SPAA Power Hour with Rutgers-Newark Career Development Center Highlights Available Resources and Services
The SPAA Power Hour held on Nov. 29 introduced SPAA students, faculty, and professional staff to the Rutgers University–Newark Career Development Center and all the resources the CDC offers. Speakers Whitney Kerr, associate director, campus engagement; Theresa O'Neill, senior program coordinator, campus engagement; and Henry Rodriguez, senior program coordinator, community engagement, talked about the online career development and job search platform Handshake, internship and job opportunities related to the public and nonprofit sectors, resume and cover letter assistance, mock interview opportunities, and other services. Gregg Van Ryzin, interim dean, welcomed students, along with Alyssa Sofman, assistant dean for undergraduate programs, and discussed the importance of career-servicing offices on college campuses. The event was organized and moderated by Dr. Michael Dillard, assistant teaching professor and the director of the BA program in Public and Nonprofit Administration at Rutgers SPAA.
Staff and students who attended offered their thoughts on the session:
The purpose of this event was to give our undergraduate SPAA students an in-depth overview of the services offered by the Rutgers University–Newark Career Development Center. Our students had the opportunity to meet with key staff and student ambassadors from the CDC and learn about career services provided by the center, internships and careers related to public and nonprofit administration majors, and options for staying connected with SPAA alumni. This will be an ongoing collaboration between the School of Public Affairs and Administration and the Career Development Center. We will plan career workshops for Spring 2024.
Michael Dillard,
Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of the BA Program in Public and Nonprofit Administration, Rutgers SPAA
The CDC offers a wealth of resources to all SPAA students, that can be of great value if you use them: Handshake, events, career coaching appointments, and the list goes on. Congratulations on taking that first initiative by attending “Meet the CDC;” now, what are you going to do next?
Theresa O'Neill,
Senior Program Coordinator, Career Development Center
The SPAA Power Hour was a wonderful experience for us. We appreciated the opportunity to share with all the students who attended the many ways we can support them along their career paths. Although we had a quick review this time on the services and resources that we provide and how we support students, we hope that students will take the opportunity to engage us early and often.
Henry Rodriguez,
Senior Program Coordinator, Career Development Center
The Career Development Center session helped me feel further supported by Rutgers as a SPAA student. Throughout the session, the presenters reaffirmed their commitment to supporting current students and alumni, which helped me feel more comfortable with the idea of reaching out to them post-graduation. I thought the session provided a great opportunity to interact with my peers. I enjoyed the online format, as well as the fact that it was limited to an hour and promoted as a power hour, and I believe the quasi-formality of this online event can foster additional interaction among SPAA students. Post-degree, I aspire to lead a nonprofit organization centered on providing immigration-based support; given the information I was provided with, I feel encouraged to schedule a meeting with the career development center to further evaluate what other steps I can take to make my goal a reality.
Karina Avila,
Public and Nonprofit Administration Major, Rutgers SPAA
This initial event collaboration between the CDC and SPAA was engineered to provide insight into unique opportunities available to SPAA undergraduate and graduate students. Even though I work closely with the professional staff at the CDC, I gained a more comprehensive understanding of class theory, former professional experience, and future aspirations. I hope my peer-to-peer contribution alleviated any concerns or fears related to career journeys. After graduation, I aspire to register a grassroots nonprofit organization, the African American Heritage Alliance, which will aspire to expose the marginalized African diaspora residing in despondent communities within the USA to the affluent civil liberties guaranteed by the courageous acts of their forefathers.
Twanna-Susan Brewer,
Public and Nonprofit Administration Major, Rutgers SPAA
I was fortunate to attend the Career Development Center session, and it was eye-opening to hear more about the resources and services available to students, including the information about the benefits of Handshake and how inclusive the career closet is, especially for plus size individuals. It was truly an hour of POWER and created space for students to receive guidance and direction. Thank you to everyone who presented and those who worked behind the scene and on the back end to make events like these possible. I have been accepted into the Accelerated MPA program at SPAA, which has me projected to graduate in 2025. After graduating, I intend to still work in public service to help those in need while continuing my entrepreneurial journey.