September 2013

September 2013
Lauren Hall-Gregory

BA '03

Q & A:

• What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
  My first “real” job after graduating was as a pharmaceutical sales representative.  The most valuable professional and personal thing I learned was that it was imperative for me to have a career in a field that I believed wholeheartedly in its purpose and mission.  I am someone who needs to be intrinsically connected to my job.
• What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
  I am a women’s college basketball coach.  Basketball has been a lifelong passion of mine.  In having the opportunity to play basketball for Hofstra University, I learned the importance of a strong community, overcoming adversity, and experiencing success.  My first experience coaching college was as a volunteer coach at St. Mary’s College in Omaha, NE.
• What advice would you give current Hofstra students?
  Enjoy the present.  College is a great time of your life.  Experience all that you can — get out of your comfort zone. 
• In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
  Growth. Hofstra provided me the opportunity to have new experiences.  College is a time when you learn to tackle obstacles and celebrate successes —all the while being away from home for the first time.  My teammates were tremendous people who were supportive and loving.  They encouraged me to be me.  My professors in New College preached individual thought and creativity. 
• How do you balance work and life?
  With my line of work, it is very easy for people to get completely consumed by our job.  There is something that can always be done or done better.  I am very mindful of the balance between work, personal life and my overall well-being.  My family is a priority for me, and I do everything in my power to make sure they get my time and energy.  It is in my daily routine to work out, get rest, and eat well.  In being a Division I athlete and as a professional, there were clearly times when my balance between work and life were out of balance — and the result was never good.  Now I am cognizant of that balance and manage it.
• How has your job influenced your mentality as a person?
  My job has had a clear influence on my mentality as a person; however I believe, vice versa, my mentality as a person has had more effect on being a coach.  I love to teach and mentor; and that is what being a coach is all about. 
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you see your career progressing to in the future?
  In 10 years, I see myself still coaching at NYU.  This job is a dream job for me.  It allows me to coach wonderful young women, compete at a high level, and have balance in my life.  We are in the process of rebuilding this basketball program.  Therefore, my goal in 10 years is to be a national contender and tradition of success. Another priority for me in the next 10 years is to get married to my partner and have children.