This is not a story about Connor Smith's '23 rewarding internship experience, because Connor didn't have one.
"I would encourage people not to do what I did."
Connor applied to several internships before his senior year, but nothing panned out, and he gave up the search. On the one hand, that really freed up his schedule for his final year in college. But on the other hand...
"I think most of the time I was looking for a job and couldn't find one, I really attribute that to not having an internship."
But what Connor did have, even as an alumnus, was the full support of The MacDonnell Career and Internship Center. Alumni can make an appointment with the Center through Handshake and meet with a staff member for assistance with anything including resume writing, cover letters, career guidance, and more.
Connor got connected with a career advisor who helped him apply for different positions and led him through mock interviews.
"Alicia Pepe and her entire team, they were invaluable. I know that's not specific for me. They've helped so many alumni who feel the same way I do."
Connor got a notification via Handshake with a job posting and personal recommendation to apply. In fact, he was encouraged to apply to three different openings at Ayco, and as soon as he hit submit on the application, Alicia followed up with next steps.
"She game me three to different contacts to call. They were all Siena graduates who work at Ayco. I spoke with them and got great advice on how to answer certain questions during the interviews."
Connor applied in early December was offered a job last month. He'll begin his career as a wealth management analyst in a couple weeks.
"During the job search, I was disheartened at times, but I never gave up because I knew I had Siena at my back as a resource. There's not much I can ask Siena for that they don't give back to me."
