression of the career fair is how helpful everyone was. Everyone I interacted with wanted to help me find what was best for me, and the employers I talked to were more than happy to answer any questions I had.”

“It’s nice to be back and help students enter the field,” said Vanessa Adu, BA Psychology ’20. She found her current position at Birch, Stewart, Kolasch, & Birch, an internationally recognized intellectual property law firm, from attending the career fair as a student.

Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation Services representative Melanie Zissios, a 2004 Mason graduate, got her first job with school-age child care from the career fair. She wants to give Mason psychology students similar opportunities.

Many students attended the career fair to find full- or part-time positions, but many came just to learn more about the job market.

“I wanted to see what companies are hiring,” said senior Elizabeth Boakye, who is graduating in May with a degree in Business. She was also hoping to find a full-time position.

Honors College student Juliet Reyes, who is majoring in government and conflict resolution, plans to graduate in May and attend law school. She went to the career fair to look for internships with federal government or private security companies. She also wants to learn more about the types of backgrounds these companies are looking for in candidates.

Senior Ethan Thomas, a government and international politics major, attended the career fair to practice talking to employers and get “practical job search experience.”

Many students were taking notes for the future. Computer science major Madison Sellers is a sophomore and attended the career fair to get an idea of what the job market looks like. “I want to see what the career fair looks like for when I want to come back later,” she said.

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Fall Career Fair brought record number of job seekers and employers to campus

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:36:41 +0000

Fall Career Fair brought record number of job seekers and employers to campus Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/05/2023 - 13:36

A record number of students and alumni attended the Fall Career Fair to meet prospective employers. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

��AV’s Fall Career Fair, hosted by University Career Services on the Fairfax Campus, connected students and alumni with prospective employers on Sept. 27–28.

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Nearly 4,300 job and internship seekers attended the fair, meeting with recruiters from more than 250 different employers.

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

The first day of the fair focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, and the second day focused on business, government and nonprofits.

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

��AV is committed and successful in producing career-ready graduates. In Mason’s Career Plans Survey for the Class of 2022, 87% of undergraduate and graduate respondents reported a positive career outcome within six months of graduation (including employment, graduate school, military, or volunteer work). Among those students employed, 89% reported being in positions related to their career goals.

Students were encouraged to prepare in advance for the Career Fair. Check out the video.

Hear more about how Mason prepares students to succeed in their dream jobs, and why recruiters want to hire Mason grads. Watch the video.

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Mason's Computing Career Reception connects CS, IST majors with tech industry

Teresa Donnellan — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:11:36 +0000

Mason's Computing Career Reception connects CS, IST majors with tech industry Teresa Donnellan Tue, 03/14/2023 - 09:11

In This Story

Kamaljeet Sanghera

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, the Northern Virginia Technology Council, and Break Through Tech DC, ��AV's College of Engineering and Computing and Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA) hosted a Computing Career Reception following the university-wide career fair on February 22.

Juniors and seniors majoring in computer science and information sciences and technology were invited to network with tech industry representatives from companies such as Appian, Brillient, and Verisign. Students and professionals networked throughout the evening, discussing areas of interest and possible fields to explore further. Christopher Chay, a junior earning a BS in computer science, discussed his interest in artificial intelligence with people from Brillient and Booz Allen Hamilton.

"It was a great experience to talk to recruiters and employers and see the kind of work they did and find any deficiencies in my knowledge and personal experience," says Chay. He adds, "I appreciated the much smaller and quieter atmosphere, as opposed to the larger STEM fair."

"I appreciated the much smaller and quieter atmosphere, as opposed to the larger STEM fair." —Christopher Chay, junior majoring in computer science

The Computing Career Reception was the first computing-specific career event at Mason, and its success has encouraged event organizers to plan future topic-oriented career receptions. "This year the event was held at the Center for the Arts on Mason's Fairfax Campus, but as we build our presence in Arlington, we hope to host events like this at Mason Square," said IDIA executive director Kammy Sanghera.

The Fairfax County EDA was proud to facilitate a potential employment pipeline for local tech talent. "The students at ��AV are doing incredible work, and it's a privilege to be able to connect them with Fairfax County businesses that will give them opportunities to continue doing that caliber of work post-graduation," said Michael Batt, vice president, Talent.

Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) recognized the event as an opportunity to further strengthen northern Virginia's reputation as a hub of innovation. Jennifer Taylor, President and CEO of NVTC, suggested that connecting students with industry members at networking events like this is an important part of expanding the level of innovation that Virginia is known for. "Students are learning the important skills they need to be successful in innovation-related fields and will become a critical part of the industry after college. We help to make these connections now so students can see what is possible in the region," said Taylor.

Students attending the Computing Career Reception, Feb 2023

Part of the IDIA's mission is to facilitate these connections between students and industry. "The IDIA is proud to sponsor events that allow students to connect with industry members. Our students are engaged in cutting-edge research and work that will teach them the skills necessary to thrive in innovation-related careers," said Sanghera. "Connecting our Mason campus with industry members from Fairfax County and beyond is part of our mission and creates not only important opportunities for collaborations and industry growth but opportunities for employment after graduation."

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A moving experience adds to his Mason profile

Colleen Rich — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:19:11 +0000

A moving experience adds to his Mason profile Colleen Rich Wed, 12/07/2022 - 13:19

Jalen Stubbs sat on stage at the recent Chronicle Ideas Festival in downtown Washington D.C., one of three students recording a “Future U” podcast about their college experiences.

One, a first-generation student, spoke about the challenges of finding the right school and struggling because English is not her first language. The other described the difficulties of attending college while raising a child.

Mason senior Jalen Stubbs (center) at the Chronicle Ideas Festival with Mason Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Janette Muir, and Philip Wilkerson from Mason's office of University Career Services. Photo provided.

“It was such a moving experience,” said Stubbs, a senior communication major at ��AV who hopes to go into sports broadcasting. “I’ve heard stories like that before, but they went deep into them. It really changed my perspective on not just school as a whole, but how it impacts students from various backgrounds.”

For Stubbs, the podcast and festival, put on by the Chronicle of Higher Education to discuss the ideas shaping higher ed, was another layer to the main reasons he came to Mason in the first place—the university’s diversity and the opportunity for experiences outside the classroom he had been encouraged to take.

Mason is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the most diverse institution in Virginia. In addition, there is no disparity in academic success rates among Mason students of different ethnic groups or socio-economic status.

“Diversity has always been an important element in my life. That’s what drew me to Mason,” Stubbs said. “It had the diversity in order for me to thrive. I knew it would be a good community to stand out in.”

Stubbs, of Rockville, Maryland, has certainly done that.

The managing editor of the Fourth Estate, Mason’s student-run news outlet, Stubbs has had several high-profile internships, including one with Capital Concerts where he was a production assistant for last summer’s “National Memorial Day Concert” and “A Capitol Fourth Concert.”

He is also active in the Black Male Success Initiative.

“I’m happy to be here at Mason doing what I’m doing,” Stubbs said. “It’s been a great experience.”

Which brings us back to the “Future U” podcast, for which Stubbs was nominated by Philip Wilkerson, an employee engagement consultant in Mason’s Office of University Career Services.

Wilkerson has known Stubbs since they met at a College of Humanities and Social Sciences event—the CHSS Mentorship Link-up—when Stubbs was a freshman.

“He’s one of those people who I told early on, ‘You have to get experiences outside the classroom,’ ” Wilkerson said. “He’s done that and more. I can’t say enough about his ambition and leadership. He’s just very driven and does what he needs to do.”

Stubbs said the podcast recording was a bit intimidating as the conversation had an audience of about 50 people and went out live on the Chronicle Festival website.

But once he settled in, he was fine and spoke freely about creating environments for success by seeking out those with similar interests, and leaving a legacy at Mason that other Black students can look to and build on.

It also was a great opportunity to network in preparation for his job search he hopes will land that sports broadcasting job.

“I just want to get into the business,” he said, “knocking on that back door.”

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DOIL's second annual BLAST Off Week highlights resources, progress

Tama Moni — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:55:15 +0000

DOIL's second annual BLAST Off Week highlights resources, progress Tama Moni Mon, 10/03/2022 - 13:55

Each day of the second annual BLAST Off Week, hosted by the College of Engineering and Computing’s Office of Diversity, Outreach, and Inclusive Learning (CEC DOIL), focused on a different theme: Belonging, Leadership, Access, Success, and Trailblazing. The week’s events featured resources available to CEC students.

