Master The Skills Employers Want

Gilbane, Inc. is one of the largest privately held family-owned construction and real estate development firms in the industry. With several billion square feet of successful project completions to their credit, including some of the most complex assignments, Gilbane, Inc. has used their expertise to turn the most challenging situations into successfully completed buildings. Gilbane, Inc. strives to bring their core values, expertise, and integrated client-focused tem approach as we deliver value in each of our projects in a streamlined process.

Valencia first heard about the opportunity to work at Gilbane, Inc. through an event hosted by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at Stony Brook University. Recommended by a professional who also attended the event, the position offered was in the Construction Management field which she is very interested in.

The aspects Valencia liked the most about working for Gilbane. Inc. were the comfortable environment and friendly co-workers who were always willing to help. She also liked seeing the number of women in construction, as it gave her more confidence about her career path.

Valencia believes that you should be open-minded about the opportunities you can get in this industry. It is a very diverse field and flexible to change depending on your interests. You also don’t need to be a Civil Engineer or knowledgable about construction because most skills will be gained in the field. Finally, do not feel discouraged or intimidated if you are a woman interested in this field because the industry is changing and you will be surprised by how many opportunities are out there for you.

The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation’s security.

Weerasinghe chose to work for the Department of Defense, seeking to gain insight into operations and little-known world of high strategic decisions. She wanted to witness the inner workings and challenges encountered within major combat support and intelligence agencies. This was an opportunity to get directly involved in developing products and providing services that decision makers, warfighters and first responders use.

As a Research Scientist Intern, it was an honor for Weerasinghe to be involved in the high-level and complex on-going projects. It was an enjoyable collaborative and supportive environment. It served as a great learning platform, to apply the skills learned to resolve real world challenges and the consequences of decisions. Although she sometimes viewed it as inconvenient, she respected the code of conduct and stringent security measures imposed on all to protect classified information. She also had the opportunity to visit and learn about other intelligence communities.

Weerasinghe’s advice to students is to pro-actively search for internship opportunities, look outside one’s comfort zone, and take on a challenge. While new challenges may seem intimidating, they can be rewarding. This gives you a head start in building your experiences, strengthening your skill set, and expanding your network. Having prior work experience in this industry can give you leverage and distinguish you from other candidates when seeking high positions.

Wright Patterson Air Force Base is located northeast of Dayton, Ohio and has a rich aviation heritage. The pioneering work of Orville and Wilbur Wright from 1899 to 1903 enabled them to achieve the first manned, powered flight. In 1904 and 1905, they turned the Wright Flyer into the first practical airplane capable of fully-controlled flight.

For an internship, it was the most interesting offer Mian was ever given. Throughout all three of his interviews, his interviewer, and later mentor, stressed that although he was given difficult technical questions, the goal was for him to learn from the interview. The atmosphere of each interview was intense but in the end, he believes the goal was to see how he reacts under stress and how much information he could learn from his own research. Alongside this, he already had an interest in Thermodynamics. Therefore, given the opportunity to work at a research lab that focused on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engines sounded like the opportunity of a lifetime for Mian.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Although Mian was thrown in the deep end and forced to catch up on years of piston, rotary, and turbine engine research, he was given the opportunity to ask for clarifications on any subjects he was shaky on. However, these answers weren't freely given as he was expected to have base knowledge in that area and he would have to reason out the answer with the help of a co-worker as opposed to them just giving him the answer. At that moment, he hated this and it actually stopped him from asking a lot of "dumb" questions, but at the same time it taught him the importance of performing his own research first and thinking before he speaks.

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of America’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. AMC invites and helps people of all ages and abilities to explore and develop a deep appreciation of the natural world. The organization helps you get outdoors on your own, with family and friends, and through activities close to home and beyond.

Chowdhury was interested in space at an early age. To him, sharing his ideas and teaching the public about space science has always fascinated him. He desired a more challenging environment that can foster his professional growth.

