Hartigan Forum Prepares Future Educators

March 05, 2012

If you want to succeed in the field of Education, you’d better prepare for the job search.

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St. John’s University students did precisely that at the Alumni Insider’s View…Maureen A. Hartigan Forum, an event in which alumni and professionals came to campus to share insight and provide valuable mentorship.

“The importance of networking cannot be stressed enough,” said Dr. Jerrold Ross, Dean of St. John’s The School of Education. “For you, today is the beginning of that process.”

James F. McKenna, Superintendent of Schools of the Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSC, delivered a keynote address in which he encouraged students to be personable and speak beyond their resumes in order to sell themselves during job interviews.

The event concluded with mentoring sessions led by Larry Burke ’73Ed, ’77GEd, Elementary Education Facilitator, and Maureen Henry ’82GEd, Secondary Education Facilitator. They asked students a series of sample questions and shared their personal experiences to prepare them for future interviews.

Students found the process helpful and feel more confident to join the work force.

“I learned a lot today,” said Robet Kinicki ’12Ed. “I expect my first year as a professional to have a lot of ups and downs, but the speakers touched on a lot of my concerns. For example, we discussed how to navigate the line between discipline and fun in the classroom, in addition to how to sell yourself during job interviews. Now I’m more excited than ever to start my career.”

The Maureen A. Hartigan Forum was established in 1988 and is named in honor of Maureen A. Hartigan ’55Ed, former President of The School of Education Alumni Association and a committed alumna. This annual forum provides guidance, insight and practical interviewing skills for Education students.