ZARB SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Online MBA in Finance ‘20
Financial/Accounting Analyst III, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Why Hofstra’s program?

I attended Hofstra’s Online MBA program primarily due to its convenience. When I applied to the program in 2018, I was working full time and did not know how to drive. I knew that I wanted to obtain my MBA so that I could take my career to the next level but wanted to do it in a way that would not be too disruptive to my life. The flexibility of the online program enabled me to excel in the program while not compromising my work performance.

What part of the program did you find the most engaging?

The camaraderie amongst the cohort and the faculty support. The faculty, especially Dr. Sengupta, were extremely accommodating to me and my cohort. If we ever had a concern, we were always able to reach our professors and expect a timely response. They were willing to accommodate our schedules and provide any support that we needed. I truly felt that the faculty wanted our cohort to succeed and progress in our careers. My cohort was very supportive of each other, and we would constantly remind each other of assignment deadlines. My cohort consisted of highly accomplished professionals from different backgrounds, but we were all connected and wanted to complete the program together from beginning to end.

What was the best part of your experience?

Coming out of my shell. Lauren and Patrick from Zarb Graduate Career Services encouraged me to attend as many networking events as possible. The networking tips that were provided were of tremendous help. I am usually reserved, but the events forced me to interact with the guest speakers, get to know them, and essentially market myself to them.

Speak about your experience networking in the program.

Zarb’s Graduate Business Career Services provided me with numerous networking opportunities. There was a lot of visibility regarding what networking opportunities were available to students and alumni. I appreciate the exposure to the many professionals that I met over the years at each networking event–they provided insight on how to succeed in Corporate America. They have provided hope, career advice, and even personal advice to me. I appreciate everyone taking the time to attend these networking events to provide their expertise and take a chance on the attendees.

How did the program help you work toward your career goals and prepare you for real world challenges?

I can honestly say that the program changed my life. It gave me access to professionals that wanted to see me succeed. The program enabled me to successfully pivot and pursue the career that I desire. It gave me boldness and taught me to go after the things that I desire in life. The program cultivated and improved my interview skills and management skills and gave me the tools to negotiate my salary. The Online MBA faculty and Career Services staff were and continue to be very supportive of me. I know that if I am ever in need of advice or career guidance, I can easily reach out to them.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to thank Lauren and Patrick from Career Services for all their help over the years. They have helped me with my resume, my interviewing skills, taught me how to negotiate my salary, and much more. My advice to prospective students is to take a chance and believe in themselves. The program only wants you to succeed and gives you the tools to do so.

EMBA ‘2021
Program director, Anesthesiology Residency program, South Shore University Hospital, Northwell Health; Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Why Hofstra’s EMBA?

I chose Hofstra’s EMBA because of the unique organization of the program. The program allowed me to continue with my busy practice yet be able to find ample time to complete my coursework. The online structure allowed me to stay abreast of all my requirements and the required in-person days added a special touch where I could then interact with people I had already forged a close working/studying online relationship with.

What part of the EMBA program did you find the most engaging?

The leadership section was special to me as it opened my eyes to the different styles and modalities of leading and motivating to produce the best results in a team.

What was the best part of your experience?

First of all, the people: both the professors who are fully engaged in the program and bringing the best experience as well as my fellow students whom I formed lifelong bonds to this day.

Second was the wonderful international trip; an experience that cannot be replicated. The combination of traveling to wonderful destinations and doing so with a group of people who I had bonded with was absolutely a once in a lifetime experience.

Third was coming into the university. I really enjoyed being in academic halls once again, especially those as magnificent as those within the Zarb school. We take it for granted when we are in college how special it is to be a part of a strong academic community physically, and it was really good to experience that once again during the EMBA.

How has the program helped you in your career trajectory and/or to work toward your career goals?

Since completing this program, I was asked by my department to take on the role of program director and start a residency program from scratch.  The task has not been easy to say the least but having the experience from the EMBA has helped me significantly.  From being able to employ leadership styles that would maximize the efficiency of my team to being able to understand financial concepts, the EMBA education has been invaluable.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I have had the opportunity to take on multiple academic courses in my career to date, from humble beginnings in a certified nurse’s assistant course, to medical school, and now most recently with the EMBA. I can say wholeheartedly without hesitation that my time in the EMBA has been one of the most rewarding learning experiences I have had to date.  Was it easy? No, it was not but it was absolutely rewarding. I would do it over and over again without hesitation.