DOIL Diversity Associate Mercadi Crawford notes one change from last year: “’T’ last year stood for ‘transformation,’ and so that was us just starting the office; that was us trying to figure out what we wanted CEDRIC to look like [and] what we wanted BLAST Off events to look like. This year, we did ‘trailblazing,’ because we couldn’t have done any of that [transformation] without a certain amount of people that helped us. We wanted to make sure that they received the award.”

CEDRIC, the Computing and Engineering Diversity Resource Information Center, has a new location on the second floor of the Nguyen building, Office ENGR 2800, and was the location of the inaugural Trailblazers Awards ceremony.

Chris Carr, Associate Dean for Diversity, Outreach, and Inclusive learning serves food to students at the Career Prep Simulation Lab. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services/��AV

Crawford adds the awardees were “people who were with us when we only had one staff member when it was only Dr. Carr [CEC’s Associate Dean for Diversity, Outreach, and Inclusive Learning & Chief Diversity Officer] trying to do events and do things for all the students here in the building.” Even now, after the addition of Crawford and Christi Wilcox to DOIL, Crawford says, “These [awardees] are still people that we reach out to: we had faculty...willing to help us get our curriculum together; we had staff...willing to help us get our spaces...and reach out to our students. We thought that it was very important for them to be recognized because they could see our vision back when we couldn't see it. They really did set the trail for what we are going to become.”

For CEC students at large, BLAST Off Week culminated in Thursday’s career preparation event, which featured professional hair and makeup services, free professional clothing, and resume and application workshops. This year’s BLAST Off Week events took place from September 19 to September 23. There was a noticeably bigger crowd this year, which Crawford attributes not only to reduced Covid-19—related fears but also to the participation of partner sponsor CACI and to greater marketing efforts prior to the event.

“We were just excited about how many students were excited about it,” says Crawford.

BLAST Off week’s events were as follows:

BELONGING
At an ice cream social on Monday, hosted by DOIL in partnership with Undergraduate Student Services, students could chat with representatives from student and university organizations, who promoted their mission, values, and resources at tables on the lawn.

LEADERSHIP
On Tuesday, students learned how to navigate their academic journey and transition to the workplace at a CACI Leadership Panel in the Johnson Center.

ACCESS
Resource fairs on Wednesday for students and staff highlighted where students could find support when applying to fellowships, graduate schools, research funding, and chances to study abroad.

SUCCESS
Thursday featured career prep resources, including barbers, professional makeup artists, and a professional attire closet in addition to career workshops on building resumes, creating professional correspondences, establishing a professional profile, and applying for jobs.

TRAILBLAZING
Eight people and two corporate partners of DOIL received Trailblazers Awards, which recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in maintaining a socially conscious STEM environment. Award recipients include Assistant Professor of Statistics Jonathan Auerbach, PhD Candidate in Information Technology Dominique Calder, undergraduate software engineering student Natnael Haile, Information Technology Specialist Larry Jackson, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering Leigh McCue, Director of Teaching Excellence with the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning E. Shelly Reid, CEC Operations Manager Joyce Rose, Executive Director of Mason’s Institute for Digital InnovAtion Kamaljeet Sanghera, Bechtel, and CACI.

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Tips for Internships and Co-ops

Nikita Thadani — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 15:51:50 +0000

Tips for Internships and Co-ops Nikita Thadani Fri, 02/04/2022 - 10:51

by Katrina Dunlap

“Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.” – Anonymous

“If they can conceive it and believe it, they can achieve it. They must know it is not their aptitude but their attitude that will determine their altitude.” – Jesse Jackson

My very first internship experience was for a non-profit organization, based in New York City, called The Humpty Dumpty Institute. Yes…that’s the name, The Humpty Dumpty Institute! This is a non-profit group that partners with U.S. Congress, the United Nations, U.S. Department of State and a host of other non-governmental organizations to remove landmines and improve lives in war-torn, developing nations. In this role, I maintained a database of congressional representatives and staff, and provided content for their website. This was the best unpaid internship I’ve ever had because it gave me a real sense of purpose that I was part of something bigger than myself. Moreover, the experience afforded me the opportunity to demonstrate my research skills and exposed me to international issues and government relations which have seared my careers interests for many years that followed.

