Greater Results

Greater Results Cultivating career readiness AND Lifelong SUCCESS

Day one. It’s not the day you arrive; it’s the day you graduate that counts.

Once it gets here, we’ll make sure you’re ready to thrive.

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Investment At Merrimack, we believe career preparation is not a one-time event. That’s why Merrimack’s O’Brien Center for Career Development offers four years of programs, resources, and tools, all aimed at one thing: getting you career ready. An integral part of your Merrimack experience, the O’Brien Center’s offerings complement our academic programs and help you cultivate both soft and hard skills—enabling you to achieve academic and professional success.

From one-on-one advice and internships to career fairs and on-campus interviews, you’ll find advice and opportunities around every corner. The results? Many of our graduates land well-paying jobs at sought-after companies and are admitted into competitive graduate programs at top-tier institutions.

Greater Outcomes

97%

Of the class of 2015 were employed, in graduate school, or participating in post-graduate service within nine months of graduation

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24%

Hard skills are teachable abilities, for example, a degree, foreign language proficiency, or computer programming.

Boston College

Soft skills relate to the way you interact with people and may include teamwork, communication, flexibility, patience, and time management.

Of the 2015 class attended graduate schools, including: Notre Dame University Tufts University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Northeastern University Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Villanova University

65%

Of 2015 class participated in at least one internship or co-op

OPPORTUNITY Career preparation tailored to your needs and goals. That’s what you’ll find at Merrimack. You’ll benefit from “wraparound” services, from one-on-one career advice to alumni mentoring to “best fit” internships, co-ops, and jobs.

You’ll spend time with your career advisor who will get to know your strengths, values, and preferences. Together, you’ll match your skills to jobs, companies, and careers.

Gain real-world experience

Pursue your passions while getting valuable, in-the-trenches experience with these opportunities: • Internships—Put your classroom knowledge into action by working for an organization in your field of interest.

• Co-ops—Gain in-depth understanding of a particular industry over several months with these full-time paid opportunities.

• Study abroad—Expand your worldview through life-changing semester-long, yearlong, or short-term global education programs.

• Service learning—Translate Merrimack’s Augustinian values into meaningful community service that builds practical life skills.

• Undergraduate research—Collaborate with faculty members to gain hands-on research experience and insights in your field of study.

• Field experiences—Student teaching practicums, clinical observations, and alumni networking trips augment and deepen your classroom knowledge.

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PREPARATION A Merrimack education will arm you with the soft skills needed in the workplace— problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. With our interdisciplinary blend of academics, cooperative education, internships, study abroad, and service learning, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way. Each new experience helps you build knowledge, confidence, and valuable leadership skills.

“ Merrimack College fully prepared all three of my children for the transition from students to young professionals. In addition to the high-value education they received, Merrimack gave them the tools to craft their own resumes, build a network, and secure internships. We couldn’t be happier or more thankful to the College.”

Joseph N. Russo ’88/P’14/P’16/P’18 Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Atlantic Charter Group Member of the Merrimack College Leadership Council

“ Having hired two Merrimack interns in the past year, I can’t say enough about the quality and value of the Girard School of Business at Merrimack College. Working at companies like Energy New England, students gain real-life business experience, which gives them a significant advantage as they prepare to enter the workforce.”

Vincent J. Ragucci, III ’86/ P’20 Executive Vice President, Energy New England Member of the Merrimack College Leadership Council

“ An analysis of millions of job ads by the workforce analytics firm Burning Glass found that those requiring a bachelor’s degree list more soft skills than technical skills among the set of requirements.

No matter where students choose to go to college, once they’re actually on campus, they should chase after experiences—whether undergraduate research, study abroad, or internships—that will arm them with interpersonal skills. Diving deep into the toughest majors, courses, and activities provides the challenge to work hard and learn from the best professors and peers. Such experiences will provide the most thorough preparation for the challenges, complexity, and ambiguity of the work world after college.”

Harvard Business Review

“ As a Research Associate Intern at LeadBridge Partners, I supported sales strategies by conducting research on large corporations.

I learned many facets of the business while participating in major operational discussions. In fact, it was not uncommon for me to jump in front of the entire team, including our CEO, and run through my report updates. Merrimack connects many students like me with internships at great companies, all across the Greater Boston area. I understand the value of real-world experience, which is why I jumped at this opportunity.”

Mike Mello ’16 Business Administration major, concentration in Marketing and Management

Link college to career with milestones toward your chosen profession with a Career Action Plan

Meet with your career advisor to explore your strengths, values, and preferences

Get connected to internships, co-ops, or research projects

How the O’Brien Center for Career Development helps you become career ready

Preparing for

The future We know that real-world experience matters. That's why we encourage Merrimack students to put their knowledge into action at local businesses, nonprofits, and schools.

In fact, 65% of the 2015 class participated in at least one internship or co-op.

