Testimonials

Why did you come to the Zarb School?
I came to the Zarb School because of how positive its reputation was. I had heard so much about the endless opportunities it was going to offer me. Being from Long Island, Hofstra was a school that was always in the back of my mind as a potential destination. I knew the Zarb School would give me the opportunity to network with local graduates of both Hofstra and my high school, Chaminade, and also the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the greatest city in the world.

Internship Experience:
After my freshman year, my primary focus became obtaining internships. I felt that this would be the main way that I was able to distinguish myself from other students and build my resume before it was time to start applying for full time positions. At first, I had a great interest in sports management, so the first internship I was offered was with the New York Cosmos during the fall of my sophomore year. I found a posting for it online and decided to personally reach out to the Cosmos’ Sales Manager. He got back to me right away, and after an initial interview, offered me the sales intern position.

Towards the end of that fall semester, I met with the Career Center on campus and talked to them about my great experience working for the Cosmos. They then shared with me that the New York Islanders were hiring interns for the spring semester, which conveniently was during the second-to-last season that the Isles would be playing at Nassau Coliseum. I jumped on the opportunity right away, and after a few rounds of interviews, I was offered a Ticket Sales/Customer Service Intern position. The experience was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, as I got to meet a bunch of players, see every home game for free, and even develop my own sales pitches for partial season ticket plans.

Then, during the summer going into my junior year, I worked as a Corporate Hospitality Student Associate at the world’s most famous arena: Madison Square Garden. I connected with a few graduates from both Hofstra and Chaminade when applying there, and was offered the position right in the middle of the Rangers’ Stanley Cup Playoffs run. My department was responsible for all operations related to suites and luxury boxes at MSG. Some of our top clients included the NBA, SAP, and ESPN. I got to see the Stanley Cup Finals, a Michael Buble concert, and even help host a pre-show party in the Rangers’ Locker Room before a Billy Joel concert. It was by far one of the best experiences of my life.

Lastly, this past summer, I decided to move away from the sports industry and focus on something that was also of interest to me: insurance. This past spring, I met a recruiter from GEICO at one of Zarb’s Leadership Council Meetings. She mentioned that I was qualified to take part in their prestigious Management Summer Internship Program, and after a few rounds of interviews, I was offered a position. The experience was incredibly rewarding, as not only did I become well-versed in all that goes on in the insurance industry, but I developed substantial leadership, presentation, and time-management skills that are crucial for success in a professional work environment.

Work Experience:
After graduation, I will start working full-time at GEICO, as I was offered a position in GEICO’s Emerging Leaders Program and will be following the business operations track. I am one of only thirty people in the United States to be selected for the position, so I am extremely humbled by the opportunity. I learned that I was qualified for the Emerging Leaders Program after my summer internship concluded because of my degree track, leadership ability, past internship experiences, and overall performance as a summer intern. At the beginning of the school year, I flew down to Washington DC to be interviewed by GEICO’s upper management team at their national headquarters. A few weeks later, they called me and offered me the position. The position puts me on a track to become a manager in one of GEICO’s main business departments in three years time. As a management student, I couldn’t ask for a better professional position right out of school, as my goal to become a successful corporate manager someday will fortunately be fulfilled.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?
In addition to the networking events, resume critiques, and career fairs held on campus, the members of the Zarb faculty have been extremely influential in helping me to prepare for my career. The faculty in the Zarb School has real-world working experience, and they continuously share what they’ve learned through those experiences in the classroom. In addition, and with the management department in particular, all full-time professors have PhDs and have attended some of the nation’s top business schools. The professors in the Zarb school always tell it to us like it is, which is something I have always appreciated. They are incredibly honest and realistic about how corporate America functions today, and they first and foremost want us, Hofstra students, to help change the world. I have been lucky enough to become close with many members of the Zarb faculty, and every single one of them has been so helpful and supportive throughout my four years in the school. I am looking forward to applying all of skills that they have taught me to my work in the professional corporate world.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?
I recently got the opportunity to speak with some representatives from Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in China about their plans to develop a relationship with Zarb. The school would give Zarb students the opportunity to both take classes and intern while living in China for a semester. Since the relationship was just starting to develop, I had the opportunity to talk to the representatives about my experiences with Zarb and why I felt they were making such a great investment in Hofstra. It was really fascinating to see how much interest the institution had in Zarb, and it made me proud to be a part of a top-tier school that has come such a long way.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?
I would encourage students to ask themselves, “What is my brand?” It is so crucial to realize that we are always selling ourselves. First impressions are extremely important, because you can never get them back. So, make sure to get involved on campus right away, take classes seriously and learn something from them, and apply to internships as early as you can. Spend your years in school striving to make a name for yourself, because if you do, the opportunities available will be truly infinite. 

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

The faculty at the Zarb School of Business attracted me to the school. The finance professors have work experience in diverse fields and were able to bring their knowledge to the classrooms and share it with the students. It is a pleasure to learn from professors who have had experience at large firms and organizations.

Internship Experience: Describe your internship experience at the Zarb School.

I obtained an internship at Goldman Sachs through networking. Network, network, network! That is the best advice I can give students when looking for an internship or job, especially in finance. The relationships you form through organizations on campus and alumni networks will always help you during your internship and job search.

Work Experience: Where will you be employed after you graduate?

I will be working as a Financial Analyst at Goldman Sachs when I graduate. I received a full-time offer to join the firm after completing the Summer Analyst internship program. My experience working at Goldman Sachs has been very positive. After completing two internships, I felt like it was the best place to launch my career based on my goals and values. The firm stresses creativity in everything they do, and only recruit the brightest minds. I was so impressed at the fact that very senior level executives were willing to meet with me and teach me. My proudest moment came with my very first project as an intern. It was a large project that involved a lot of teamwork and collaboration with multiple departments and divisions of the firm. The project allowed me to network and learn a lot about finance, technology and project management. I received a large amount of responsibility as a Summer Analyst, and had the opportunity to help launch two global teams in London and Bangalore.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

The Zarb School has many clubs and organizations on campus that help students transition into professionals. During my tenure as Vice President of the ALPFA Hofstra Chapter, I was able to form life long connections that contributed to my success. The Zarb Alumni Association is also one of the most valuable resources at the Zarb School. The alumni resume critiques and mock interviews gave me the opportunity to network and receive advice from finance professionals. I was well prepared for my Goldman Sachs interviews after completing many rounds of mock interviews with Hofstra alums. All students should utilize these valuable resources.

What is your favorite memory at the Zarb School?

My favorite experience at the Zarb School was attending a luncheon sponsored by the Economic Club of NY to hear the honorable Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speak. I was happy to have been selected to share that experience with students, Dean Socci and faculty members.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

The foundation of all success is self-confidence. Believe in yourself and you can achieve any goal.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

After visiting Hofstra, I found out that there was an excellent student-faculty ratio, especially in the Zarb School of Business. I also knew that the business school had an outstanding alumni network in many Fortune 500 companies.

Internship Experience: Describe your internship experience at the Zarb School.

Over my four years at Hofstra, I interned at three distinct financial services companies. My sophomore summer, I was an investment analyst at a private equity firm in New York City and learned about analyzing alternative investments. There was an immense learning curve in the beginning, but I noticed that my courses at Hofstra had prepared me well.

Later that summer, I attended a national convention run by the organization I was the treasurer of, ALPFA Hofstra. At the 2013 ALPFA Annual Convention, I interviewed for a position with Deloitte and received an internship on their Transactions and Business Analytics team (“DTBA”) for the spring of my junior year. Fortunately, I was able to coordinate with the Zarb School of Business a way to work full-time for the two month program at Deloitte and simultaneously take 13 credits so I would be able to graduate on time.

My internship junior year was at the trading firm in New York City, Merus Capital Partners. The Zarb alumni I have formed relationships with helped me get the internship. The experience at Merus allowed me to understand the markets better, specifically technical and fundamental analysis.

Working for top financial companies while in college has given me a better understanding of career opportunities and narrowed my focus.

Work Experience: Where will you be employed after you graduate?

Starting this summer after graduation, I will be working as a Commercial Banking Financial Analyst at Wells Fargo. I interviewed for this position at the 2014 ALPFA Annual Convention, while serving as the president of ALPFA Hofstra, and then was flown out to Chicago for a final round of interviews. My knowledge from Corporate Finance (FIN 160), past internships, and extracurricular experience helped me obtain a full-time position at Wells Fargo.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

The Zarb School of Business has allowed me to better understand the different aspects of a business and how to think critically in a work environment. In particular, my financial modeling coursework (FIN 163) provided a stronger foundation in excel, financial concepts, and analysis. We created/recreated the following models in excel using user-defined functions (UDFs) to increase the models’ flexibility: mortgage refinancing, car financing versus leasing, Greek options pricing, and triangular arbitrage.

Money and Capital Markets (FIN 141) introduced me to the bond markets, gave me an elaborate overview of derivatives, and explained the role of emerging nations in the global economy. The professor, Dean Bales, had previous financial work experience and shared many relevant business articles that effectively taught us these financial concepts.

Overall, the Zarb School of Business has given me a deeper understanding of finance, the economy, and how to think evaluate real life problems.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

The Zarb Leadership Council is a group of undergraduate leaders that help implement new ideas into the business school. Since my sophomore year, when I first was invited to attend a meeting, I became determined to make a difference as a leader on campus. The council, filled with executive board members of various business clubs, has really given the students a chance to make an impact on campus and share initiatives to help one another.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

I recommend for students to get involved on campus as early as possible, take on leadership roles in clubs, and learn as much as they can in their classes. Hofstra provides significant resources to make students successful, especially by hosting workshops and events with alumni. Throughout university, try to form meaningful relationships with your peers, professors, alumni and other professionals who all can help guide you through the business world.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?
My choice of the Zarb school was fueled by practicality. I studied in Ohio for my undergraduate degree, and was looking to stick closer to home for an advanced degree. Hofstra had the best program on Long Island.

Internship Experience:
I interned in the summer during my two years at Zarb at a small music/arts nonprofit. When I told the director of the organization I was studying at Zarb, he welcomed me with open arms. The experience I gained in my first year of the degree program, and the Zarb schools reputation got my foot in the door and prepared me for what would be one of the most rigorous occupational exercises I have ever performed. 

Work Experience:
I am currently an Executive Team Leader at Target. I would never have been considered without my Zarb School credentials, but it was the interview training I received from the Career Center that helped the most. I was fortunate to have a campus job at the Career Center, so I took advantage of the opportunity and picked the counselors’ brains every chance I could. Retailers had come and held open hours and interviews, which helped me gain more insight into the interview process for retail management. My assigned career counselor helped me the most. We held mock interviews where she guided me and gave me great feedback.

I love my new job at Target! Everyday poses a different experience. I get to meet and interact with all kinds of people…retail is a very interesting industry.  