MBA in Management ‘19
People Leader HR Partner, Northwell Health

Why Hofstra’s program?

I initially wanted to go away to college but realized that the education and career opportunities were better in NY and transferred to Hofstra, well-known on Long Island for its prestigious academics, advanced technology, and networking opportunities. Post graduation, I chose to continue my education and pursue my MBA at Hofstra. I felt that Hofstra’s MBA program was well-rounded and would open up more doors.

Zarb’s Graduate Business Career Services was where all the magic happened. I was able to meet with career advisors regularly for resume critiques, mock-interviews, networking events, job fairs, and connections to Hofstra alumni based on our career goals.

What part of the program did you find the most engaging?

There were many engaging aspects of the program. A few that come to mind are forming relationships with my professors and colleagues. We can all learn from the textbooks, but I found that I learned the most (and easiest) when I had engaging professors who gave us “real-life” projects such as creating our own business plans and utilizing Excel – which I use every day at work.  This program opened the door to meeting professors who became mentors.  Additionally, forming friendships with my colleagues in my classes through conversations and group projects.  That is how I found out about my current organization – I overheard students talking about the many great perks they had at their full time position!

What was the best part of your experience?

Looking back, I enjoyed my involvement in the graduate clubs the most. It may have seemed overwhelming at first (I was in 3 clubs total and on the board of 2) but the memories we made, networking with each other, employers, and alumni, as well as site visits to well-known businesses, was worth every second.

Speak about your experience networking in the program.

The networking opportunities were truly endless. You could network with professors and other students through clubs, career fairs, and site visits.  I attended almost all networking events – round tables, panels, wine and cheese, alumni, mock-interviews – you name it, I attended it. Why? Because I had nothing to lose and everything to gain! Some of the networking nights had employers that were actively looking to fill positions and accepting student resumes. I ended up getting more interview opportunities from these networking sessions than the general career fair.

How did the program help you work toward your career goals and prepare you for real world challenges?

As I was still navigating my career path, I leaned on the guidance and resources from Zarb Graduate Career Services. While working with Lauren Moy, she encouraged me to take the Career Leader Assessment, which is a free test with data driven insights to help match business student’s skill sets and interest to a career path. Once completed, I found out that HR was my number one match.  This test opened my eyes to a career path I hadn’t thought of before.  I then switched my MBA concentration from Marketing to Management, where I could pursue HR electives and obtain more hands-on HR knowledge.

Through being a member of Zarb Women in Business, I attended a site visit at Northwell Health, at which I met with HR professionals that were actively recruiting for an HR MBA summer internship. I utilized Handshake, Hofstra’s internal careers portal, to apply for this internship – for which I was later selected for interviews! I have been with Northwell since my internship, continued part-time while finishing my classes, and then transitioned to full-time once I graduated. Hofstra quite literally set me up with success post-graduation and for that I am very thankful.

To prepare for my interview, career services critiqued my resume, conducted multiple mock interviews, and taught me how to appropriately follow up with my interviewees. This guidance, along with the networking opportunities, has gotten me to my current position now!

During some of my interviews, I was asked about my excel knowledge (v-lookups, pivot tables, formulas), grades, current projects and involvement in clubs, essentially asking me how I could bridge my classwork experience into the “real world.” This is why I feel so strongly about getting involved on campus.

Anything else you’d like to add?

To current business students – make the most of your time in the program! You will get what you put in. I can confirm now that all the resources Hofstra provides you with are not easily accessible otherwise. Take advantage of every opportunity you can- do the mock interviews, get involved, and attend that networking event. It could open the door to your next chapter!

To show my gratitude and help pay it forward, I am still heavily involved with alumni relations and actively attend networking events – which goes to show that once you are a part of the Hofstra family, it really is for life.

EMBA ‘2012
Member of Congress, US House of Representatives

Why Hofstra’s EMBA?

