Ahyiana, Sennie and Kristen, all graduates of CSULB, established Crux New York in 2008. Crux New York features custom-designed jewelry and accessories for men and women. The Career Development Center caught up with the trio to get some of their best career advice for CSULB students and upcoming graduates.
Question: What professional challenges did you face initially after graduating from CSULB and what advice would you give current students to overcome these obstacles?
Ahyiana: Simply put, I had no clue what I wanted to do post graduation. When the job offers were not pouring in I decided to take a part-time position at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Shortly after I interviewed for and got a paid part-time internship in Public Relations at a cable network and essentially started working two part-time jobs to supplement the income for one full-time position. In six months time the internship turned into a full-time position which allowed me to solely work at the network and fully utilize my marketing degree.
With the negativity that surrounds the job market today I would suggest that students prepare and plan heavily for post graduation. Think outside of the box. Look into opportunities and programs that may not give you the automatic result that you are looking for but may assist you in some way in your future job search.
Question: If you could go back to your career at the beginning, what advice would you have given yourself?
Ahyiana: Plan for your future, interview colleagues to see if you may like another area of your business and set short term goals for your career development. Patience is key. I wish someone would have advised me to be more patient in my career in the early stages.
Question: As a professional, what are ways any individual can accelerate their career development?
Ahyiana: Create a niche for yourself and be the best at what you do. If you establish yourself as a go to person that will become invaluable. Become very visible to those in power and take on more work/projects then you are expected to. You should also attend outside classes seminars and network with other industry professionals.
Question: What advice would you give to students entering your specific industry – fashion/entrepreneurship?
Sennie: Pursue internships in your area of interest! This is a time for you to gain exposure to the industry and specifically positions that interest you to get a better understanding of the roles and duties of the positions. Seek out other entrepreneurs in the areas you may be looking to get into to try to understand what obstacles they may have faced or be facing and what steps they may have taken.
Question: What steps did you take to prepare for this career?
Sennie: I tried to build close relationships with my teachers as well as getting involved with social groups related to my specific industry. I also knew that I had a strong interest in fashion so I started my career off working on the merchandising/buying side of the business to expand my knowledge.
Question: What advice would you like to leave for future entrepreneurs that are embarking on their journey in the real world?
Sennie: Know that it is not an easy road and you will continually be challenged but it is well worth it when you are working hard for yourself and doing something that you love.
Question: What was life like for you at CSULB?
Kristen: Life for me at CSULB was positively life altering. From the dorm life to my business class, I was able to gain extremely important life skills during my CSULB studies and extra-curricular activities. For instance, I was President of the Black Business Student Association, which allowed me to develop my leadership skills and team building experience. I was also given the opportunity reach out to the surrounding business community, which I then built into strong networks I utilize today. In addition, my course studies at CSULB were diverse and rewarding. My core curriculum allowed me exposure to various areas of interests from religious studies to public speaking. However, my business courses are what really invigorated me and allowed me to have an edge post-graduation. When I graduated from CSULB, I gained best friends for life, an above average education and positive life memories I still carry to this day.
Question: From your experience, what could students do to supplement their education at CSULB to make them even more competitive and marketable?
Kristen: Internships are very important in order to gain hands on experience in a career of interest. It is practically essential for finding your first job in an area of interest as the competitive landscape of new graduates’ only increases. Furthermore, in internships you develop great networks with co-workers and other professionals in your area of interest which increases the probability of finding a full-time position after college.
Professional associations are also extremely beneficial. Most areas of interest have clubs/association that you can join either through CSULB or independently. For instance, if you are interested in accounting there are professional associations that have student chapters to join. The same applies to Marketing, Entrepreneurship, etc.
Lastly, do your own research. The internet, library, and other industry publication offer a lot of information that you can research to better understand your target career. Taking the time to read a book or an article in your field of interest can give you an edge over the competition.
Question: What advice would you like to leave for future entrepreneurs that are embarking on their journey in the real world?
Sennie and Kristen: Be optimistic. Stay positive and don’t get down on yourself if plans do not unfold as quickly as you may have wanted them to. Furthermore, don’t be scared to change direction: macroeconomic or competitive factors may force you to alter your strategy a bit; this may be necessary for the survival of the new business. Try your best not to procrastinate, there is no one standing over your shoulder telling you when to do things. Entrepreneurship takes a ton of self-initiation. Lead by example as you grow your team--you want them to emulate your behavior and that way you can help influence the culture of your company. Lastly, communicate your business ideas to others so they can give constructive feedback. A stranger on the street may even have something insightful to say about your new venture.
As the slogan states: "Crux, for the diva that does not follow the trends...she sets the trends." Find more information about Crux New York, visit their website at http://www.cruxny.com
It has been four years since I left the
warm and comfortable climate of Long Beach, California. I am currently living in Long Island, NY – where we have four seasons. I currently work as a
Special Agent (Criminal Investigator) for the United States Department of Commerce (USDOC).
I took on this position shortly after serving one year as a paid intern for the Long Beach Regional Office of the USDOC. As a new hire and with no real life experience, I had no choice but to accept a position on the other coast or graduate and be potentially jobless. I accepted the offer. (smile)
I am truly appreciative of everyone who helped me and mentored me in the Career Development Center (CDC). I want to thank everyone who spent countless hours assisting me in revising/editing my resume, as well as their kindness and friendship. I am thankful to the CDC for guiding me into this fun-filled career where there is endless room for growth, opportunities, and advancement. I couldn't have done it without everyone’s support, patience, and guidance.
I hope that ALL students at CSULB continue to use the numerous available resources and assistance, as I have done. It really works and it is possible to get that “dream job”!
A.T.
Class of 2005
College Relations Manager, Jennifer Gaines
Enterprise has been active in on-campus recruiting at CSULB for students at all levels and all disciplines. Enterprise also recruits CSULB alumni. Jennifer Gaines has worked with Enterprise since 2000 and been recruiting @ CSULB since 2005.
You can find more information about their job openings at Enterprise's website or click here to contact Jennifer Gaines.
Organizational Profile:
Enterprise is an entry-level sales and management position with opportunities for growth and advancement. A 4-year degree is required and we promote 100% from within! We are seeking candidates that are passionate about sales and management that have a minimum of one year of face to face sales and customer service experience within the last three years. We are currently hiring all over Southern California!
Who we are:
Unlike our competitors, we have always operated through an extensive network of local, neighborhood offices, each powered by the energy of a small, highly entrepreneurial team. The concept grew from humble beginnings: the basement of a St. Louis car dealership with a small team of bright, ambitious colleagues fielding phone calls, calculating rates and washing cars. Our first customers were the ones who really shaped the business model that we use today. They told us they wanted to rent cars where they live and work. As we built our company, one neighborhood at a time over the years, we also built strong relationships with the people who call those communities home, and it is because of those relationships that we have achieved unprecedented growth.
Through our neighborhood network, Enterprise:
Typical roles for Recent Graduates and Alumni:
Management Trainee
Our management trainees focus on understanding and delivering on the client’s objectives and priorities, and possess the following attributes:
Advice to CSULB students and job seekers:
Start networking now to find that dream career. Don't wait until it is too late! Don't forget to utilize your resources, such as the CSULB Career Center, Career Fairs, and networking with Professors and Professionals that you may meet on campus. Most jobs are found by utilizing your network and establishing a relationship with someone, not by simply applying on-line.