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?
During my coursework at the Zarb School I learned about supply-chain management and leadership, which are the two biggest things I use every day. Presentations skills are a necessity when I’m interacting with customers. There are also the “hard skills” that I learned as well, like interpreting financial reports and understanding metrics. In my current role, I begin everyday comparing sales forecasts, goals, and actual sales across departments, something that the Zarb School prepared me immensely for.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?
It is hard to pick just one! I will just say that I will always cherish the friendships that I have made at the Zarb School. I made some of my closest friends during orientation. We worked on projects together, conquered tough classes together, and graduated together. I know we will continue to lean on each other as we grow in our careers. 

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?
I would say simply have an open mind. I studied music in my undergraduate degree, and now I am in retail management. Even while I was enrolled in the Zarb program, my focus shifted a number of times. A student might start in one area and then take a particular class that they really love and decide to run with it. And don’t forget to have fun. I had more fun in my two years at Zarb than in my four years of undergraduate studies. Finally, one must take advantage of everything. I worked at the Career Center and know personally just how many great programs are offered. Students should do their best to always be proactive, attend events, meet new contacts, and leverage those relationships.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?
I came to the Zarb School because I knew its reputation was excellent, and its network was strong and diverse.  After making a career change from education to accounting, I knew I needed a strong support system and network to help me jump start this new career path. 

Internship Experience:
I took a chance in my second semester at Hofstra and attended the spring career fair, despite knowing there wouldn’t be many public accounting positions available (the type of position I desired most). I spoke with the representatives from Henry Schein, and a few weeks later, ended up working in the internal audit/controls compliance department for the representative I met during the fair. This internship not only helped develop my auditing and teamwork skills, but it also enhanced my resume for my second fall accounting recruiting season.  In addition to my added experience, Lauren Moy, the Associate Director of Graduate Business Career Center Services, was extremely helpful in preparing me for my interviews. I was fortunate enough to be chosen for a first round interview with every firm I applied to.  This experienced ended in multiple internship and full-time job offers, including a winter internship with KPMG, the summer Emerging Leaders Program with EY, and a full time position with Marcum, LLP for January 2017. 

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?
The Graduate Business Career Center has been an instrumental part in my success at Hofstra.  From day one, I made sure to attend all the events held for graduate students, from resume and LinkedIn workshops to networking events and panel discussions.  At every event, I picked up a piece of knowledge or built my confidence a little more when speaking to industry professionals.  This is an attitude that I will carry with me throughout my career.  I will be sure to stay as informed and involved in every aspect of the company I work for, continuing to learn every day.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?
My favorite experience at the Zarb School was being a part of the day MBA cohort.  Since I came to Zarb without any background knowledge of business, my classmates became a great support system for me.  We met for study groups and worked together during group projects. While we don’t all share the same major, we have become a part of each other’s lifelong network.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.” – William Edward Hickson

I experienced many instances of disappointment before finally successfully reaching my goals of landing an internship and a full-time job.  Before making the decision to change careers, I interviewed for many different positions in the field of education, but could not find one that fit. Even in my first semester at Hofstra during the fall accounting recruiting season, I did not make it past first round interviews. But I never let this defeat me, and instead I persevered and remained determined which helped me achieve my goals.  I now have an internship that I love and have learned and grown so much from, as well as a full-time job offer for when I graduate in December.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?
I came to the Zarb School of business because it had a great reputation. My father is a Hofstra alumni and it was close to home.

Internship Experience:
I obtained my internship by doing some personal online research. I prepared for my research by finalizing my resume and cover letter with career services. Once I was offered an interview opportunity, I returned to career services for interview guidance.

Work Experience:
I currently work for Leviton manufacturing company. I chose to take this internship program on part-time. Career services assisted in my job search through resume review and interview preparation. I am very happy at this company and I feel that I will learn a lot of valuable knowledge. My proudest moment was pitching my first commercial ideas to management. I felt like I was truly applying the knowledge I learned at the Zarb business school for the betterment of my career.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?
The MBA program, no matter what major you are, gives you a taste of every aspect of business which benefits your career. Now at work, I understand a full picture of what I do and how it affects every department.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?
My favorite memory at Zarb would be presenting my first ad campaign in my advertising management class. I felt that I crossed something off my bucket list that I’ve always wanted to accomplish and now I’m doing similar presentations at my new internship.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?
My advice is to be resourceful by using all the services available to you. Keep your ears and eyes open and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be willing to put yourself out there and focus on optimistic thoughts that will lead to the confidence you will need in your job interviews and for your future career.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?
I chose Zarb based on my research. It is one of the best business schools in the New York-Long Island area.  I also knew about Hofstra from the NCAA basketball tournament.

Internship Experience:
My first accounting internship at Sixpoint Brewery was the result of hard work and career help from the Graduate Business Career Center, specifically Lauren Moy. I found my second internship through Handshake, with the assistance of the Career Center, and obtained my third internship through networking at the many events the Zarb School hosts.