Hofstra’s EMBA program afforded me an opportunity to earn an important degree while learning alongside other professionals and without having to pause my career.

What part of the EMBA program did you find the most engaging?

The hands-on approach by the faculty helped bring the curriculum to life, creating a greater interest in working through projects and assignments.

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was the ability to learn from other students with diverse professional backgrounds who provided lasting lessons helpful in my professional life long after graduation.

How has the program helped you in your career trajectory and/or to work toward your career goals?

The management, communication, and leadership skills which the Hofstra EMBA program helped me hone, coupled with the professional relationships I developed with EMBA cohorts from different industries across Long Island, have greatly enhanced my career trajectory.

MS in Business Analytics ‘25
Health Information Management Associate, Northwell Health

Why Hofstra’s program?

The MS in Business Analytics program at Hofstra University provides all the essential ingredients for student success in today’s data-driven job market. It offers a deep dive into various facets of analytics, covering tools and techniques such as SQL, Python, and R.
One of the program’s greatest strengths lies in its supportive and knowledgeable faculty, who guide students at every stage of their academic and professional journey. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Alex Pelaez, under whose mentorship I conducted research that was later published — an experience that truly enhanced my analytical and research skills. 

The tools, labs, and collaborative classroom environment come together in perfect harmony, creating a well-rounded and impactful learning experience that prepares students for real-world success.

What part of the program did you find the most engaging?

One of the most engaging aspects of the program was the opportunity to interact with professors one-on-one, which allowed me to receive personalized feedback and identify areas for improvement. This individualized guidance helped me strengthen my skills and keep pace with the program’s rigorous expectations.

The Zarb Graduate Career Services team was another invaluable resource, especially for students who are new to New York. They provided tremendous support in navigating the job market, refining résumés and interview preparation, and building meaningful professional connections that open doors to real opportunities.

What was the best part of your experience?

I had many remarkable experiences during the program, but two stand out as truly memorable. The first was the opportunity to publish my first research paper at the NEDSI Conference under the guidance of Dr. Alex Pelaez. This milestone not only showcased my analytical expertise and public speaking skills but also set me on a clear path toward academic and professional success.
The second was my experience working at the Zarb School of Business as a Graduate Assistant and Graduate Tutor. These roles allowed me to enhance the Zarb experience from within — mentoring fellow students, fostering collaboration, and contributing to their academic growth. It was deeply rewarding to make a positive impact on the student community while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

Speak about your experience utilizing Zarb’s technology and labs.

For me, utilizing the Zarb school’s technology resources was both unique and revolutionary. My time in the Core Skills Lab as a Graduate Assistant allowed me to explore and showcase cutting-edge innovations such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – all of which significantly enriched my learning experience.

I made extensive use of these technologies during my job search, and they proved to be invaluable in helping me stand out and apply analytical concepts in real-world contexts. The labs truly became my second home, especially during tight deadlines and demanding assignments. I spent countless hours there studying, experimenting, and exploring new tools, which helped me gain hands-on familiarity with technologies I now use in my professional roles.

How did the program help you work toward your career goals and prepare you for real world challenges?

The MS in Business Analytics program at Hofstra University has given my career a tremendous boost and a unique positioning I never thought possible. Coming from a Media and IT background, I initially lacked a strong foundation in analytics and business. However, even before completing the program, I was able to secure multiple internships — a testament to how effectively the curriculum prepares students to tackle real-world challenges by bridging technical expertise with business acumen to drive growth and innovation.

For the first time, I was able to combine my quantitative and qualitative knowledge to conduct and publish a successful research project that not only strengthened my analytical skills but also inspired peers and businesses to embrace innovation.

While I know there are still mountains to climb, I can confidently say that this program has given me a major lift — both personally and professionally. It has equipped me with critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and technical tools to take on challenges head-on and create meaningful impact in the world of business and analytics.

Anything else you’d like to add? 

To all prospective students, my biggest advice is to stay open to every opportunity and build strong connections with your professors — their guidance can truly shape your journey. Make the most of the Zarb Graduate Career Services, visit them often, and be receptive to feedback that can help you grow both personally and professionally.

Equally important, connect with your peers and alumni — they form a network of support, inspiration, and collaboration that will help you achieve your dreams and career goals. The more you engage, the more you’ll gain from this transformative experience.

EMBA ‘2021
Vice President & CFO, Products & Solutions, Resideo Technologies Inc (NYSE: REZI)

Why Hofstra’s EMBA?

I really liked the way the program was organized into specific themes, where the courses you are taking during a given module are very complementary, culminating in a capstone project.  The program also offers the perfect blend of online live instruction, self-paced learning, and on-campus interaction. The compact, fast-paced completion time also made the program very dynamic and exciting.

What part of the EMBA program did you find the most engaging?

I found that working on the various capstone projects was extremely engaging – partnering with classmates, utilizing what we had learned from three distinct courses, and applying to real-world challenges was a satisfying culmination to each theme. The Global Practicum trip was the ultimate finale to a fantastic experience at Hofstra – applying the full program’s worth of learning to consulting projects with industry-leading international companies, all while experiencing a new part of the world!

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of the experience was the relationships that I built during the program – within my cohort of students, with the faculty, and with outside companies that we interacted with. I was also fortunate enough to interact with subsequent cohorts and build further relationships with a dynamic, diverse group.

How has the program helped you in your career trajectory and/or to work toward your career goals?

Hofstra’s EMBA program has challenged me to think differently as a leader in how I approach business challenges, how I develop my team, and how I add value to the business.   Since completing the program in 2021, I have been promoted to a bigger, more challenging role within my company (VP and CFO of the company’s largest and most profitable business segment) and have worked to reorganize the team for maximum efficiency and productivity, while driving to achieve business goals.

Anything else you’d like to add?

The Executive MBA program at Hofstra offers the perfect blend of academic curriculum and real-world application. The professors are all experts in their field, and the collaboration amongst classmates is amazing. I have been able to apply the lessons learned in the program to my career from day one!

EMBA ‘23
Vice President of Operations, Northwell Health

Why Hofstra’s EMBA?

Hofstra’s EMBA program was engaging for mid-senior level managers and allowed the flexibility to complete schoolwork while managing an executive job and all that comes with having a family and two young children.

What part of the EMBA program did you find the most engaging? 
The most engaging part of the program were the residency days where you could apply the coursework into a practical example for a full day with external guest speakers.

What was the best part of your experience? 
The best part of the experience was the global practicum where we participated in strategy sessions overseas, which was a culmination of the year’s school work.

How has the program helped you in your career trajectory and/or to work toward your career goals?

The program has helped highlight innovative strategic decision making that can be applied across different business sectors. I learned so much from not only the course materials, but my colleagues that aren’t in healthcare. It has certainly given me more confidence in my career and every day decision making.

Anything else you’d like to add? 
I would highly recommend this program for anyone that is up for the challenge and dedicated to self-development.

Major/Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration inManagement
Hometown: Huntington, New York

Why did you come to the Zarb School?
I came to the Zarb School because of how positive its reputation was. I had heard so much about the endless opportunities it was going to offer me. Being from Long Island, Hofstra was a school that was always in the back of my mind as a potential destination. I knew the Zarb School would give me the opportunity to network with local graduates of both Hofstra and my high school, Chaminade, and also the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the greatest city in the world.

Internship Experience:
After my freshman year, my primary focus became obtaining internships. I felt that this would be the main way that I was able to distinguish myself from other students and build my resume before it was time to start applying for full time positions. At first, I had a great interest in sports management, so the first internship I was offered was with the New York Cosmos during the fall of my sophomore year. I found a posting for it online and decided to personally reach out to the Cosmos’ Sales Manager. He got back to me right away, and after an initial interview, offered me the sales intern position.

Towards the end of that fall semester, I met with the Career Center on campus and talked to them about my great experience working for the Cosmos. They then shared with me that the New York Islanders were hiring interns for the spring semester, which conveniently was during the second-to-last season that the Isles would be playing at Nassau Coliseum. I jumped on the opportunity right away, and after a few rounds of interviews, I was offered a Ticket Sales/Customer Service Intern position. The experience was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, as I got to meet a bunch of players, see every home game for free, and even develop my own sales pitches for partial season ticket plans.

