Virtual Career Fair Caps Off Series of Professional Development Webinars

The Office of Career Services at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) hosted an informative series of career advancement webinars in Spring 2023, culminating in a Virtual Career Fair on June 7.

Shannon Gallo, manager of Career Services and organizer of the events, explained that the workshops were designed to not only help CUNY SPS students in their job search and career-planning efforts, but to also help the office establish an ongoing partnership with the students. “The webinar is often the student’s first experience with our office,” Gallo said. “Once they know about all the services we offer, they are encouraged to set up an appointment, where we can offer individual and customized coaching.”

The first workshop “Career Link Training,” which was held in February, trained attendees on how to use CareerLink, the School’s career management software system. Led by Nikita Cassidy, career services administrative and data coordinator at CUNY SPS, this workshop offered tips on how to best capitalize on the many instrumental aspects of CareerLink.

Career Advisor Kelsey Richardson led the next professional development workshop “Refresh Your Resume.” This resume training course, which was offered on multiple occasions in March and April, is a cornerstone of the Career Services instructional program. Participants were invited to send their resumes in advance so that the documents could be reviewed before the digital meetup. During the webinar, Richardson workshopped with students and coached them on how to write a powerful results-oriented resume and cover letter. 

“It’s so exciting to help students enhance their resumes and polish their interviewing skills,” said Richardson. “When students complete this instructional webinar, I know they are better prepared to further succeed in the job market.” 

Later, in May, Gallo ran the webinar “Virtual Career Fair Preparation and Networking Strategies” to prepare students for the career fair in June. During this final training segment, students upgraded their interviewing skills by learning how to create an effective pitch. They also explored how to maximize career success through personal branding and networking techniques. 

At the conclusion of this career-related instructional series, students put their newly acquired knowledge to work at the Virtual Career Fair, which convened shortly after the semester ended. The digital job fair allowed students and alumni of CUNY SPS to meet with companies from a variety of industries in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors and explore employment opportunities while expanding their professional network. 

Students who attended expressed their appreciation for the event. Marie Nadine Pierre, (MA Museum Studies ‘24), was encouraged by the results of her meetings. "I was happy to participate in the Virtual Career Fair,” Pierre said. “I'm grateful to the CUNY Career Office for organizing the event. I feel very optimistic and hopeful about getting a position soon."

Josarn Brown, (BS Health Services Administration ‘24), also offered positive feedback on the experience. “The Virtual Career Fair gave me an opportunity to see and meet organizations,” Brown said. “I could meet recruiters and employers and share my resume.”

Gallo noted that the Career Services team is planning a new series of workshops for the Fall 2023 Semester, including a mock-interview workshop where students may practice their interviewing skills with established professionals. “By offering professional development webinars on an ongoing basis, we can ensure that students are able to quickly adapt to the ever-changing job market,” she said. “The fall seminar series will conclude with our ninth annual mock-interview workshop.”

A full roster of recorded career training webinars is available for viewing on the School’s site. 

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

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