In a 2016 Internship & Co-op Survey that collected responses from almost 300 organizations and across 20 industries, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that “employers begin recruiting interns eight months before their start date; for co-ops [cooperative education programs], this window is six months.”[i] It is never too early to start thinking about applying for these opportunities for next summer.

It is never too early to start thinking about applying for these opportunities for next summer.

While you are bogged down with mid-term exams and papers, take time to consider and plan out your approach for landing the right internship (a one-time work or service experience)[i] or co-op (multiple periods of work experiences)[i] and make the most of it. Whether paid or unpaid, it has been widely accepted that graduate students have leveraged their experience resulting in acquiring future employment opportunities and expanding their professional and academic networks. Here are six tips to consider before, during and after your internship or co-op:

Choose wisely. The summer months can fly by. Don’t waste time on an internship or co-op that lacks relevance to your career aspirations. Typically, the host company or organization has a listing of past and current interns whom you could connect with and inquire about their experiences. A good recommendation would help you choose the right company or program.

Act accordingly. So it’s your first day on the job. Be mindful that from the moment you walk through the door, you are a being evaluated by your peers and supervisor. Adhere to company policies regarding sick leave, dress code and punctuality. I recall my college advisor at North Carolina Central University saying, “To be late is to be absent. To be on time is to be late. To be early is to be on time.” So make sure you arrive early and ready to contribute to the goal of the organization.

Know how to network. Now that you are in the office space, you have the opportunity to meet senior staff and leadership. Make the first move to introduce yourself to senior executives. A common misperception is that the “higher ups” don’t have time to meet with you. While this might be true in some cases, you would be surprised at how others will take the opportunity to get to know interns and who value the work that you do.

Inquire often. To be inquisitive is to demonstrate that you are thoughtful, engaged and interested in the work of your organization. Learn something new each day by asking questions regarding tasks, expectations and company culture. When employers hire interns, often there is an acknowledgement they are investing in someone who doesn’t know everything but in fact can demonstrate his or her value to the organization through their unique skill sets, ability to learn quickly and be absorbent of information.

Maintain key objectives. To make the most out of your experience, keep in mind what you intend to get out of it. Perhaps it is a new skill set or a more sophisticated approach to problem-solving. This is where you build your resume. Stay on track with key objectives for your internship or co-op by meeting with an advisor and supervisor on a regular basis.

Be helpful. When the opportunity presents itself to volunteer to assist or take the lead on a project, take it! You show initiative and that you are a risk-taker when you offer your time to perform a task that might be outside of your comfort zone. Use the opportunity to gain an unanticipated skill set or professional contact that may help you in future endeavors.

Keep in touch. Nowadays, students take for granted the purpose and impact of a thank you note and maintaining communication with former employers. While you are not expected to call or write every day, a casual email from time to time let’s your employer or program director know that your time spent was appreciated. The long-term benefit is that you are not forgotten when companies are seeking permanent hires.

While these tips are important, they are not exhaustive. Talk to your peers, past supervisors and professors for guidance on what internship or co-op experiences might yield the greatest benefit to you and your career aspirations. As Mason students, we have access to many internship and job search tools through University Career Services and through career services offices housed within specific academic units. These offices also maintain resources to help you improve your resume and to help you prepare for a career fair on campus. Take advantage of available resources and watch the many doors that will open before you!

[i] National Association of Colleges and Employers. 2016 Internship and Co-op Survey Report. Bethlehem, PA. Accessed on 12 October 2016. http://www.naceweb.org/uploadedfiles/content/static-assets/downloads/executive-summary/2016-internship-co-op-survey-executive-summary.pdf

This blog post has been edited to reflected updated information and web addresses.

Edited by Andrew Quillen, 04/11/2018

Edited by Nikita Thadani, 2/4/2022

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Networking During a Pandemic Offers Graduate Students an Opportunity to Inform Recruiters

Nikita Thadani — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 22:44:34 +0000

Networking During a Pandemic Offers Graduate Students an Opportunity to Inform Recruiters Nikita Thadani Tue, 01/25/2022 - 17:44

by Victoria Suarez, Assistant Director Employer Development, University Career Services

An unexpected outcome of the current, social distancing reality in which we all find ourselves is that many organizations, institutions, and individuals have granted themselves the grace to try something unique. It has been said that “necessity is the mother of invention,” and, in many cases, companies have wanted to dabble in virtual internships and remote offices spaces; however, only with the weight of Covid-19 demanding innovation have executives authorized these unproven initiatives.

