Daniel A. Szpiro, PhD

Dean, School of Professional Programs

From Danny's Desk:

Dean, School of Professional Programs

Hi everyone,

 

As we approach the mid-point of this winter, I hope that all of you have managed to stay safe and warm while we have endured bitter cold and snow storms over these past few weeks.

 

I am excited to share with all of you news regarding the relaunch of the Advisory Board for the School of Professional Programs. After several years of being dormant, we have recently decided to create again an active Advisory Board to support the activities of the School and to provide insights that can enhance the experience for all adult students at Marist College. In general, an Advisory Board consists of alumni and leading practitioners who can provide a school with valuable insights and guidance on topics such as emerging employer needs and trends. In turn, we use this feedback and advice to create new programs and enhance existing curricula. In this manner, the SPP Advisory Board helps Marist support current students and attract new students.

 

The first meeting of the new Advisory Board took place in December 2017 and the Board will continue to meet on a regular basis going forward. You can read more about the members of the Advisory Board on a new page on the SPP web site:  www.marist.edu/professional-programs/advisory_board/ . We currently have four members on the Board and we are looking to approximately double that number by the end of 2018. As you review the profile of our Advisory Board members on that web page you'll learn more about their backgrounds and current roles in their industry. Part of the responsibilities for Board members is to connect directly with the adult students at Marist College. In the coming weeks we'll be announcing ways for you to interact with these individuals such as on-campus panel sessions, live videoconferencing sessions, and email correspondence. In addition to providing the administration with their insights and ideas, the Board members are keen to offer similar support directly to students. For example, advice on career-related goals such as career switching and career advancement are topics these experienced, senior organizational leaders are happy to discuss.

 

I encourage you to visit the Advisory Board web page often as we'll be adding additional information and the profiles of new Board members regularly.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Jenn Becker , the Assistant Director of Student Services, with any questions or requests regarding the Advisory Board.

 

There's still several weeks of winter ahead so I wish you all a continued safe and productive season despite the weather challenges we'll likely face before spring finally arrives.

 

Very warm regards,

 

Danny

Danny Szpiro

Dean, School of Professional Programs

[email protected]

Spring Recess Dates

Spring Recess

March 10 - 18, 2018

For special programs, cohorts, or online please check with your advisor for dates and details of the Spring semester.

Career Corner: Preparing for a Job Fair



In today’s digital environment most job searching takes place online. Whether you’re browsing job boards or emailing your resume, you can do it all from the comfort of your home! But if you have the chance to get out and attend a job fair, it can be an invaluable experience that just might make the difference and get you noticed by an employer. 

Job fair prep starts at home. Research the event and find out what employers will be attending, and make a list of the companies you want to prioritize. Just like you would a job interview, take some time to learn whatever you can about the companies you plan to seek out. That way, when you meet their recruiters you can show them that you took the initiative to do your research. 

Remember that you may only have a short time to speak with recruiters. You should be prepared with an “elevator pitch,” a quick summary of your expertise and qualifications that is designed to pique a prospective employer’s interest. Take some time to really think about what you want to convey, and then practice, practice, practice! 

There are also a few things you will need to have ready to bring with you to the event. Most importantly, your resume! Be sure to print plenty of copies on high-quality paper. You should also have a notebook, pen, and business cards if you have them. Whether you choose to store these items in a briefcase or a folio, keep it simple and unobtrusive. You need to be able to move through the room easily and shake hands without having to worry about cumbersome accessories.

Speaking of accessories, it goes without saying that you should be dressed appropriately for the event. Professional attire is essential, and you should avoid distractions such as heavy perfume or cologne. However, you also need to consider your comfort. You will likely be on your feet for a long time, and the space may be crowded or hot. Keep these logistical constraints in mind when you plan your outfit. 

When the day arrives, be sure to arrive on time and ready to network! Greet each employer with a smile and a firm handshake. Remember, you’ve already done the prep work so be confident and focus on nailing your elevator pitch while projecting your enthusiasm for the company. As you wrap up each conversation, be sure to thank the recruiter for their time and exchange business cards so that you can follow up. 

The Marist College Spring Career & Internship Fair will be taking place next month, Wednesday March 7 from 3 to 6 pm on campus in the McCann Center. The event is open to all undergraduate, graduate, and adult students. We hope to see you there!

Career Services Walk-in Hours

Additional appointment times including remote options are available for sign-up via Foxquest. For evening appointments please email [email protected] .

Books and Bytes: Notes from the Marist Library

Don't forget - you can check out books from the Marist Library on various topics such as time management!

Here's how you access our vast electronic library from a distance:

February is a month during which we celebrate three distinct holidays: Groundhog Day, Mardi Gras, and Valentine’s Day. Each has a unique history, derived from different cultures with an expression that has been shaped by society throughout the years. 

Groundhog Day, February 2, is also known in medieval times as Candlemas—the combination of two Christian events. This holiday then developed into a European event that closely mirrors present-day Groundhog Day, with a badger replacing the groundhog. The Pennsylvania Dutch brought this tradition to the United States, more specifically to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where today Punxsutawney Phil awakens every February 2 on Gobbler’s Knob to predict the next six weeks of weather.

Yoder, Don. " Pennsylvania Dutch Folklore ." Folklore : An Encyclopedia of Beliefs, Customs, Tales, Music, and Art , edited by Charlie T. McCormick and Kim Kennedy White, 2nd ed., vol. 3, ABC-CLIO, 2011, pp. 963-973. Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Mardi Gras is also associated with the seasons, originally celebrating the coming of spring. Christianity adopted this celebration as a pre-Lenten celebration, beginning with the Feast of Epiphany and ending on Ash Wednesday. French settlers in Mobile, Alabama brought with them the tradition of Carnival, which evolved into the Mardi Gras we associate with New Orleans today.

Walker, Sue. " Mardi Gras " St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture , edited by Sara Pendergast and Tom Pendergast, vol. 3, St. James Press, 2000, pp. 269-270. Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Finally, many believe that Valentine’s Day is linked with early Christian martyrs named Valentine, although others dismiss this, crediting Geoffrey Chaucer with associating the name with love. The celebration of the holiday, however, including the exchanging of cards, began in the early 19 ^th century and was exported to the United States in the 1840s, where it has become a commercially-driven holiday.

Bowler, Gerry. " Valentine's Day ." St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture , edited by Sara Pendergast and Tom Pendergast, vol. 5, St. James Press, 2000, pp. 16-17. Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Librarians offer a number of ways for you to communicate with us:

Ask us questions, or let us know how we can help you!

Writer's Block: Remember Your Reader

Whether you are writing a paper for class, a resume for a potential employer, or an email to a friend, your writing will be more effective if you remember your reader. To be able to effectively write for your readers, you have to be able to imagine them in the act of reading. Three basic principles of reading can help us to better understand the importance of thinking about readers.

The Marist Writing Center offers free, 30 and 60 minute one-on-one tutoring sessions to anyone in the Marist College community. We are located in the library, on the third floor, in Library 334.

We are happy to help assist any type of writing you might be doing, from academic research essays to capping projects, creative writing to job or graduate school application materials.