Chowdhury participated in planning a planetarium show for elementary, high school, and college students, aiming for a fun and relaxed environment where children and adults can participate in scientific programs. Constantly moving around and conducting presentations and observations for guests, he was able to adapt to the new environment quickly. He also operated AMC’s 8-10 inch telescopes for guests during solar and night time sky observations and learned how to convey complex scientific terms in an easily readable context. Eventually, he became skilled in operating ground-based telescopes and planned and prepared table talks for AMC guests who were interested in learning about Science Communication.

For Chowdhury, having the opportunity to meet different kinds of people is what he liked the most about working at AMC. He realized that some people shy away from science and that pushed him to make the difficult scientific concepts easier for his audiences to understand. He was also fortunate to work with his supervisor astronomer, Dr. Douglas Arion.

Chowdhury had a tough time when it came to Science Communication. He stresses that when someone asks you about stars, planets, and asteroids, it is unacceptable to fabricate anything at the top of your head. You must fact-check yourself over and over. Be honest with yourself and with the public. There is nothing wrong with not knowing something.

Hachette Book Group (HBG) is a leading US trade publisher and a division of the third largest trade and educational book publisher in the world. In one year, HBG publishes approximately 1,400+ adult books, 300 books for young readers, and 450 audiobook titles. In 2017, the company had 167 books on the New York Times bestseller list, 34 of which reached #1.

Working for Hachette Book Group definitely had its perks. With his love for books, Mohan enjoyed being allowed to take home books that the company has published. He also loved engaging with authors and celebrities who visited the office for book signings or audio-book recordings. His manager was his mentor, who inspired and guided him towards understanding how the industry works and what he needed to do to be successful.

Mohan strongly believes that it is very important for you to love the work that you do. Otherwise, it becomes a mundane task that you are reluctant to follow through with. Keep doing interesting projects and practicing programming fundamentals, and the doors will open to your dream job in the industry. Endure and persevere through all the hardships that may come your way and know that there is a job out there that is going to be the one that you have worked really hard for.

What is NICHD?

The NICHD was founded in 1962, dedicated to understanding disabilities and the important events that occur during pregnancy. Specifically, according to their website, " NICHD’s mission is to ensure that every person is born healthy and wanted, that women suffer no harmful effects from reproductive processes, and that all children have the chance to achieve their full potential for healthy and productive lives. The institute also aims to ensure the health, productivity, independence, and well-being of people through optimal rehabilitation."

Why did you pick this program?

I chose to work at the National Institutes of Health because of my great interest in expanding my knowledge in the science field. Being a first-year college student at the time, I was still open to either changing or incorporating something else into my Marine Science major. Since I had been given the privilege of working for Dr. Alan H. DeCherney, M.D. (Head of the Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology/Reproductive Biology and Medicine Branch of the NICHD) during the summer of 2015, I chose to reach out to him again for the summer of 2017, hoping to gain more experience in the lab. I was extremely fortunate and humbled to have received another internship position this past summer and I was truly grateful to be assigned to be mentored by Dr. Terrence D. Lewis, M.D., Ph.D.

 What was the most valuble part of your experience?

  Since I was aiming towards gaining experience in the laboratory, being able to perform a nearly two-week lab procedure was probably the most valuable part of my internship. To learn and perform sensitive and delicate methods in a timely fashion using real-time samples from patients really made the experience very concrete.

What did you get out of your experience that you could not get out of academic classes?

Being able to perform experiments that could influence real-time data and the understanding of specific concepts in the science world (in this case, UPA’s effects on fibroids) is definitely something that one cannot get in a typical chemistry or biology laboratory class. The experiments I assisted in and conducted mattered in the real world. I wasn’t just practicing techniques and getting graded on how well I did on something. Additionally, I wouldn’t just sit in a classroom and look at a projector screen or board for 1-2 hours. I would constantly be in doing something, whether it be just practicing techniques such as pipetting, preparing for the next step in the laboratory procedure, performing the procedure, or just getting materials for the other doctors.

