Creating a career with the help of Gerri Ripp

By Mackenzie Mennucci
Staff Writer, Ionian, Student Newspaper

A certain air of opportunity wafted about the Hynes Athletic Center on Nov. 17, as students filed into Mulcahy gym in their best professional attire. It was an odd occurrence, seeing Iona's students in such serious apparel. However, the future job-seeking Gaels rose to the occasion as they prepare for the transition from campus to career.

The Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development presented the sixth annual Meet a Career Mentor event to an audience of over 200 ambitious students and over 50 mentors from specialized fields that included a vast majority of Iona alumni.

The event was created to inspire undecided and decided students alike to pursue their potential in whichever industry they so desire. Students were also presented with mentors currently in the field to display and convey the true possibility of attaining a job in such discouraging economic times.

As a senior with graduation quickly approaching, Alexander Bishop said, "The event reinforces what college is really about; sometimes the line between work and play gets a little hazy, and this reminds me of my future goals."

While the event boasted many successful mentors, the keynote speaker, Shenan Reed-Golimbu, '97, initiated the conversation with her stirring story of how she garnered her countless accolades in her climb to success. Reed-Golimbu now serves as the chief media officer of the digital media group for Morpheus Media, which she co-founded in 2001.

Students' eyes seemed to light up with hope as Reed-Golimbu spoke succinctly and encouragingly as a former Gael, "Everyone needs a place to excel," she said, and Reed-Golimbu has certainly done so. From overcoming the plights of dyslexia as a child, Reed-Golimbu now represents brands in the digital world like Marc Jacobs, The New York Times and Dior, among many more as one of the most revered names in digital media.

Students and mentors were then able to engage in roundtable discussions with mentors according to the student's major or whatever they wished to explore, exchanging experiences and absorbing information that can only be received from those that have first-hand knowledge from being in the field.

In addition to discussing with their specialized mentors, students were able to network with mentors from various tables, establishing connections that could potentially last a lifetime, or at least lead to a possible internship for next summer.

A journalism mentor and editor of The Journal News offered advice that seemed to resonate and was repeated throughout the room, "Do what scares you-it's the only way you're going to learn."

Many students, upon being asked what provoked them to attend this event, cited the uncertain employment situation with the current economic crisis. Yet as the evening wore on, the mood of the room seemed to become lighter and more optimistic as mentors presented real-life examples of success, reiterating the idea that one can find a job in such conditions as long as they prove their dedication and determination.

As Reed-Golimbu offered in her final words, "You can overcome anything; be willing to push the boundaries and help in any way you can." In resounding agreement the mentors offered: opportunity awaits those who seek it.

Founded in 1940, Iona College is a four-year private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. It is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs.

 

For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Office: (914) 637-2726
Fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu