Now preparing its fifth cohort of Wagner College students, the Career Activator Program has helped numerous students with professional career development over the years.
“The program consists of a week of workshops followed by three weeks of micro-internships, company visits and pairing of students with an alumni mentor,” explained Paul Barretta, interim dean of the Nicolais School of Business, which oversees the program.
Supported by a grant from the KPMG US Foundation, Wagner launched the three-week residential program for sophomores and juniors studying at the Nicolais School to help them with professional skills.
Seminars included sessions on thinking globally, with assistant professor Giacomo Di Pasquale; public speaking with Anthony Turner, a longtime professor of voice and classically trained singer; networking, with college alumni director Jenny Kelly; and identity-driven leadership with Maisha Cobb, CEO of MPact International and a member of the Nicolais School’s Business Advisory Council.
In addition to the seminars, Career Activator brings the students to major employers in the New York City area. This year students will visit NASDAQ in Manhattan, the New York Red Bulls professional soccer team, and NBA headquarters in New Jersey, among others. The program also includes a mock interview session and social events.