Work Experience:
I currently work at GC consulting, a business consulting company in Manhattan. I found this job again through networking. Hofstra prepared me thoroughly for my interview. I do not think I would have been able to land the job without the interview preparation help from the Career Center. My experience so far is great, not only because I succeeded in my dream to work in Manhattan, but also because of the great professionals that I am working with. I am already managing clients after only two weeks, which is an incredible accomplishment.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?
The Career Center had a tremendous role in my professional growth.  During my first year I participated frequently in the events offered by the Career Center, such as various workshops, seminars, and executive speaker events.  Additionally, I often set up appointments with the Career Center to help critique and perfect my resume.  I also worked as a graduate assistant within Hofstra University, where I met amazing people that enriched me as a person.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?
The best experience I recall during my MBA at Hofstra was the executive speaker event that I organized for ZAGA (Zarb Accounting Graduate Association).  I invited the managing partner of KPMG to present as the speaker for the event. There was a very large turnout of students that attended the event and I felt very proud of the work we accomplished.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?
Network, network, network. Try to network all the time. Volunteer and offer your help to others, especially at the very beginning of your career at Hofstra. Also, be active in the school’s associations/clubs and learn from your leaders. Use your spare time to always learn new things.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?
First, Zarb School has a good location. It is near the most energetic city, New York City, and it is also on very beautiful and peaceful Long Island. You can go to NYC to find amazing opportunities, but you can also have a quiet life on Long Island.

Second, I know Zarb has a really good reputation on Long Island, and Zarb also has relationships with many companies. The high quality of alumni relationships is another reason that I came to Zarb.

Internship Experience: How did you obtain an internship? Explain your experience.
I hope to find a job after I graduate from the Zarb School of Business, so I think a good internship experience would be a key step. I always paid much attention to the information that was provided by Career Center. I also attended most events and workshops they held. In the end, I got an internship at the 2016 Hofstra Spring Career Fair.

Work Experience: Where do you currently work? Is it a full-time position or an internship? How did you obtain this opportunity? Were there any faculty/administrators who assisted you in your job search? How is/was your experience working with this employer? What is your proudest moment while working for your employer?
I am working as an insight intern at Publishers Clearing House. I obtained this opportunity from 2016 Spring Career Fair at Hofstra. The Career Center significantly helped me out. It is a nice experience working at PCH, and I learning many things there.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?
(1) Professional skill, I learned many valuable insights from the course.
(2) My professors gave me many useful and meaningful suggestions.
(3) The Career Center perfected my resume and interview skills, and also helped me make a clear career path.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?
I enjoyed the time I studied at Zarb School. The campus is so beautiful, especially in the spring. The professors are great and helpful, so don’t forget to communicate with them.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

Set a goal. Be prepared. Work hard. Have fun.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?
The main reason I came to Zarb is the location. Being so close to New York City, you can find unlimited opportunities and meet people from all over the world.

Internship Experience:
I got an internship for BBC in September 2014. I applied for the internship online, went through three interviews and then got the internship offer. As a Multiplatform Research Intern at BBC, I organized and presented regular reports analyzing digital and linear performance of BBC.com, BBC America and BBC World News. I also responded to ad hoc sales requests and RFPs, and analyzed the impact of social media accounts of BBC Capital, BBC Autos and BBC Travel.

After interning at BBC for 9 months, I got another internship from Turner | Time Warner Inc. As an Ad Sales Research Intern at Turner, I organized reports articulating the dynamics of TBS, TNT and truTV’s audience as well as those of competing networks and programs. I also created and updated category decks and brand positioning decks that position NBA.com, NCAA.com, Bleacher Report and PGA.com positively within the ad sales marketplace.

Work Experience:
Currently I am a Data Analyst at Viacom, the leading global entertainment content company which comprises Paramount Pictures, MTV Channel, Comedy Central, etc.
Viacom operates approximately 170 networks reaching approximately 700 million subscribers in 160 countries.

When I was looking for an internship and a full-time job, Lauren Moy, the Associate Director at Zarb Graduate Business Career Services helped me critique my resume and prepare for interviews. Lauren is extraordinarily professional and always passionate about coaching students. With her tremendous help, I successfully landed an internship at Turner, a full-time job at Omnicom and then another full-time job at Viacom.

Professor Luke Ng also gave me a lot of valuable advice about my career development. He taught me how to improve my English and how to get involved in American culture. Even after I graduated from Hofstra, he still often calls me to ensure my career is on the right track.

My experience working with Viacom has been so rewarding. Everybody is very nice, people care about each other and are always willing to help others. There are a lot of interesting events and learning programs, which you can use to improve your professional skills and get a better understanding of the business and industry.

My proudest moment: After I got hired, my boss told me I was the best of the 35 people she and the team had interviewed. Two of the interviewers became my supporters after the interview and strongly recommended me for hire.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?
I learned how to use different data analytics platforms at the Zarb School, which helped me land the internships and full-time jobs. By taking classes in different areas, including management, finance, marketing, business analytics, etc., I was able to have a broader vision and understanding of the business world.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?
I became the President of the Zarb Asia Pacific Student Association (ZAPSA) in August, 2014. Then I re-organized the association and increased membership by 190% in October, 2014. Working with a team of nine officers, I was able to initiate and organize professional career panels where the CEOs or Presidents of P&G, ABC TV Networks, Ethan Allen, Reebok, etc. were the speakers. Over 700 students participated and benefitted from the events ZAPSA organized.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

1. Be positive, and learn to take the initiative.
2. Never stop improving yourself.
3. Set up career goals and keep working on them.
4. Keep trying until you make it.
5. Be confident and never stop believing in yourself.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

As an undergraduate student, I did a study abroad at Hofstra for a year and loved the school, the people and the location.

Internship Experience:

I had two internships while at Hofstra; one at an advertising agency, and another at a health benefit management company. I obtained both of them through professors who I either worked or had classes with. Both my internships were incredible learning experiences that really contributed to my educational and professional growth. I started my MBA program as a marketing major and, through professors and internships, realized that business analytics would be a better fit for me.