“ 63% of college graduates who completed a paid internship received a job offer, compared to 35% who never interned during their time at school. Graduates with internships also scored a 28% higher starting salary than their peers without internship experience.”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, reported in The Washington Post

Leverage the Merrimack alumni/parent/ employer network to launch your job search

Draft your resume and cover letters

Participate in a Professional Development Retreat

Begin full-time job interviews and practice salary negotiations

“ The goals of the Professional Development Retreat are well aligned with the needs of our professional world. High emotional intelligence and critical thinking set a person apart in this competitive environment and give him or her the tools to succeed.

I applaud your mission to launch a program with a singular focus on developing these essential skills.”

David Morgan ’92 President, Information Technology & Engineering with the Addison Group Member of the Merrimack College Leadership Council

Professional

College Leadership Council

This is a partial list of partners on the College Leadership Council. For the full list, visit merrimack.edu/clc.

Development Retreat A campuswide initiative, Merrimack’s Professional Development Retreat is designed to help upperclassmen gain skills in professionalism, communication, networking, and workplace etiquette.

The two-day retreat includes interactive workshops and activities facilitated by a distinguished group of industry experts, including members of the Merrimack College Leadership Council and corporate partners. The application process is geared toward students who would benefit the most from this additional support— whether they’re seeking an internship or want more opportunities to network with alumni and potential employers.

100% of student attendees found the pilot program beneficial

A pre- and post-survey of Merrimack students who attended the retreat showed: • Higher confidence in entering the workforce

Anthony Borgonzi ’93, Vice President, R&D Finance, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Real-world training

In addition to helping students identify their strengths and develop their own personal elevator pitch, the retreat’s workshops, presentations, and smallgroup sessions focus on building essential personal and professional skills:

• Best experience was connecting with alumni and taking advantage of networking opportunities

• Presentation skills • Communication styles • Networking skills • Collaboration • Adaptability

Based on the success of the pilot program, Merrimack is conducting two Professional Development Retreats—one for seniors and one for juniors—during the 2016–2017 school year.

Throughout the course of two days, students also learn the importance of cultivating emotional intelligence and soft skills, such as problem solving, conflict resolution, and critical observation.

• Greater understanding of individual strengths and abilities

Joanna M. Catalucci ’88, Senior Managing Director & Guggenheim Funds Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Investments Peter J. Caulo ’83, Municipal Money Market Senior Trader, Fixed Income Division, Fidelity Management & Research Company Brian J. Downer ’87/P’18, Chief Procurement Officer, State Street Corporation John E. Greenwood ’93, President, UMass Memorial Medicare Accountable Care Organization Michael J. Loiacano ’95, Partner & Head of North American Healthcare Services, Heidrick & Struggles David B. McSweeney ’88/P’16/P’16, Chief Operating Officer, Merchant Customer Exchange Brian M. Poulliot ’96, Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and Analysis, BJ’s Wholesale Club Ann L. Regan-Flynn P’16, President (retired), Regan Ford Inc. Kevin R. Rhodes ’91, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, Brightcove Inc. Robert E. Sciaudone ’93, Partner, PwC

School

“ My experience at Merrimack has truly helped shape the professional I am today.

From the classroom to the field, I made such incredible relationships and learned so much about myself and my own capabilities.”

Quick facts

Hiring companies

School of Science & Engineering

• 94% employed, in graduate school, or participating in post-graduate service within nine months of graduation • 71% of 2015 science and engineering graduates participated in at least one internship

• Ekteino Laboratories, Inc. • Massachusetts General Hospital • Pfizer Inc. • PROCON • Raytheon • Weston & Sampson, Inc.

Health Sciences

• 94% employed, in graduate school, or participating in post-graduate service within nine months of graduation

• Boston Medical Center • Boston Public Schools • Boston Sports Clubs • Brigham and Women’s Hospital • Delaware State University • Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

Girard School of Business

• 97% employed, in graduate school, or participating in post-graduate service within nine months of graduation

• Brightcove • Citigroup • Fidelity Investments • Morgan Stanley • State Street Corporation • Wayfair LLC

School of Education & Social Policy

• 99% employed, in graduate school, or participating in post-graduate service within nine months of graduation

• Bright Horizons Family Solutions • Head Start • Lahey Health Behavioral Services • Massachusetts Public School System • Melmark New England • Textron Systems

School of Liberal Arts

• 98% employed, in graduate school, or participating in post-graduate service within nine months of graduation

• Dell EMC • Kronos Incorporated • Massachusetts State House • PepsiCo, Inc. • United States Coast Guard • Warner Bros.

Entertainment Inc.

Sam Nunes ’13, Grassroots Marketing Coordinator, New England Revolution

Four schools.

Unlimited possibilities.

Data represents the Class of 2015 surveyed nine months after graduation

“ Helping students understand, and then articulate, their value to employers and graduate schools prepares them to navigate not only their first job but their fifth.”

Courtney Luongo, Assistant Vice President and Executive Director, O’Brien Center for Career Development

“ Teaching is my passion. As an undergrad, I completed pre-practicums at Pentucket Lake Elementary in Haverhill, MA, and Rita Miller School in Westford, MA. I’m now enrolled in the Teacher Education Fellowship program at Merrimack and am pursuing my master’s in English as a second language—while working in a 3rd- and 4th-grade intermediate classroom with English language learners.”