 What advice would you give to students looking for experience in your industry?

Take any opportunity, whether or not it relates to your major/minor. Many can admit that it is slightly odd that a Marine Science major and Geospatial science minor interns at the NIH researching and performing experiments relating to fibroids. However, experiences such as these could influence what your passions may be in the future. If the opportunity relates to what you want to do in the future, even better! It truly does boil down to whatever you do. If you don’t take an opportunity for a superficial reason, that’s fine. Just be sure that you won’t have regrets because that decision is on you. Stemming from this concept, reach out to people. Don’t expect others to reach out to you- especially doctors and professors. Dr. DeCherney, in addition to being a well-respected and well-known person in the endocrinology and gynecological world of science, is a very busy person. I chose to reach out to him and was lucky to get an intern position thanks to him. Next, be aware of who your mentors are and appreciate the work and time they put in to help you. Parents, friends, brothers, sisters, doctors, etc. be thankful for those who have helped you and taught you lessons throughout your life.

What is Blank Slate Media?

Blank Slate Media publishes three weekly  community newspapers:  The Great Neck News,  Williston Times, and  New Hyde Park Herald Courier. Blank Slate Media also represents  The Garden City News,  Bethpage Newsgram,  Syosset Advance,  Mid-Island Times, and S yosset Jericho News Journal in Nassau County, NY. The company offers a readership of 116,000 and a combined circulation of 38,945.

Why did you pick this program?

  I picked Blank Slate Media because I wanted to start working at a small newspaper where I can really hone my local reporting and writing skills. The weekly newspaper also appealed to me because they focused on small government board meetings. At the time, I never covered board meetings so I wanted that experience as I was interested how small government worked on the local level.

What was the most valuble part of your experience?

The most valuable part of the experience was learning how to pace myself and overcome challenges I faced. At first, I was overwhelmed by the number of stories I had to cover each week. But, I learned to push aside my fears and just do what needed to be done. In the beginning I wrote three to five stories a week, which I found challenging. However, near the end of the internship I was writing seven to nine stories a week easily. I learned to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I remember when I was assigned to do obituaries I was scared to ask for interviews from the family members of the deceased because I was afraid of being intrusive. However, I pushed aside that fear and called up as many people as I could get and I ended getting a multitude of voices and great stories. In fact, I enjoyed writing the obituaries the most as I found it very rewarding to document the life of someone who was loved by many. In fact, my publisher praised my obituary in front of the other reporters for being well written and having a variety of sources.

What did you get out of your experience that you could not get out of academic classes?

Don't just apply for paid internships with big companies. Applying for unpaid internships with smaller news organizations is a good way to get your foot in the door if you don't have any internship experience. Don't just shoot big and hope you land an internship with   The New York Times , start small and you will have experience for when you do apply for the big places.

 What is the POE program at St. Jude Children's Hospital?

  The POE program at St. Jude is a unique opportunity for students working toward careers   in the biomedical sciences, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, or public health fields. The program’s primary goal is to encourage students to pursue a career in cancer research by providing them with experience in biomedical and oncology research. Students, upon completion of the POE program and their undergraduate degrees, are given the opportunity to be considered for admission to the St. Jude Graduate School.

Why did you pick this program?

Concha’s ultimate goal in life is to be a pediatric hematologist/oncologist.  As a participant in the POE program, he had the opportunity to work as a  research intern in the Department of Oncology, specifically the Molecular Oncology Division. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the number one research hospital in the nation for treating pediatric cancer, and it was this reputation that motivated Concha’s decision to apply for the program. “Money is not a concern at St. Jude, but instead the lives of many children. Although it was only for a summer, I knew that I would come out of the experience with a much better idea of what to expect in my future career as well as how to contribute myself,” he said.

What was the most vaulable part of your experience?