Work Experience:

I obtained my full time position as a Data Analyst at IAC Applications through a referral from a Zarb alumnus. Professor Alex Pelaez also helped tremendously. The Career Center was also an enormous asset in regards to providing advice and best practices when applying for full-time positions and preparing for job interviews.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

I learned the knowledge and technical skills in class, but the out of classroom experiences the Zarb School provides really supplemented my education and taught me valuable lessons. There are so many internship and experiential learning opportunities to take advantage of. As an international student and someone coming from a totally different country and culture, the Zarb School also taught me a lot about the job-seeking process, and how essential soft skills and attitude are so critical.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

My best experiences had to do with the out-of-class activities I was involved in. Of course classes were very rewarding, but getting involved in volunteer work, teaching other students in elementary schools about business analytics and becoming part of the fabric of the community has had a very positive impact in my life. During my last semester, I had the opportunity to teach databases to an 8th grade class as part of The Next Generation Computer Programming Academy, a partnership between the Zarb School, Progressive School and Baldwin Middle School. I loved getting involved with the local community. I found the experience very valuable and rewarding. It's great to see young kids learning new skills and technology, but it's also a great feeling to connect with them and experience the world from their perspective.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

1. First of all I'd say to come into the program with an open mind and a willingness to venture into new experiences (even if they don't initially relate to your intended major or interests).
2. Get to know all your professors and make close connections to the ones you identify with the most. Zarb professors are incredibly helpful and want to see you succeed.
3. Volunteer for as many projects, leadership positions, not-for-profits, and clubs as you can. All this experience will be extremely important when you are looking for a position, and it will help you to learn about new cultures and grow as an individual. The Zarb School has many many opportunities, but do not be afraid to take initiative and start a new venture!
4. Use the tools Hofstra and the Zarb School have to offer. For me this meant going to the Career Center very frequently and getting to know all their staff, upcoming events and career opportunities. They are very friendly and knowledgeable.
5. Have fun and get to know as many people as possible. I've made incredible friends at Hofstra and my experience wouldn't have been the same without them. Having a healthy social life is as important as your studies and career. It is also a great way to network, share experiences, and ask for help!

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

I originally entered Hofstra University completely undecided about my major. During my freshman year, I took a career assessment and was encouraged to look into the career of marketing. In my second semester, I enrolled in my first marketing course and it was there that I found my passion. I was impressed by the countless opportunities in the industry. I was excited to declare my major in marketing and double minors in spanish and global studies during my sophomore year.  

Internship Experience:

I obtained my internship at The Direct Marketing Association through The Marketing Edge Summer Internship Program. As a Conference and Events Intern, I helped plan a conference for over 8,000 marketing professionals held in San Diego during October 2014. It was a great experience, which improved upon my professional writing skills. Most recently, I reached out to a professional from Nickelodeon and alumni of Hofstra for one of Hofstra American Marketing Association’s events and he offered to set-up a tour for our organization during fall 2014’s Marketing Week. He later offered to recommend me for Viacom’s summer 2015 internship program. I interned for Viacom’s Nickelodeon within the Consumer Marketing Department’s Property Marketing team. As a Property Marketing Intern, I worked on the marketing both internally and externally television shows for children ages 6-11. I analyzed strategies of Nickelodeon’s direct and indirect competition, updated company one-sheets on specific Nickelodeon shows, and used NetBase to analyze fans’ social media accounts. These two internships allowed to me to discover the world of marketing beyond the scope of a classroom.

Work Experience:

For my first three years at Hofstra, I worked for The Career Center as a Student Employee. The Career Center not only provided me with the opportunity to grow within a professional office setting, but also enhanced my ability to communicate with professionals and students. They became my work family, and they supported me in ways that I cannot even begin to thank them for.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

Through the required business courses in each aspect of business, from finance and accounting to legal, international business, and even economics and business analytics, the Zarb School has set the foundation to enter any discipline of business. The courses available in marketing have allowed me to focus on elements that I am interested in, including interactive and direct marketing and advertising. Working one-on-one with professors with the courses I have selected as honors options also allowed me to have a more in-depth understanding of marketing. Most recently, I participated in a marketing case competition course through the American Marketing Association, which specifically focuses on a particular existing product on the market and allows us, as a small class of 6 to 10 students, to create new marketing strategies and tactics based upon our research and findings. This class gives us, as marketing students, a glimpse into what our future careers could hold. While attending classes, the Zarb School also offers us with multiple ways to become involved through student organizations, executive speaker series events, student teaching positions, and various ways to give back to the campus and outside community. In addition, the Zarb alumni I have met are extremely active on-campus providing career guidance, advice, and opportunities to students.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

Since I declared my major, my favorite memories and experiences with the Zarb School all encompass the theme of meeting and getting to know different students, faculty members, and professors. Faculty members’, professors’, and even student leaders’ commitment to offering Hofstra students an amazing experience beyond their education has been overwhelming. I have so enjoyed being able to learn through one-on-one honors option programs and conversations with my professors, mentors, and faculty. Some of my closest friends that I have made have been through my leadership positions with Hofstra American Marketing Association. Each and every person has impacted and influenced the positive experience I have had at Hofstra, one that I hope to be able to continue giving back to as an alumni. 

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

The advice I would give to any student at Hofstra would be to become involved. The experiences I have gained outside of the classroom have provided me with the greatest sources of personal and professional growth. Becoming an integral part of the Zarb School of Business opens up such wonderful opportunities to give back to the local communities through programs like the Money & Me Program and Ladder to Leadership. I would definitely encourage students of all majors to attend networking programs and events hosted by student organizations and the Zarb School of Business, as they may lead to potential future internships, careers, and lifelong friendships.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

Hofstra has a great reputation and a good geographic location. It is located on the Long Island, which is peaceful and beautiful. On the other hand, Hofstra is close to New York City, so I could benefit from career opportunities in Manhattan.