Then, during the summer going into my junior year, I worked as a Corporate Hospitality Student Associate at the world’s most famous arena: Madison Square Garden. I connected with a few graduates from both Hofstra and Chaminade when applying there, and was offered the position right in the middle of the Rangers’ Stanley Cup Playoffs run. My department was responsible for all operations related to suites and luxury boxes at MSG. Some of our top clients included the NBA, SAP, and ESPN. I got to see the Stanley Cup Finals, a Michael Buble concert, and even help host a pre-show party in the Rangers’ Locker Room before a Billy Joel concert. It was by far one of the best experiences of my life.

Lastly, this past summer, I decided to move away from the sports industry and focus on something that was also of interest to me: insurance. This past spring, I met a recruiter from GEICO at one of Zarb’s Leadership Council Meetings. She mentioned that I was qualified to take part in their prestigious Management Summer Internship Program, and after a few rounds of interviews, I was offered a position. The experience was incredibly rewarding, as not only did I become well-versed in all that goes on in the insurance industry, but I developed substantial leadership, presentation, and time-management skills that are crucial for success in a professional work environment.

Work Experience:
After graduation, I will start working full-time at GEICO, as I was offered a position in GEICO’s Emerging Leaders Program and will be following the business operations track. I am one of only thirty people in the United States to be selected for the position, so I am extremely humbled by the opportunity. I learned that I was qualified for the Emerging Leaders Program after my summer internship concluded because of my degree track, leadership ability, past internship experiences, and overall performance as a summer intern. At the beginning of the school year, I flew down to Washington DC to be interviewed by GEICO’s upper management team at their national headquarters. A few weeks later, they called me and offered me the position. The position puts me on a track to become a manager in one of GEICO’s main business departments in three years time. As a management student, I couldn’t ask for a better professional position right out of school, as my goal to become a successful corporate manager someday will fortunately be fulfilled.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?
In addition to the networking events, resume critiques, and career fairs held on campus, the members of the Zarb faculty have been extremely influential in helping me to prepare for my career. The faculty in the Zarb School has real-world working experience, and they continuously share what they’ve learned through those experiences in the classroom. In addition, and with the management department in particular, all full-time professors have PhDs and have attended some of the nation’s top business schools. The professors in the Zarb school always tell it to us like it is, which is something I have always appreciated. They are incredibly honest and realistic about how corporate America functions today, and they first and foremost want us, Hofstra students, to help change the world. I have been lucky enough to become close with many members of the Zarb faculty, and every single one of them has been so helpful and supportive throughout my four years in the school. I am looking forward to applying all of skills that they have taught me to my work in the professional corporate world.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?
I recently got the opportunity to speak with some representatives from Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in China about their plans to develop a relationship with Zarb. The school would give Zarb students the opportunity to both take classes and intern while living in China for a semester. Since the relationship was just starting to develop, I had the opportunity to talk to the representatives about my experiences with Zarb and why I felt they were making such a great investment in Hofstra. It was really fascinating to see how much interest the institution had in Zarb, and it made me proud to be a part of a top-tier school that has come such a long way.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?
I would encourage students to ask themselves, “What is my brand?” It is so crucial to realize that we are always selling ourselves. First impressions are extremely important, because you can never get them back. So, make sure to get involved on campus right away, take classes seriously and learn something from them, and apply to internships as early as you can. Spend your years in school striving to make a name for yourself, because if you do, the opportunities available will be truly infinite. 

Major/Degree: Finance
Hometown: Queens, New York

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

The faculty at the Zarb School of Business attracted me to the school. The finance professors have work experience in diverse fields and were able to bring their knowledge to the classrooms and share it with the students. It is a pleasure to learn from professors who have had experience at large firms and organizations.

Internship Experience: Describe your internship experience at the Zarb School.

I obtained an internship at Goldman Sachs through networking. Network, network, network! That is the best advice I can give students when looking for an internship or job, especially in finance. The relationships you form through organizations on campus and alumni networks will always help you during your internship and job search.

Work Experience: Where will you be employed after you graduate?