One of the techniques Concha learned and found to be the coolest was the CRISPR technique. CRISPR is a gene-editing tool that allows permanent modification of genes within organisms, manipulating the palindromic CRISPR DNA sequence. Concha worked primarily with this technique in his research. When he wasn’t in the lab, he enjoyed shadowing other doctors and volunteering in the hospital. “I was able to go around the inpatient floor, handing out snacks to patients and getting to know them,” he said. The most valuable part of the POE program, Concha says, was “working with world-class faculty and equipment in the most collaborative environment I have ever experienced.”

What did you get out of your experience that you could not get out of academic classes?

Over the course of the program, Concha found that hands-on research proved to be an incredibly helpful way to grasp difficult concepts, especially in the basic sciences. His focus over the summer was rooted in epigenetics and biochemistry, two fields he had no prior experience with. “I had to learn some of the fundamental concepts to succeed with my research,” he acknowledged. A typical work day began at nine a.m., but Concha would head to the library as early as six a.m. to study the unfamiliar concepts before putting them into action. “As a result, I am now much more confident going into the academic classes and progressing in my career,” he added.

 What advice would you give to students looking for experience in your industry?

To other students seeking similar research positions, Concha advocates pushing yourself out of your comfort zone; it is only one of the many ways to find opportunities that allow you to grow. Find labs whose research focus is interesting to you and apply for positions. Most importantly, Concha says, “Never give up and do not be afraid to ask questions, especially in research. Those around you are there to help, and you are there to learn. Even though things may appear difficult some days, everything works out, and you will come out much more confident if you continue to put forth your best effort.”

  What is SBVAC?

SBVAC is a volunteer organization responsible for answering 911 calls on campus and the surrounding areas. They are a New York State Certified Ambulance Corporation, performing emergency response care up to an ALS level. ALS, standing for Advanced Life Support, covers emergency interventions such as the administration of medications through IVs and endotracheal intubation by EMTs.

Why did you choose this program?

As a transfer student from SUNY New Paltz, Lin was looking for more ways to get involved on campus. He  made his decision to join SBVAC because he wanted to learn more about emergency medical services. He says, “I was interested because I always wanted to help out the community. I knew it was a great place to get hands-on experience.”

What was the most valuable part of your experience?

Currently operating with a staff of around 70-90 volunteers, training to join SBVAC is rigorous. All prospective volunteers are required to take the probationary curriculum, also dubbed as the “probie class.” Lin cites the probie class as the most valuable part of his experience with the program. “In class, you are taught to work under pressure and learn everything about the EMS field. It was a great way to meet the people I’ve come to call family,” he says.

What did you get out the experience that you could not get out of academic classes?

As a SBVAC volunteer, Lin has developed a variety of skills. In his role as an EMT-B, he has basic responsibilities, such as driving the ambulance. His real life experiences range from splinting broken legs to helping deliver a baby, where Lin coached the mother on breathing techniques to help her remain calm.

 What advice would you give to students looking for experience in your industry?

For others looking to pursue careers in the medical field, Lin suggests volunteering or working at an EMS agency. “The best way to learn is to get your hands dirty and in the action,” he says.

  What is the Children's Defense Fund?

To use their own words, the Children's Defense Fund "provides a strong, effective voice for ALL the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown."

Why did you choose this program?

I heard about Freedom School from a friend I had worked with before. It seemed to perfectly align with my goals of educating and uplifting people. Freedom Schools aim to reduce the Summer Achievement Gap — the loss of knowledge over the summer breaks, which is especially heavy in low-income households where families may not always be able to reinforce material taught throughout the year. Additionally, this was my first opportunity to be a teacher in my own classroom, even as an undergrad student. While I aimed to provide opportunities to my students (or Scholars, as we call them), Stony Brook provided me with professional opportunities as well.

What inspired you to pursue teaching?

