Office of Career Services

Madeline Minich

Finance, Junior

Lumberton, NJ

Why did you want to become a Career Peer Advisor?

I do not think enough students utilize the tools we have around campus, such as, the offices, professors, websites, and events. I want to help students become aware of everything that have being offered to them and show them the wonderful experiences that can come out of utilizing these resources with a little extra effort.

Why did you pick your major? Were there any factors that influenced your decision?

Originally, I picked my major because I was planning on going to law school after college. I did not want just a politics degree; instead I felt I needed a little extra diversification. When going through my options, I narrowed it down to economics and finance and felt finance would suit me better. I ended up loving finance and am extremely happy with my decision.

After your graduate, how do you plan to use your major? 

I plan to go into investment banking where I can use my degree to analyze stocks and possibly underwrite for IPOs. I enjoy the stock market and plan to use my degree accordingly.

How has Career Services helped you?

Career Services has helped me in many ways. Initially in the beginning of my sophomore year they helped me edit my resume so I could create the best one possible.  Then, I did a mock interview, and it showed what I do and do not do well in interviews.  Also, I made many connections through Speed Networking and the career fairs where I learned of many internship opportunities.

What Career Services event would you recommend to a friend and why?

I really enjoyed Speed Networking; I made some great connections and had a lot of fun.  Also, the Career Fair is an essential event to attend. By putting yourself out there, you are more likely to get a job/internship and get where you want in life.

Have you had a job or internship during your years at CUA?  If so, what were they?

Since being at CUA, I have been at tutor for microeconomics, as well as statistics. Over my freshman summer, I helped scan and organize over 40,000 documents.  Then, over my sophomore summer, I worked at FirstTrust Bank and then interned at Meridian Equity Partners on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself.

When I am really stressed and need to calm down, I watch the Wizard of Oz, my favorite movie.

Henry Szupica

Economics, Junior

Malvern, PA

Why did you want to become a Career Peer Advisor?

I wanted to become a Career Peer Advisor because I thought it would be a valuable learning experience to work with the Office of Career Services.  As I begin to search for internship opportunities and prepare for my search for careers, I believe working as a CPA will help prepare me for the future in, addition to allowing me to assist others in their plans for the future.

Why did you pick your major? Were there any factors that influenced your decision?

I decided to major in Economics because I have a strong interest in the global economy as well as the emerging debt crisis that this nation and so many other countries are facing today.  Additionally, I have an interest in learning how world economic issues can affect certain investment vehicles.

After you graduate, how do you plan to use your major? 

Although I am not completely certain of my future plans, I have considered a future as an economic analyst for an investing firm in addition to a future in personal financial advising.

How has Career Services helped you?

The Office of Career Services has helped me in a variety of ways.  I have had my resume and cover letters critiqued by helpful counselors in the office.  Additionally, I have been to a mock job interview and to one-on-one counseling meetings about careers and internships. 

What Career Services event would you recommend to a friend and why?
My favorite Career Services experience has been the career fairs which occur twice a year.  The career fairs allowed me to gain exposure to a multitude of employers all over the D.C. area.  I highly recommend to anyone looking to start their job search to take advantage of this great opportunity.

Have you had a job or internship during your years at CUA? If so, what were they?

I have worked with housing services on Truck Crew for the last two years on campus.

Have you (or anyone you know) used Cardinal Connection? Were you/they successful?

I used Cardinal Connection to find my current job.  I am also using it currently to assist in a search for internship opportunities this fall.

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself.

For all those wondering, my last name is pronounced Shoe-Pizza.

Erica Gillaspy

Psychology, Junior

Glenside, PA

Why did you want to become a Career Peer Advisor?

I wanted to become a Career Peer Advisor because I think I am a very approachable student that other students will feel comfortable addressing concerns and asking questions.

Why did you pick your major? Were there any factors that influenced your decision?

My major tends to confuse people- I am a psychology major, but I want to work in the field of dentistry.  My goal is to be in a dental practice that addresses the needs of individuals with special care or special needs.

How has Career Services helped you?

The Etiquette Dinner and Career Fairs are the two that come to mind. The Etiquette Dinner taught me how to present myself during an interview over a meal.

What Career Services event would you recommend to a friend and why?

The Campus Employment Fair at the beginning of fall semester.  You never know what opportunities you are going to find there, and you might run into a job that is perfect for you. That is how I got my job at DSS!

Have you had a job or internship during your years at CUA? If so, what were they?

I have my job at Disability Support Services.  I also had an internship over Summer 2012. 

After you graduate, how do you plan to use your major?

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself.

I love being organized.

Monica Rajan

Vocal Performance, Junior

Scarsdale, NY

Why did you want to become a Career Peer Advisor?

I wanted to become a Career Peer Advisor because I am interested in learning more about the information and events offered through Career Services.  I also wanted to help promote these events to the CUA community.

Why did you pick your major? Were there any factors that influenced your decision?

I have always had a strong inclination towards music from a very young age, so it only seemed natural to continue studying Voice in college. I also really liked the idea of taking my hobby and turning it into a career. 

What do you want to do with your major?

Ideally I would like to perform, travel, and teach. I'm also looking into careers in Arts Administration or writing for the arts section of a newspaper.

How has Career Services helped you?

Career Services helped me to improve upon my resume with one-on-one conversations and advice from which I benefitted.

Have you (or anyone you know) used Cardinal Connection? Were you/they successful?

Yes, I know friends who found their summer jobs in DC through Cardinal Connection.

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself.

I'm born on February 29^th, so I only have a birthday every four years! I also share this birthday with 3 other people in my family.

Theresa Krawiec

Biology Major,

Pre-Med, Junior

Quinton, NJ

Why did you want to become a Career Peer Advisor?

I wanted to become a Career Peer Advisor to help students on their path to a successful career. I want to share some of my experiences to better inform students about various jobs, internships, research positions, etc.

Why did you pick your major? Were there any factors that influenced your decision?

I chose to major in Biology upon entering CUA because I have a passion for science. I enjoy the analytical and demanding field of biology (along with other sciences) because it pushes me to think and reason in ways that I do not normally do in daily life.

What do you want to do with your major?

With a major in Biology, I hope to enroll in Medical School upon graduation. My goal is to become an Orthopedic surgeon and specialize in sports medicine.

How has Career Services helped you?

Career Services helped me look for jobs and internships on campus and around DC. Additionally, they have helped me create and edit my resume which has landed me part-time jobs in the area.

What Career Services event would you recommend to a friend and why?

I would recommend the resume workshops to my friends. A resume is essential in applying from part/full-time jobs and internships.

Have you had a job or internship during your years at CUA? If so, what were they?

During my two years at CUA I have, and currently, work two part-time jobs. On campus, I tutor students for the Center for Academic Success in subjects such as chemistry and biology. Off campus, I work at National’s Ballpark as a concessions manager. Additionally, I have interned at The Spanish Catholic Center’s Medical Clinic in Columbia Heights.

Have you (or anyone you know) used Cardinal Connection? Were you/they successful?

I personally used Cardinal Connection to look for jobs in DC during the summer. Although I have not applied directly through Cardinal Connection, the website helped guide me in the general direction for a great summer job.

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself.

I commute to school every day, but I don’t live in an apartment or house; I live on a boat on the Potomac River in Southwest DC.

Ashley Potts

International Business, Junior

Virginia

Why did you want to become a Career Peer Advisor?

When I discovered the Career Services Office, I wish I had come sooner.  There are so many great resources, and I want to help other students learn about it as soon as possible.

Why did you pick your major? Were there any factors that influenced your decision?

I picked International Business because I have always been interested in other people and cultures.  Many of my friends were not originally born in the U.S., so I was introduced to all different cultures from a young age.  It helped me figure out what I wanted to do in college.

What are your plans for after you graduate?

My dream job is with the Foreign Services.  Before starting my career, I am also considering the Peace Corps right after graduation. 

How has Career Services helped you? What has been your experience with Career Services? 

I discovered Career Services my sophomore year, and they helped me with my resume.  Only after getting the help I needed, did I find out about all the activities they host. Cardinal Connection, and their other online job search databases, helped me find my internship.

What Career Services event would you recommend to a friend and why?

I would recommend the Etiquette Dinner.  You learn the correct way to eat in a business environment and also get a chance to eat a great meal for free.

Have you had a job or internship during your years at CUA? If so, what were they?

I had a job my sophomore year with Campus Security.  This year, I have an internship with a non-profit company called Counterpart International.

Tell us a fun/random fact about yourself.

I am an Army Brat, so I’ve lived all across the US growing up.