Student Resources

New Career Development Director Stresses Graduate Support

Iona’s Career Services Office is no more ― in a sense. Its replacement, the new Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development was inaugurated in October, with long-time Iona employee Marie Riffel appointed as its director. Riffel projects a clear vision for how her office stands ready to work with Iona students at every stage of their careers.

Originally hired nine years ago to focus on the career needs of graduate and professional studies students, Riffel understands this population well. “These students have a different focus than that of traditional college students. They need different kinds of guidance and job search strategies,” said Riffel. To that end, the Center has many online tools that assist the specific needs of the graduate student, while still serving the undergraduate population.

For example, “Iona Hot Jobs” lists not only entry-level positions, but also jobs for experienced individuals. Also, Career Search has the facility to search not only by industry, but also within a particular geographic area, allowing students to look for jobs where there lives are centered. And Job Search Links are organized by industry area, with a separate section for Business/MBA students.

“I would love to see more graduate students take advantage of our programming,” Riffel said. “We hold a variety of workshops on topics from resume and cover letter writing, to interviewing techniques to networking that everyone could benefit from.”

The Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development is located on the New Rochelle campus, Spellman Hall, second floor.