I grew up in Smithtown, NY, an upper-class town with a population that is 95% white and where almost everybody took their access to an incredible education for granted. So many people were handed amazing opportunities, but never realized the true value of what they had. This inspired me to go into education and make sure that I provide as many students with a quality education and empower them to educate others. My upbringing also pushed me to use my privilege and access to uplift others who have been systematically oppressed or denied the same opportunities based on race, socioeconomic status, or any other basis.

What was the most valuable part of your experience?

There are too many valuable aspects of the experience to mention. The position included a one-week, national training in Tennessee where we learned a whole lot about the historic importance of the Freedom Schools, practiced methods of teaching scholars in the classroom, and met so many passionate people from across the country. Additionally, back in New York, I was able to be in the classroom for six weeks, work face to face with scholars, and gain real-world experience all right on Stony Brook's campus!

What did you get out the experience that you could not get out of academic classes?

The first week in the classroom gave me more experience than the two years of classes I had taken at Stony Brook. Over six weeks, I had learned so much from real world examples of student struggles, how to effectively lead and manage a classroom, and more. While our Stony Brook professors can share a whole lot of knowledge, there is nothing that compares to being in the classroom with your own class of scholars testing you every minute.

What advice would you give to students looking for experience in your industry?

Go for it! Find as many opportunities that entail what you're looking for and go for it! Apply — even if you don't think you could get the position. Look for opportunities outside your comfort zone and go for it. Pushing yourself will not only improve you, but will give you incredible opportunities and experiences you can't get any other way.

  What is Red Watch Band?

 Red Watch Band's mission is to provide students in both high school and college with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to prevent toxic drinking deaths, as well as promoting a kinder student culture that embodies respect, responsibility, and compassion.

Why did you choose this program?

Alcohol overdose is a serious issue on college campuses throughout the United States, and one of Stony Brook's own students passed in 2016. I decided to get involved because raising awareness and helping students develop courage to step in during situations where someone is at risk is something that could prevent future overdoses not only on our campus, but all campuses in the United States.

What was the most valuable part of your experience?

The students I met during outreach events and the relationships I built with those who were part of Red Watch Band already were the most valuable part of my experience. Working with the dedicated group of students and faculty that made up the CARE Team and helping young students around campus develop courage to step in during dangerous situations was a lot of work, but really paid off with the amount of students we got to train during the 2016-2017 academic year. I wasn't able to reach out and affect so many students in any of my other undergraduate classes.

What advice would you give to students looking for experience in your industry?

Don't be afraid to be yourself and get involved in clubs/organizations/programs that you really believe in.

  What is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)?

AFSP is an organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, primarily by creating a culture that’s smart and informed about mental health. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24, with the highest overall rates belonging to adults ages 40-59. AFSP seeks to combat the statistics by funding scientific research, educating the public and advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide.

Why did you choose this program?

Since she was thirteen, Anne Deubel has had an overwhelming need to help people. However, finding meaningful ways to make a difference at such a young age was difficult; “I wanted to actively be working on that in a way where the impact was fulfilling, but also a necessity to our society.” This led Deubel to take on a volunteering role at the Long Island chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), where she currently serves as a board member. Deubel says, “Seeing how a single suicide affects a community gave me a direct window into the effect our mental has beyond what is stereotypically depicted.”

What was the most valuable part of your experience?

 Volunteering work has given Deubel a purpose to funnel her passions into. She is a firm believe that academics are an important supplement to the work one chooses to do. “Every time I reach hardships in my academic career, I remember the people I met through the charity. It grounds me in a way that scholarly demands cannot. At its core, it taught me to deeply value hard work.”

What advice would you give to students looking for experience in your industry?

For others interested in finding a job specific to their ideal career path, Deubel advocates volunteer work. “Whatever career you are looking toward, there is a charity where you can further develop your necessary skills. Think of what you care deeply about, and find out how you can get involved,” she says. “There is nothing as valuable as building a network of people who have experiences and advice to share with you. You may even find yourself doing things that always used to terrify you!”