Internship Experience:

I started to look for internship opportunities during my second-year of studying accounting. On the one hand, I studied hard to prepare for CPA exams. And on the other hand, I have attended many on-campus workshops and executive speaker series events to learn networking skills and industry trends. One day, I received an email from Dr. Elizabeth Venuti regarding an internship opportunity in FASB. I was so excited about this opportunity, so I replied immediately. Then Dr. Venuti recommended me to Dr. Christine Tan. Dr. Tan trained me in XBRL skills and helped me prepare for the interview. Finally, I succeeded at the interview and was awarded the internship. I really appreciate both Dr. Vernuti and Dr. Tan’s help.

Work Experience:

At FASB, I can network with accounting professionals and learn the latest accounting practices. FASB is definitely an amazing opportunity and to learn from industry experts is priceless.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

There are great professors and networking resources at the Zarb Business School. All of my professors have mentored me throughout my studies. The Graduate Business Career Center is really helpful. Lauren Moy and Barbara Church-Kattan helped me revise my resume and cover letter. In addition, they taught me useful interview and networking skills.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

The best part of studying at Hofstra is that we have a great Zarb Alumni Association. Students have the opportunity to participate in several workshops and events throughout the year with alumni. It is a great opportunity to learn from career experiences and very important for our future career development.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

My advice would be to never give up. This word is simple but useful. It is not an easy task to find a job. There may be many failures before the final success. Keep learning and developing your skills. The hard work will pay off, not only at your next interview, but throughout your professional career.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

I always wanted to come to the United States and experience its diverse and rich culture. I was impressed with the Zarb School’s reputation in the local area, strong relationship with local CPA firms, its proximity to New York City, and the vast opportunities offered to students. The two year experience with Zarb has overwhelmingly confirmed that I definitely made the best choice in selecting Zarb as my school of choice! 

How did you obtain an internship at Henry Schein?

The career fair organized by the Career Center gave me the opportunity to meet recruiters from major firms and companies. The services provided by the Career Center, such as resume critiques, mock interviews, and alumni social events, have prepared me well for the real interviews that I went through. I am also a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting society, which assisted me in building a strong connection with Zarb and Beta alumni.

I had a one-year wonderful internship experience with Henry Schein; a Long Island based Fortune 500 Company. I worked with a great internal audit team, gained first-hand knowledge in internal audit. With the Zarb credentials and my internship experience on my resume, I was fortunate to join one of the “Big Four” accounting firms after graduation. With excitement and dedication, I am opening a new chapter of my life.

Dean Patrick Socci, Dr. Nathan Slavin, Dr. Steve Petra and Dr. Richard Jones have given me great inspiration and encouragement in pursuing my career. I always feel grateful for meeting these great people at Zarb. What I enjoyed most was that I was always able to consult with my professors at any time of the day without even having a formal appointment.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

Get involved in the Zarb community, embrace the culture, and enjoy the journey.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

Zarb has a solid reputation in the local area and has raised numerous successful alumni. I have met many Zarb alumni in my interviews, internship and work. Also, various networking events have given me opportunities to listen and learn from  inspiring people and their professional experiences. I am currently working at Ernst and Young, one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, and owe all my success to Zarb!

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

The Executive Speaker Series and the special lunch meetings that I had with the dean and my professors. The Zarb School always demonstrated that they cared about my academic and professional development.

My MBA from Hofstra University was a foundational stone to my successful career path. I am an assistant professor of marketing at Wright State University and I owe this career success to the marketing faculty at Hofstra for their help, support and guidance.

At Hofstra, I had an opportunity to work with Dr. Barry Berman who elevated my interest in research and teaching. He even coauthored a paper with me which was published in one of the renowned marketing journals. His guidance and support made me realize my interest in academia and initiated my zeal to pursue a PhD in marketing. I enjoyed similar support and guidance from other marketing faculty. For instance, I also was privileged to work with Dr. Boonghee Yoo and published an article with him of equal caliber. I was grateful to the all the marketing faculty for their guidance, wisdom, and assistance as I was initiating my intellectual journey to pursue my career goals.

My MBA along with research publications and various other skills that I learned and honed at Hofstra was a great stepping stone to start my career in academia. The faculty have vested interest to ensure that students succeed in their career goals. Even today, I rely on the faculty time-to-time on academic and career advice. Over the years I have developed a close relationship with the faculty and I consider them as my new extended family!

Why did you decide to come to the Zarb School?

The Zarb School of Business is located very close to New York City. I had access to additional job opportunities and other experiential learning experiences. The Zarb School has a lot resources and influential alumni not only in Long Island, but also in New York City.

How did you obtain your internship at Henry Schein?

I obtained my internship, which was at Henry Schein, through a job fair. I worked on internal auditing at Henry Schein. This experience advanced my communication skills and auditing knowledge. My manager at Henry Schein also helped me a lot. He taught me a lot of practical auditing knowledge. Dr. Elizabeth Venuti and Dr. Daniel Tinkelman, my Zarb professors, also helped me tremendously in regards to my interviews skills, especially when it comes to “Big Four” companies.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

Work hard, be smart.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

The Zarb School offered many wonderful job fairs, which is where I received my internship. Additionally, Zarb School professors are all very kind and knowledgeable. They helped me update my resume and sharpen my interview skills. Dr. Venuti and Dr. Tinkelman really took the time out to prepare me for my future career.  I am currently working at KPMG in Long Island office. Dr. Venuti referred me to this position and I am so thankful to everyone at Zarb for helping make my dream job a reality.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

My favorite memory at the Zarb School was when I received an A from my ACCT 224 class with Dr. Venuti. It was an honor and great reward for all my hard work.

