Marketing Student Secures Valuable
Internships through University Career Services
As soon as Ada Lee ’15TCB arrived at St. John's University, she
started thinking about the future. Lee, then a freshman, availed
herself of the many resources available at University Career Services, which
include résumé reviews, networking events and programs allowing
students to "shadow" alumni who work in a particular field.
“I've always been a motivated individual with a great deal of
initiative,” Lee said. “That’s why my freshman advisor suggested
that I visit University Career Services.” Now a sophomore, Lee has
completed her first internship, developed interview skills and made
numerous professional contacts — invaluable experience that will
benefit her upon graduation.
Until visiting University Career Services, Lee was majoring in
legal studies. Then she had the opportunity to shadow marketing
professionals at two New York City employers — Targetcast tcm, a
communications management firm, and the New York Institute of
Technology. The experience convinced her to switch her major to
marketing. “It's never too late to change your major,” Lee
said. “I encourage all students to visit University Career
Services. It's not just for juniors and seniors. Freshmen and
sophomores also benefit from their services.”
Lee secured an internship at CI Visions, Inc., a fashion
marketing and public relations company in Manhattan. "I had my own
computer, and I was sending e-mails to publicists and fashion
directors at big magazines,” she noted. “That experience gave me so
many connections. Since it was a small company, I received a lot of
attention and responsibility. I learned a great deal.”
This summer, Lee hopes to do an internship at an even larger
company, such as Viacom or Condé Nast. She is, however, also
considering a nonprofit firm. “The Vincentian mission of St. John's
has really changed my perspective,” said Lee. “I really want to
give back and spend my life helping others.”
Lee credited the staff at University Career Services with
sharpening her résumé and interview skills. “They provide a very
detailed analysis of your résumé and tell you how you can improve
it,” she said. “Sometimes it's a little painful to hear, but it's
all for the good. It gave me an edge over my peers in a very
competitive marketplace."
While maintaining an active extracurricular schedule that
includes Student Government, Inc.,
serving as a plunge leader for Campus Ministry and
establishing a campus chapter of Circle K International
— a student organization dedicated to leadership training — Lee
still has one eye focused on her future career, and admits her path
is not set in stone.
"You go to college to learn and grow,” she said, “and University
Career Services — with all the opportunities they provide — will
help point you in the right direction."