(Courtesy of Touro) College students at Touro’s Lander College for Women, the Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School, got a taste of the real world and what it takes to succeed in a variety of today’s workplaces at the annual career night. Alumnae arrived with stories and advice for current students and greetings for old classmates.
“Our alumnae are making their mark in the areas of medicine, communications, law and more. Beyond their personal success, their interest in staying connected to LCW and sharing their professional journeys and career advancement tips with our current students is truly gratifying,” said Dr. Marian Stoltz-Loike, dean of Lander College for Women, the Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School.
Hailing from a wide range of fields, including public relations, law, health sciences and psychotherapy, the graduates explained how their internships prepared them for the work world, how their networks helped them advance and how they worked extra hard to find jobs they love.
The evening began with dinner and a panel discussion about choosing a career path and finding a job. It concluded with a speed networking session that gave students an opportunity to ask more detailed questions and to build their own professional networks.
Sarah Levine, an ICU nurse at the NYU Langone Hospital, turned down two other job offers while she waited for an opportunity at a top hospital. “It’s high pressure, but we are saving lives” she said. “I can’t imagine anything better.” Shira Sabag, who at age 26 became the youngest ever director of special events at Benjamin Cardozo Law School, said that her internships gave her the foundational skills she needed to get her foot in the door.
Touro alumnae cited internships as critical career experiences. “In the past, internships were a nice extra on a resume. Today they are essential. An internship is the best way to differentiate yourself from your competition,” said Ariella Steinreich, senior vice president at Steinreich Communications.
Shayna Weinberg-Gordon is a lawyer at the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. She said that law school was an adjustment after the small classes and supportive environment at LCW, “but Touro instills a sense of self-confidence that you take forward with you.”
Students were grateful for the opportunity. “It was very helpful to hear from so many alumni about what they do and how to network,” said Elisheva Hay, a student from Columbus, Ohio.
Sarri Singer, assistant director for career services at LCW, moderated the program. “Sessions like these give students a chance to think about their own goals and to think more broadly about preparing for a career. You learn from every professional, no matter what your interest is,“ she said.
