By Steve Seepersaud
Though Binghamton University has a global network, the alumni body is most visible in the Northeast. Having formed a consistent chapter presence and structure for building and strengthening student-alumni connections in the Metro New York region, the focus has turned to increasing programs in the Boston and Washington, D.C. areas.
This was evident March 19 when the Alumni Association and Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development hosted employer visits and networking nights in both regions. Offered during the University's mid-semester recess, these events exposed current students to alumni representing a wide variety of fields. The target audiences were students who hailed from these areas or are considering relocation there after graduation.
Danielle Schlesier '94 talked to students about her most recent career; she's a realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in the Boston area. After graduating from Binghamton, she stayed in the area to work as a news reporter at CBS affiliate WBNG-TV, before making a jump in market size to Scranton, Pa., where she reported at ratings powerhouse WNEP.
"My biggest piece of advice was to take advantage of as many internships as possible," she said. "My first internship led to my first job. It was invaluable experience that gives students a leg up as they get ready to graduate. I discussed with the students I met that it's OK not to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Hopefully, they will enjoy the ride and the foundation Binghamton provides."
Erin Bonney '06 hosted a student group at the Center for Health Information and Analysis in Boston, the agency of record for Massachusetts healthcare information that reports on the quality, affordability, utilization, access and outcomes of the commonwealth's healthcare system.
"Hearing about what the students are doing in classes and what they're interested in doing, and being able to provide advice or insight on how to present their skills in a job interview, working in public service and living in Boston was great," Bonney said. "I think many alumni can remember the prospect of getting a first job or internship, and being able to help pay it forward for Binghamton students and alumni is really rewarding."
Andrew Vaccaro '15, who works for the International Visitor Leadership Program, the professional exchange program administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, hosted students for the third time and discussed his career in international relations. He says he wouldn't be where he is today without Binghamton, and he felt a deep sense of satisfaction from volunteering.
"Two former students who attended the networking reception – one of whom now works at the state department and another who works and lives in D.C. – told me that they came to the 2016 D.C. employer site visit and that my words inspired and informed them about D.C. and the work here," Vaccaro said. "It was great to see something tangible come from prior visits!"