I will be working as a Financial Analyst at Goldman Sachs when I graduate. I received a full-time offer to join the firm after completing the Summer Analyst internship program. My experience working at Goldman Sachs has been very positive. After completing two internships, I felt like it was the best place to launch my career based on my goals and values. The firm stresses creativity in everything they do, and only recruit the brightest minds. I was so impressed at the fact that very senior level executives were willing to meet with me and teach me. My proudest moment came with my very first project as an intern. It was a large project that involved a lot of teamwork and collaboration with multiple departments and divisions of the firm. The project allowed me to network and learn a lot about finance, technology and project management. I received a large amount of responsibility as a Summer Analyst, and had the opportunity to help launch two global teams in London and Bangalore.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

The Zarb School has many clubs and organizations on campus that help students transition into professionals. During my tenure as Vice President of the ALPFA Hofstra Chapter, I was able to form life long connections that contributed to my success. The Zarb Alumni Association is also one of the most valuable resources at the Zarb School. The alumni resume critiques and mock interviews gave me the opportunity to network and receive advice from finance professionals. I was well prepared for my Goldman Sachs interviews after completing many rounds of mock interviews with Hofstra alums. All students should utilize these valuable resources.

What is your favorite memory at the Zarb School?

My favorite experience at the Zarb School was attending a luncheon sponsored by the Economic Club of NY to hear the honorable Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speak. I was happy to have been selected to share that experience with students, Dean Socci and faculty members.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

The foundation of all success is self-confidence. Believe in yourself and you can achieve any goal.

Major/Degree: Finance
Hometown: Lynbrook, New York

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

After visiting Hofstra, I found out that there was an excellent student-faculty ratio, especially in the Zarb School of Business. I also knew that the business school had an outstanding alumni network in many Fortune 500 companies.

Internship Experience: Describe your internship experience at the Zarb School.

Over my four years at Hofstra, I interned at three distinct financial services companies. My sophomore summer, I was an investment analyst at a private equity firm in New York City and learned about analyzing alternative investments. There was an immense learning curve in the beginning, but I noticed that my courses at Hofstra had prepared me well.

Later that summer, I attended a national convention run by the organization I was the treasurer of, ALPFA Hofstra. At the 2013 ALPFA Annual Convention, I interviewed for a position with Deloitte and received an internship on their Transactions and Business Analytics team (“DTBA”) for the spring of my junior year. Fortunately, I was able to coordinate with the Zarb School of Business a way to work full-time for the two month program at Deloitte and simultaneously take 13 credits so I would be able to graduate on time.

My internship junior year was at the trading firm in New York City, Merus Capital Partners. The Zarb alumni I have formed relationships with helped me get the internship. The experience at Merus allowed me to understand the markets better, specifically technical and fundamental analysis.

Working for top financial companies while in college has given me a better understanding of career opportunities and narrowed my focus.

Work Experience: Where will you be employed after you graduate?

Starting this summer after graduation, I will be working as a Commercial Banking Financial Analyst at Wells Fargo. I interviewed for this position at the 2014 ALPFA Annual Convention, while serving as the president of ALPFA Hofstra, and then was flown out to Chicago for a final round of interviews. My knowledge from Corporate Finance (FIN 160), past internships, and extracurricular experience helped me obtain a full-time position at Wells Fargo.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

The Zarb School of Business has allowed me to better understand the different aspects of a business and how to think critically in a work environment. In particular, my financial modeling coursework (FIN 163) provided a stronger foundation in excel, financial concepts, and analysis. We created/recreated the following models in excel using user-defined functions (UDFs) to increase the models’ flexibility: mortgage refinancing, car financing versus leasing, Greek options pricing, and triangular arbitrage.

Money and Capital Markets (FIN 141) introduced me to the bond markets, gave me an elaborate overview of derivatives, and explained the role of emerging nations in the global economy. The professor, Dean Bales, had previous financial work experience and shared many relevant business articles that effectively taught us these financial concepts.

