Edwin Raagas
Senior, Marketing Major
NYSE Euronext (New York Stock Exchange) Intern

What brought you to Hofstra?

I came to Hofstra as a communication major so I was drawn to being close to the city and the great communications program. When I became a sophomore I decided to switch gears and go into business. I didn't leave Hofstra because the business school here is great.

What is the best advice that you've received from a professor?

The best advice I've received is to ask questions. You learn when you when you step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself and force yourself to ask questions.

What do you enjoy most about marketing?

What I enjoy most about marketing is the connection that you make with people. It's not just about numbers or selling something, it's about the personal connections you make with people. Why do they want to buy this product? Why do they want to support this company? It's your job as a marketer to connect the product with the people who consume it.

What are your future career goals?

I know that I want to go into corporate events. Growing up all of my activities, clubs and organizations involved me organizing some kind of event so I would love to be able to do that professionally.

Where did you intern?

I actually had two internships. The first one was at SWANK Productions, an event planning firm in Manhattan. I was the only intern at that time and my main responsibilities were to manage a database of about 500 vendors and to assist with new business development plans. Mostly working on weddings and social events, I was fortunate to work on Tracy Stern's 2009 DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) table setting and a televised wedding for TNT's "Wedding Day" show. I walked away from my SWANK internship with experience in venue scouting, vendor relations, event planning and great contacts who I still keep in touch with to this day.

I'm currently at the New York Stock Exchange which is very, very fun. I'm in their events department and we're responsible for putting on the opening and closing bell every single day when the market opens and closes. We usually have high-profile people: CEO's of companies, celebrities and charities come to ring the bell. That ceremony is watched by millions of people.

What have you learned during your internship experience?

I have learned that you never know who you're going to meet. It's always important, especially in an environment like Wall Street, to be very professional. I think you should be mindful about how you present yourself during internships because you are really investing in your future.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation in May I am going to be interning in Australia for two months, which I am really excited about. One of my biggest regrets in college is that I never got a chance to study abroad, so I figured I might as well do an internship.

What advice would you give prospective students?

Make sure that what you're doing here effects what you’re doing tomorrow. You really need to be invested in your future because at the end of the day it's your life and you want to have something to show. Know what you want to do, set goals and make sure that you're doing things today in order to achieve them.

What is your edge?

My edge is having two internships, a great relationship with the people at Hofstra and great experiences under by belt as I graduate.

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