Of course, this phenomenon is not limited to companies; you, too, are innovating during the pandemic. Whether in your role as a parent, student, employee, or friend, consider the myriad, previously inconceivable, actions you have mulled over and finally embraced in 2020.  It is in this spirit — the spirit of innovation— that I hope to convince you to continue to throw caution to the wind and to try something new.  

Networking — the dreaded topic Career Services loves to tout as uber–important – cannot possibly continue in these socially distanced times, can it?  Yes.  Networking is alive and well.  And, similar to social events, K-12 education, and even political debates, to be safe and effective, a bit of change is required.

The networking of yesteryear encouraged new and emerging professionals such as graduate students to attend in-person meet and greets or to conduct social media outreaches for the purpose of coming face-to-face (literally or electronically) with persons of influence. The goal? For the emerging professional to demonstrate verbal proficiency and academic aptitude and to gain insights into potential opportunities.  For persons of influence, the goal was to give back and source potential talent for their organization.  

Today, networking has taken on a different dynamic. Networking occurs almost exclusively over socially distant mediums – Zoom, LinkedIn, email – and offers both parties a chance to gain insights and give back.  Each of us is swimming in uncharted waters: recruiters have as much to gain from engaging with emerging professionals as they do to offer them.  Recruiters and persons of influence previously had valuable, time-tested truths to share with jobseekers – this is not necessarily the case anymore.  In this new reality, recruiters are as likely to ask questions as they are to answer them.

As each of us continue to embrace this new reality, best practices have not yet come to pass.  Establishing effective best practices requires data collection and a lot of conversations. Although emerging professionals may have previously believed themselves to be in an inferior position when reaching out to potential networking contacts, your unique viewpoints may now be a valuable contribution to help recruiters and executives better understand the shifting dynamics of the talent pipeline.

All this is to suggest that networking today requires that we change the initial outreach message.  Rather than leading off with a request for advice or guidance exclusively, consider how your unique insights might be of value to the person with whom you want to connect.  Shift from a deficit mindset – you are lacking knowledge and need to acquire it – to a strength model – your experiences position you to meaningfully contribute.

What insights can you offer?

How your university, children’s school, the local Girl Scout troop, your religious organization, and, just as importantly, the members and staff, are adapting and innovating in this new reality
A view of the shifting approach to recruitment, interviewing, networking at other organizations directly from the front lines. Ostensibly, this is not the only conversation you have scheduled and conducted, so how does this organization and this recruiter’s approach and technology compare? 
A temperature check and a glimpse into a particular candidate pool. In which population segments do you reside, and what are your diversity indicators? Can you speak to the first-gen Latinx experience? What positions do you hold at work, in university clubs or as a Graduate Assistant? What can you share about a new approach to student recruitment in your club or a new process at work? How are students or new alumni in your space navigating these waters?
Graduate students need no script for conducting these conversations, but I would be remiss if I did not provide a few examples anyway.

“I’m a part time Graduate Assistant at Mason and a full-time student in the School of Business. Over the last few months, I’ve had a number of conversations with faculty researchers and with my classmates on how we’re adjusting and innovating in these unique times. I’d love to share my findings and insights with you.”

“I am in my final semester of graduate studies and am also an active member in a student organization. Our club has successfully engaged and recruited new student members, even remotely during the pandemic, and I am open to sharing the details of the technologies and approaches we have used and found to be effective.”

Career services educators have long known that “around 85% of open opportunities are filled through networking” (Source: Payscale). Covid-19 has not changed that fact. It has, however, necessitated a shift in the conversation and, today more than ever, emerging professionals should consider their contribution to the networking relationship as equally beneficial to the contacts with whom they want to establish a connection.

Remember you have something of value to share: lead off the interaction with the ways in which you can support a recruiter or executive’s understanding based on your unique experiences.

Access additional resources and learn more about networking in our 2020-2021 Career Readiness Guide.