Hello everyone,

I hope everything is well with everyone back at Zarb. I am doing very well myself. I am back in China now. I got my first job working as a junior planner for a 4A advertising agency TBWA\Hakuhodo. Remember the commercial "people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are those who do" for Apple? Remember the "refresh" campaign for Pepsi? So many commercials that professors showed us in class, were created by our company. I am very proud to be a member of the group and am always trying to get prepared for the next "classical" commercial/campaign that will rock the world.

We are in the Beijing office, serving clients such as Infiniti, Renault, Singapore Airlines, Michelin, LEGO and so on. At first, I felt a little bit lost when first came here. I was not used to the business flow and did not know how I would be able to apply what I learned class. But, things are coming together now. I am learning about the culture here, mission, and philosophy. My coworkers are great here, especially my supervisor. No matter how busy she is, she always finds the right balance between work and family time. I am sure I will learn so much from her.

When I first got my job in August, Barbara Church-Kattan and Dr. William James are the first two people I wanted to share the good news with! Do you remember when I turned to you worried about an interview? That was a very hard time for me. I am glad I got through it and I wouldn't have if it wasn't for your help.

I wanted to send my appreciation to you all. Thank you so much for always helping me with the questions I had, even if you answered them a thousand times before. Thank you so much for telling me "Carrie, you are doing great" which I really needed during my hardest time. Thank you for always being constructive and inspiring to me.

Warm Regards,

Carrie Zhang

Hello all,

It has been some time since I last updated you about my professional career. I recently launched an online retail store, UPTOWN Galeria (www.uptowngaleria.com), that markets and sells women’s apparel and lifestyle accessories across the globe. In addition, I have opened a retail store in New Delhi, India, that showcases all the products designed by my team. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you all. This success was not possible without the guidance and support I received studying at Hofstra University. The knowledge, skill set, information, application and other guidance gathered during my education made me realize my dreams and provided me with the tools to make it possible. My experience studying abroad not only provided me with educational knowledge, but also helped me be independent and make decisions. The guidance I received from faculty at the Zarb School of Business and the ways I learned to apply the knowledge I gained practically have truly helped me in my career. I sincerely appreciate your support and thank you for your guidance.

Regards,
Sonam Bhambri

Dear Barbara,

I have some updated news for you. I finally launched my job since graduating at FIS (Fidelity National Information Services) in NYC as an analyst in GRC & Security Team. Everything in the offer letter looks good and I just started working last week.

I cannot say enough to thank you for all your help and warm encourage in the last two years. You are always here for me from the first career counseling appointment, through my career planning confusion, from the first job interview through to the last job interview. This wouldn't have been possible without your help and guidance, especially as an international student.

I will come to thank you in person as soon as the semester starts. Looking forward to see you soon!

Best,

Susan Tang

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

Zarb is very close to New York City where there are so many career opportunities. I knew that Zarb had a great reputation. Graduate Business Career Services really go above and beyond to help their students find internships and employment.

How did you obtain an internship?

I initially heard of The NPD Group through a career center panel. I reached out to company executives and also found alumni to assist me in the process. I also received great recommendations through Graduate Business Career Services. Dean Socci was also instrumental in my success, as he always encouraged and supported me throughout my academic and professional career. I recently completed a summer internship in Houston, Texas and was offered a full time job with The NPD Group upon graduating this December.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

Ask for help from Graduate Business Career Services and faculty. They are always there to lend a helping hand.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

I gained solid skills from my Business Analytics courses. I learned advanced analytics, statistic modeling and data mining. I truly feel that these skills gave me a competitive edge and contributed to my employment at The NPD Group.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

Dean Socci collaborated with me to develop a research project which studies Zarb’s competitiveness in regards to international applicants in China. I gained so much valuable experience from this project. I initiated the idea, and Zarb School was very accepting and encouraging. They listened and were there to assist me every step of the way. It was and continues to be a fantastic experience!

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

The Zarb School has a good reputation in the New York area. Their curriculum meets the goals I have for my career. Zarb faculty are very accomplished in their fields of study. Additionally the Zarb School is recognized by AACSB and the tuition is affordable.

Work/ Internship Experience:

After I graduated from the Zarb business school, I got an internship at NPD Group, which is a global marketing research company. I first met this company one year ago before my graduation at a job fair on campus. We exchanged information and I left my resume with the HR manager. I got an interview opportunity right after the job fair. Then I started to work as a graduate assistant on campus, working on an Assurance of Learning (AOL) project with the Zarb School. I attended almost every alumni event and communicated regularly with the Zarb alumni network and professors. A year later, I contacted the HR manager with my updated resume. I was confident. All my experiences at the Zarb School gave me a foundation to be proud of. I later received the internship with NPD Group. My primary job was to maintain and upgrade databases. I also assisted with some ongoing projects including bug fixes, report generation, and project management. All interns were divided into groups to compete in a case competition. My team won the first place in the final presentation. After NPD's internship, I was provided with a full time job. However, the professor whom I work for when I was a graduate assistant introduced me to my current company, Sun Taiyang Co., which is one of the largest hair extension companies in North America. My primary responsibilities are marketing research and project management. The work is very dynamic and challenging. I could not be happier with the experiences, opportunities and guidance that the Zarb School has provided me. They were truly the building blocks to my current success.

