Careers Outside the Classroom: Advice for the Aspiring Employee

                           By: Kathryn Beleckas, Class of 2012 

       The St. John’s University Career Center held an information seminar on October 3, 2011, called “Careers Outside the Classroom.” This is a new annual event which will focus on the educational realm expanding beyond the classroom. This first meeting concentrated on museums and cultural institutions, with three panelists present.      

       Jessica Balboni from the League of American Orchestras, Jamie Boyer, Ph.D., from the New York Botanical Garden, and Paul Radensky from the Museum of Jewish Heritage spoke at length about their own journeys in regards to their careers and gave advice to students who are interested in the current job market or will be looking for a job in a few years.  

           The most important aspect of job searching that all the speakers emphasized was that of networking. Balboni, Boyer, and Radensky all agreed that networking was key for them and continues to be essential to anyone who hopes to find employment, or even an internship.     

        Balboni began by saying, “Networking is not all about me. How can you help me? It’s about, how can I serve?” When networking, it is important to focus on how you can help the company or school. Radensky added that you need to “make yourself interesting. Be nice to everyone, and do interesting things… make friends, create networks, and build your career.”

        Boyer stressed the importance of simply talking to people. He claimed you need to “make connections, go to conferences, make phone calls, and send emails.” However, Balboni said to “be sure to call, not email,” as its more personable and you are more likely to be remembered. She added that you should “never leave any conversation without saying thank you and ask for recommendations for someone else to talk to.”   

          Radensky also pointed out that “sending out a million applications will do nothing for you, but actually talking to people will.” Radensky actually obtained his current job when he received a message saying, “I remembered your interview from two years ago and thought you’d be perfect for the job.” Concerning his current job, Boyer added that “What got me the job was talking to a lot of people and going into the job with forever in my belly.” He imparted his belief that it is important to show your passion for your field.    

         The event as a whole was a great example of the benefits of networking as Joni O’Hagan of the Career Center admitted, “I was able to craft a panel through networking.” She then went on to explain how she had become connected to the three panelists. Another noteworthy topic was that of internships. Boyer made a strong argument for the importance of internships when he said, “All of the people who work for me started as interns at the garden.” He claimed, “An interview is not just to put on your resume. It’s kinda like a really long job interview. Showcase your skills.” When discussing an intern currently working at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Radensky stated “because she is pushing herself, she will have doors opened for her in an instant. I’d hire her in a second.” He continued to state, “You can get an internship…by being in a place and getting to know the people there and having them get to know you.”          

        Tied in with this talk of internships, a few comments and general advice concerning interviews was brought up. Balboni warned, “Don’t make it all about you. Be curious about them,” while Boyer added, “Try to make the interview more of a conversation instead of just you answering questions.” Radensky concluded with “always follow up” and “if you ever do an interview, you should send a thank you note.”     

        The panel then ended with a discussion of resumes and applications. The panelists all agreed that a good resume jumps out, giving a clear snapshot of who you are. Balboni said you should ask yourself, “What is the NY Post headline? What are my competencies?” She claimed you should “pay attention to how people find you of value” and “get some practice writing down your skills.” Balboni thought it was important to find evidence of things that you do well and showcase your skills.

       On the other hand, Radensky said, “You have to know the place you are applying to.” Boyer built upon this when he said, “Match your resume to the job description.” Boyer also extolled the virtues of a good cover letter. He explained that cover letters are important as they allow the viewer to “pick out some personality.” Sometimes that is enough to gain or lose a job or opportunity.

         Thomas Freedman added on to Balboni’s preliminary statement, “It’s never been harder to find a job or easier…in this hyper connected world.” In essence, Freedman meant that there are jobs available out there; they just might not be the exact job you are looking for. This quote was used to remind the audience that if you are interested in teaching, but have passions for another topic that you do not think necessarily apply to the classroom, you can always search for a job that combines both. You just need to be creative and think outside of the box or the classroom as is the case. As Balboni reminded the audience, “The education skills—the ability to think, to reason are utterly transferable.”