Overall, the Zarb School of Business has given me a deeper understanding of finance, the economy, and how to think evaluate real life problems.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

The Zarb Leadership Council is a group of undergraduate leaders that help implement new ideas into the business school. Since my sophomore year, when I first was invited to attend a meeting, I became determined to make a difference as a leader on campus. The council, filled with executive board members of various business clubs, has really given the students a chance to make an impact on campus and share initiatives to help one another.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

I recommend for students to get involved on campus as early as possible, take on leadership roles in clubs, and learn as much as they can in their classes. Hofstra provides significant resources to make students successful, especially by hosting workshops and events with alumni. Throughout university, try to form meaningful relationships with your peers, professors, alumni and other professionals who all can help guide you through the business world.

Major: Marketing
Minors: Spanish and Global Studies

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

I originally entered Hofstra University completely undecided about my major. During my freshman year, I took a career assessment and was encouraged to look into the career of marketing. In my second semester, I enrolled in my first marketing course and it was there that I found my passion. I was impressed by the countless opportunities in the industry. I was excited to declare my major in marketing and double minors in spanish and global studies during my sophomore year.  

Internship Experience:

I obtained my internship at The Direct Marketing Association through The Marketing Edge Summer Internship Program. As a Conference and Events Intern, I helped plan a conference for over 8,000 marketing professionals held in San Diego during October 2014. It was a great experience, which improved upon my professional writing skills. Most recently, I reached out to a professional from Nickelodeon and alumni of Hofstra for one of Hofstra American Marketing Association’s events and he offered to set-up a tour for our organization during fall 2014’s Marketing Week. He later offered to recommend me for Viacom’s summer 2015 internship program. I interned for Viacom’s Nickelodeon within the Consumer Marketing Department’s Property Marketing team. As a Property Marketing Intern, I worked on the marketing both internally and externally television shows for children ages 6-11. I analyzed strategies of Nickelodeon’s direct and indirect competition, updated company one-sheets on specific Nickelodeon shows, and used NetBase to analyze fans’ social media accounts. These two internships allowed to me to discover the world of marketing beyond the scope of a classroom.

Work Experience:

For my first three years at Hofstra, I worked for The Career Center as a Student Employee. The Career Center not only provided me with the opportunity to grow within a professional office setting, but also enhanced my ability to communicate with professionals and students. They became my work family, and they supported me in ways that I cannot even begin to thank them for.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

Through the required business courses in each aspect of business, from finance and accounting to legal, international business, and even economics and business analytics, the Zarb School has set the foundation to enter any discipline of business. The courses available in marketing have allowed me to focus on elements that I am interested in, including interactive and direct marketing and advertising. Working one-on-one with professors with the courses I have selected as honors options also allowed me to have a more in-depth understanding of marketing. Most recently, I participated in a marketing case competition course through the American Marketing Association, which specifically focuses on a particular existing product on the market and allows us, as a small class of 6 to 10 students, to create new marketing strategies and tactics based upon our research and findings. This class gives us, as marketing students, a glimpse into what our future careers could hold. While attending classes, the Zarb School also offers us with multiple ways to become involved through student organizations, executive speaker series events, student teaching positions, and various ways to give back to the campus and outside community. In addition, the Zarb alumni I have met are extremely active on-campus providing career guidance, advice, and opportunities to students.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

Since I declared my major, my favorite memories and experiences with the Zarb School all encompass the theme of meeting and getting to know different students, faculty members, and professors. Faculty members’, professors’, and even student leaders’ commitment to offering Hofstra students an amazing experience beyond their education has been overwhelming. I have so enjoyed being able to learn through one-on-one honors option programs and conversations with my professors, mentors, and faculty. Some of my closest friends that I have made have been through my leadership positions with Hofstra American Marketing Association. Each and every person has impacted and influenced the positive experience I have had at Hofstra, one that I hope to be able to continue giving back to as an alumni. 

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

The advice I would give to any student at Hofstra would be to become involved. The experiences I have gained outside of the classroom have provided me with the greatest sources of personal and professional growth. Becoming an integral part of the Zarb School of Business opens up such wonderful opportunities to give back to the local communities through programs like the Money & Me Program and Ladder to Leadership. I would definitely encourage students of all majors to attend networking programs and events hosted by student organizations and the Zarb School of Business, as they may lead to potential future internships, careers, and lifelong friendships.