Were there any faculty/administrators who assisted you in your job search?

I benefited from the expertise of the Career Center. They helped me improve my resume and networking skills. Also, having the opportunity of working directly with faculty, particularly, Dr. Keun S. Lee, associate professor of marketing and international business was a very valuable opportunity.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

Be open and be flexible. When connecting with people, show your passion and professionalism. Sincerity is super important. Always be prepared for any opportunity. You never know. There are many ways of finding a job so try them all. Utilize all resources you have, which are several at the Zarb School, and don't be shy. Every time you try, you accumulate experience and knowledge.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

I really benefitted from the comprehensive curriculum and caring faculty members. Everything I learned is valuable. All of the professors I have met at the Zarb School were very helpful. Their way of thinking and talking always inspired and continues to inspire me.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

Dr. Lee is an excellent and experienced professor, from whom I learned tremendously from. He taught me how to sharpen my skills and helped shape my vision for my future. I will always be appreciative to him for this experience. Also, all professors I met were very friendly and helpful. They enjoy spending time with students, welcome any question, and are always ready to help. I really want to thank every professor I met at Zarb.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

Zarb is a reputable school. It has the erudite faculty, great facilities, and offers an excellent location that is so close to New York City. All of these factors made the Zarb School an ideal place for studying and living.

Work Experience:

I am a Finance PhD student in Old Dominion University right now. Dr. Ehsan Nikbakht, Dr. Na Wang, and Dr. David Sessions supported me during the whole PhD application process. The life of a PhD student is not easy, but the experience I had at the Zarb School gave me the skills and confidence to face the challenge. When I study for my PhD, what I learned at Zarb gives me a strong advantage.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

The Zarb School has excellent faculty. The curriculum is well organized, covering practical knowledge in several areas. The faculty helped me to build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge that I continue to use regularly both in my academic and professional endeavors.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

I always remember the first day I arrived the Zarb School. It was not only the first day I arrived at school, but also my first day in the United States. Naturally, I had mixed emotions. I was excited, curious, nervous, and ambitious. All my concerns dissipated when I realized what a great choice I made in choosing the Zarb School.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

Understanding your career plan is important. There are so many resources available at the Zarb School that can build your portfolio for your future career. Students should actively communicate with faculty and make the most of their experience. Zarb faculty are compassionate and knowledgeable – always willing to help you achieve your dreams.

Why did you come to the Zarb School?

My cousin's high school classmate went to the Zarb School and got a job offer after she graduated from the school. She highly recommended Zarb's marketing program to me. Zarb's close proximity to New York City was also a great selling point.

Work Experience: Where do you currently work?

I currently work full-time as a Tag Manager at Dow Jones. Dow Jones called me and asked if I was interested in the position. I went through the interview process, and within a week, I received the offer.

Graduate Business Career Services (Lisa Kellerman and Barbara Church- Kattan) gave me a lot of career advice when I was at school, which was extremely helpful!
My proudest moment working for my employer was when I successfully presented a project to the Chief Technology Officer.

How did the Zarb School prepare you for your career?

Speaking with the staff at Graduate Business Career Services, professors at the Zarb School, and the successful industry experts invited by the school really helped to prepare me for my career. I learned a tremendous amount from them all.

What is your favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?

My favorite memory was when I represented my former employer at Hofstra University’s career fair.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?

Never feel that you have reached your maximum potential. Always continue to learn and look for new opportunities.

“The class gave me a better understanding of what investment banks and hedge funds do. I found differentiating between the “buy” side and the “sell” side to be extremely helpful to understand how the money and capital markets work. Overall, I learned so much especially at Goldman and the New York Stock Exchange. I found it valuable to hear professionals in the field speak about their roles.” - Chris H.

“The hand-on approach of this class has been amazing. I can honestly say that I feel much more prepared for entering the financial world than any other class has provided. Talking with the different employees in various fields has given me a solid understanding of the overall money and capital markets and provided me with a direction. I absolutely recommend continuing the program.” - Maria F.

“I did not expect to learn nearly as much as I did over the past ten days. This course has given me a better understanding of financial institutions. I loved learning about all the different positions offered in the finance field. It has really opened my eyes to the world of finance and I believe it will be a course that will help me shape my future.” - Harvey R.

“Thanks to this class, I have a much GREATER understanding of where the money and capital markets are heading. I consider this knowledge invaluable to my career and my future in the industry.” - Robert E.

“This class has improved my knowledge and understanding of the money and capital markets by both the lectures we had in class and the amazing trips we went on. Before taking this class, I didn’t really understand my major or at least what the financial world is about.”- Mindy L.

“The city visits were the most educational part of the course. It was like travelling to Italy to learn Italian. Going inside banks and learning from people who are currently in the financial markets was incredibly critical as an educational experience.” - Alex R.

“This class I think has been one of the best finance classes I have taken. I’ve learned about fixed income, equities, derivatives and risk and return. This class taught me real life skills I couldn’t have learned in another class. I loved going on the trips and meeting actual Hofstra alumni and it made me believe that if they could do it then I can do it.” - Anthony S.

“Honestly, this class was my favorite class of my college experience. No class has ever given me the experience that this class gave me.”- Al A.

“I have a much better understanding about what an investment bank, hedge fund, private equity firm, credit rating agencies and the Federal Reserve do now.”- Paul P.

Take a look at what our international students from China are experiencing here at Zarb