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Mason Grad Insider

Career Services

networking

Dorothy Hayden is November Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 21:08:22 +0000

Dorothy Hayden is November Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Fri, 10/29/2021 - 17:08

Dorothy Hayden receives her November 2021 Employee of the Month award from President Gregory Washington. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Dorothy Hayden sees the challenges and hard work pay off for ��AV students and alumni as she guides them while they pursue their dream jobs.

Mason alum Xiaolong Fang, BS Electrical Engineering ’15, MS Electrical Engineering ’20, said with Hayden helping him update his resume and putting him through mock interviews, “I was able to land a perfect job.”

Hayden joined University Career Services in March 2019 and is an industry advisor for the engineering, cybersecurity, construction, and manufacturing industries. She often supports students in the College of Engineering and Computing with breaking into particular industries and works with a portfolio of 1,300 employers to design recruitment strategies and campus events around hiring engineering and tech-focused Mason talent. Hayden also coordinates targeted recruitment efforts for student veterans and their families.

She currently holds an additional temporary position as an industry advisor for consulting, business accounting, and retail, supporting the School of Business.

Dorothy Hayden. Photo by Creative Services

For her hard work, dedication, and generosity, Hayden is November Employee of the Month.

Being a Mason student herself, pursuing a master’s degree in learning design and technology with a certificate in learning technologies, has “really helped me to understand more about the student experience,” Hayden said.

An important part of her role, she said, involves engaging in discussions about equity and inclusion issues to improve the support provided to Mason's diverse student body.

“Her help to make sure opportunities are presented to us shows her commitment to make sure the world of engineering is held accountable to its commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive industry,” said SaidAhmed SaidAhmed and Charles Nmoh, officers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and the National Society of Black Engineers at Mason.

“She really goes above and beyond to make sure the students are prepared for their future careers,” said Philip Wilkerson, an industry advisor for University Career Services.

Hayden will be formally presented with this award by Mason President Gregory Washington in his office, 5th Floor of Merten Hall, at 1 p.m. on Nov. 1. Hayden’s family, coworkers and friends are invited to the ceremony. Those unable to attend may watch the Facebook livestream at www.facebook.com/GMUHRandPayroll.

How she got to Mason:

I always found myself coming to Mason for different trainings and events. The Career Services staff here is known nationally for their expertise. I knew that coming to Mason would allow me to stretch and grow my skills.

Best day on the job:

There are so many best days in my job. Many times, I get to see the transformation a student makes as they prepare for their job or career search. My best days are by far learning about the success of Mason students and alumni in their internship and job searches.

What she likes best about working at Mason:

If I had to choose one thing, I would say that it is our commitment to creating access to excellence. Any university can provide access to education, but we go beyond the basics at Mason. Our students are purposeful, driven, and motivated for success. It makes me proud that Mason provides research, experiential learning, and hands-on transformational learning experiences.

What she does when she’s not working:

I enjoy volunteering. I have been volunteering as a career coach for survivors of domestic abuse and veterans. I am passionate about access to career opportunities. This led me to working on a second master’s degree at Mason in learning design technology. I love brainstorming and building programs to make career education attainable.

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Faculty and Staff News

Employee of the Month

Career Services

Career Services

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Career Services

Checking in to a “suite” internship with Marriott International

Why did you choose George Mason?

What inspired your interest in finance?

How did you find out about the internship at Marriott?

What did you do during your summer internship with Marriott?

How have your experiences at George Mason prepared you for your internship?

What would you say is the importance of an internship?

Where do you hope to be in ten years?

George Mason is Virginia's best for interships

Change your world with a business degree

Related news

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Just-in-Time Hiring Fair is one of many ways ����AV supports students and alumni

Explore University Career Services

Related Stories

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Mason students connect with alumni, employers at Spring 2024 Career Fair

Explore resources through Career Services

Related News

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Fall Career Fair brought record number of job seekers and employers to campus

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Mason's Computing Career Reception connects CS, IST majors with tech industry

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A moving experience adds to his Mason profile

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DOIL's second annual BLAST Off Week highlights resources, progress

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Tips for Internships and Co-ops

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Dorothy Hayden is November Employee of the Month

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Just-in-Time Hiring Fair is one of many ways ��AV supports students and alumni