Then & Now: Kathryn Graves

Kathryn Graves: A North Shore Star! 

This shining star has had a strong presence and positive influence on campus, as many of you may know. Kathryn Graves, graduated in May 2014 with her Bachelor's degree, as a double major in English and Communications. As an undergraduate, she was active in various clubs and organizations at Adelphi, such as Circle K International and the Student Government Association. Kathryn also worked as a Peer Assistant Leader and staff member with Campus Recreation.This girl is a fearless leader with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to give back to the community. She is a member of both the English and Communications Honor Societies and has a volunteering record that would blow anyone away! Kathryn was highly qualified for the Community Fellows Program (CFP) and after completing the internship over the summer, she soared straight into a full-time position! This is what we aim to provide at the Center for Career Development - rewarding internships that ensure success and professional growth. 

THEN

Let's check out what Kathryn has to say about her internship experience:

Q: What impact did the Community Fellows Program have on your personal development?

A: Through the Community Fellows Program, I have met so many amazing people throughout the health system. The work experience gave me the confidence to know I love working in Workforce Readiness. In this department, I can make an impact on education, even without being a teacher!

Q: How did interning at your nonprofit impact your career trajectory?

A: Participating in the Community Fellows Program with North Shore-LIJ, I found a career path that I didn’t even know existed. Through this internship, I found a way to use my passion for education to connect industry with education and enhance students’ learning in high schools. I love that I am able to make a positive impact on students’ lives while working to develop a great workforce for future generations. 

Q: Knowing what you know now, what would you say to current students considering applying for this year's Community Fellows?

A: This is the most valuable program that I’ve been involved in throughout my undergraduate career. Do not hesitate to apply! You’re able to take all of the information, processes, and theories you learn in your classes and apply them to the real world, understanding the relevancy of your curriculum. 

Q: What impact did your presence have on the nonprofit where you interned? What about the community it served?

A: I have helped to enable hands-on learning for high school students through on-site visits throughout the health system. Students learn about careers at the Patient Safety Institute, Emergency Medical Services, Bethpage Distribution Center, the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, and numerous other locations throughout the health system.

NOW

Well, the CFP deadline has passed, and applications are now being reviewed! Let Kathryn's story inspire you and follow this link to read more about her experience as an intern and employee. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates, and remember to apply for next Summer!!! 

Then & Now: Stephanie Lerner

Stephanie Lerner: 

CFP is Worthwhile...The Data Doesn't Lie

Stephanie Lerner, a bright, motivated, and talented young lady soared as a CFP and is continuing to excel as she pursues actuarial science. Stephanie began interning at the Women's Fund of Long Island in 2013 and shortly after, joined their Board of Directors as their youngest member. In honor of her passion and dedication to community service, Stephanie received the title, Community Fellow of the Year, in 2013. Can you believe all of this? I can because the Community Fellows Program (CFP) is designed to help YOU achieve YOUR goals and reach YOUR dreams!

As the CFP deadline is approaching (March 9th), we wanted to highlight Stephanie's success and share in her positivity. Below, is the interview that took place with Ms. Lerner and her feedback and advice regarding CFP. Read closely, absorb deeply, and learn feverishly! 

Q: What impact did the Community Fellows Program have on your personal development?

A: The CFP allowed me to discover my passion for community service work and learn of new ways in ways in which I could fulfill it.  Following my internship, I wanted to continue my involvement with the organization at which I had interned, the Women’s Fund of LI.  I attended events and volunteered at their annual breakfast.  I was shortly thereafter asked if I had wished to join the Board of Directors as their youngest board member.  “Absolutely!” I had said.  Never before would I have imagined I could be part of an organization in this way. I was and am truly honored, for now I get to make decisions that make an impact about issues I am passionate about.

Q: How did interning at your nonprofit impact your career trajectory?

A: My internship opened my eyes to ways in which I could apply what I had been learning in my classes to the real world.  As a math major, I had known of few careers in which I could pursue. Surely I could have been a teacher, but I wanted something different. My internship consisted of data analysis, specifically collecting and analyzing data as it related to women and girls on Long Island. I enjoyed every minute of my internship and fell in love with my ability to tell a story with the data I had collected to make a drastic change.  I learned, as a result of my internship, I wanted a career heavily weighted on math and so began my pursuit of a career as an actuary.

Q: Knowing what you know now, what would you say to current students considering applying for this year's Community Fellows?

A: Go outside your comfort zone. Surely keeping your job as a cashier or waiter is the easier route, but it will not allow you to explore all that is out there in the non-profit world. Being a professional is all about keeping yourself on your toes and challenging yourself, and the CFP prepared me greatly for this. Choose an opportunity that is with an organization that has a mission that you support and work that really sparks your interest. Set goals that you want to accomplish in your internship and work with your manager to reach those goals. I guarantee you will enjoy it just like I did!

Q: What impact did your presence have on the nonprofit where you interned? What about the community it served?

A: The data I collected as part of my internship revealed some shocking statistics that was then used to support the need for programs and services in the Long Island community. The data was shared with potential donors, revealing oftentimes their shock at problems happening in their backyards.  The data revealed that there are barriers preventing women and girls from reaching their full potential in regards to their education, employment, and health.  Prior to my work, there was no Long Island specific data relating to women and girls so I was able to bring something to the table that had not previously existed. There is an extreme lack of data on Long Island, and I was able to fulfill this need to help the community realize that problems do exist.

NOW ... 

Stephanie is interning as an Underwriter in the Excess & Surplus Department at Philadelphia Insurance Companies. She attributes much of her success to the CFP and urges you all to apply and chase your dreams!

The application deadline is now March 9th, so get moving and get in your applications! Be sure to check out the details here or on our website at http://career-center.adelphi.edu/ (Employment Opportunities -> Internships -> Community Fellows Program). Please feel free to stop by the Center for Career Development, in Post Hall, and as always, comments are greatly appreciated :) Best of luck in applying!