Kate Culverhouse ’16, Human Development major, concentration in Elementary Education

Constructing a revenue model for Watts Water Technologies

Two professors and four students—hailing from the Girard School of Business, School of Liberal Arts, and School of Science & Engineering—recently completed a data analytics project for Watts Water Technologies. The company sought a revenue forecasting model based on historical data and a revenue breakdown for replacement parts versus parts sold for new construction. To address these challenges, the Merrimack team designed a model to forecast Watts Water’s revenue while providing a good statistical fit to the data. To analyze the “replacement versus new construction” issue, they examined the revenue patterns of individual product lines and developed a method for categorizing each item. The team shared their methodology and findings in a detailed report presented to the company’s senior management team. By partnering with Watts Water, Merrimack students gained practical knowledge and relevant skills they can apply in their chosen careers.

Greater

Experiences Internship stories

Sofia Basauri ’19 NASA

Aware of the importance of getting an internship early in her college career, this mechanical engineering major had the opportunity to intern at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory this past summer. “When I opened up my email and saw I had a message from NASA, my heart dropped,” she said. “Finding out I got the internship gave me such an intense rush of emotions.” Sofia gained so much knowledge in her field during her first year at Merrimack that she felt confident applying to NASA as a freshman. “Everything we do at Merrimack is hands on,” she said. “From introduction to engineering classes to the intense study of calculus, professors make sure that students work together and receive guidance from peer tutors and other professors—so that we develop an allaround understanding of the material.”

Dylan Serra ’17 Teradyne, Bose, Raytheon, RDK Engineers

From getting help crafting his resume to brushing up on his interview skills to networking with alumni and attending career fairs, Dylan Serra has taken full advantage of Merrimack’s career resources. These efforts paid off for the mechanical engineering major with externships at Teradyne and Bose and paid internships at Raytheon and RDK Engineers. Says Dylan, “One of the biggest things students can take from their college experience is the opportunity to make connections in the outside world. When I arrived as a freshman, I didn’t even know how to put together a resume. But Merrimack opened many doors for me and helped me every step of the way. Now that I’m in my senior year, I’m confident about my career path, and I have Merrimack to thank for guiding me through the process.”

Kendra Van Pelt ’18 NESN, Starr’s Cave Nature Center, Environment Massachusetts, Merrimack Watershed Council

Like many students, Iowa native and former swim team captain Kendra Van Pelt switched majors a year into college.

Originally a business administration major with a concentration in sports management, Kendra was thrilled to land, with the help of the O’Brien Center, an externship with the New England Sports Network during winter break of her freshman year. While it was “an incredible experience,” she realized that her passions lay in another direction: nonprofit and the environment. Kendra quickly shifted gears to pursue a double major of environmental studies and sustainability (ESS) and political science.

This led her to apply for internship opportunities with Starr’s Cave Nature Center in Burlington, Iowa, Environment Massachusetts, and the Merrimack Watershed Council—all of which provided relevant work experience in her areas of interest. Whether it was getting help crafting a cover letter or tweaking her resume, she continually sought the advice of the staff at the O’Brien Center. Today, she is focused on finding a career that will allow her to blend her interests in giving back and supporting the environment.

Zachary Sears ’15 and Tsyren Ulzetuev ’15 Pfizer, Lawrence General Hospital

Vince Bellino ’15 Putnam Investments, Beacon Health Strategies, Philpott Ball & Werner, and Century Capital Currently employed at Goldman Sachs

This business administration major with a minor in philosophy first tried his hand on the professional tennis circuit before enrolling at Merrimack, where he was captain of the tennis team, male scholarathlete of the year, and finance editor of The Beacon. Vince came to the O’Brien Center in his freshman year for help with interview preparation, among other things. “They gave me the expertise to mold my story, to build my personal brand,” he said.

At the Girard School of Business, management professor Jane Parent used her connections to help him line up an internship with Putnam Investments, the first of four internships, followed by Beacon Health Strategies, Philpott Ball & Werner, and private equity firm Century Capital. He was also inspired by accounting and finance professor Mary Papazian. “She knows the lay of the land,” he said. “She’s been on the trading floor.” Upon graduation, Vince— a commuter who funded his Merrimack education through scholarships and work—landed a job at Goldman Sachs.

As an intern at the Lawrence General Hospital, Tsyren Ulzetuev, a health sciences major from Siberia, gained valuable insights that he was able to apply to his career goal of becoming a surgeon.

An earlier internship, with biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer, came about through cooperation between Kevin Finn, associate professor and chair of the Health Sciences department, and the O’Brien Center. “I was a research assistant in assays,” he said. “There were four of us from Merrimack working there over the summer. O’Brien was very helpful in making this happen.”

Fellow Pfizer intern Zachary Sears, a junior biology major from Wilmington, Massachusetts, worked in “the purification process department, testing new technology” that might help create a cancer-fighting drug. Like Tsyren, he too credits the seamless connection between his professors and the O’Brien Center for helping him find the pharmaceutical internship.

Zachary is currently pursuing his master’s degree in health and wellness management at Merrimack. Upon graduation, he hopes to work in the mental health field helping individuals incorporate exercise with therapy.

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