6 | Features
The Sacred Heart Spectrum
April 13, 2016
Features
Career Development Center Hosts Virtual Career Fair BY MADDALENA TONDI Staff Writer
This past week, Sacred Heart University’s Career Development Center held a Virtual Career Fair from Monday, April 4 to Friday, April 8. Similar to past career fairs, it offered students the opportunity to meet representatives from various companies, obtain interview experience and to possibly receive a job offer. However, this fair was unique for students, because all of the interviews were done virtually. “While we continually host a variety of employer events on campus throughout the year, we wanted to introduce a virtual option as well as it continues to be something both employers and students utilize more,” said Associate Director of Career Placement Ryan Corbalis. Instead of physically going and meeting the representative in person, students just had to create a free account on Spothook.com through their LinkedIn accounts and then choose an appointment time with the company representative they wished to speak to. “As long as a student has an internet connection and video capability, they can connect with a hiring manager directly,” said Corbalis. The platform, Spothook, also offers different features designed to help students have a better interview experience. “In addition to just being able to speak to a company representative the platform we’ve partnered with, Spothook, also includes enhanced features such as note taking, screen sharing, chat and the ability to save and replay your video – which is an incredibly unique and valuable tool for students as they hone their interview skills,” said Corbalis. “The system is also integrated with LinkedIn so it allows the student to share a great deal of information with the interviewer.” The Career Development Center contacted various companies to participate in this event, including ESPN, Federated Insurance, South Bay Early Childhood, New York Life, Nestle Waters, and Manpower.
“We reached out to employers as this is a technology that many have expressed interest in, in order to be more efficient with their recruitment efforts. Spothook also advertised the event to other employers that they’ve partnered with in the past, so the event offered us a great chance to expand our own network and build relationships with new companies. This will all better the opportunities for our students so it’s really a win-win-win situation all around for those involved,” said Corbalis. The positions offered by these companies also varied from general summer internships and office positions to company specific jobs, such as a Graphics Operator for ESPN. “The platform is very customizable for participating organizations, so some were interviewing for specific positions and others were offering the opportunity for more informational conversations similar to what would be had in person at an on-campus career fair like the one we host in the fall,” said Corbalis. This allowed students of many different majors and career paths to gain experience in the interview process and make connections within the working world. “The opportunity to get the exposure and practice for possible real world interviews is something that is so invaluable for when you go for a real job or internship,” said sophomore Kimberly Amoia. “I am very grateful that Sacred Heart gives us these opportunities.” It also allowed students to learn how to be professional even if they weren’t in a traditional interview setting. By incorporating technology into the job search process, the Virtual Career Fair offered a different experience that students could find educational. “I think it is a very interesting idea because it is using new technology that we use in every day life to advance our careers,” said sophomore Alexandra Sabia. According to Corbalis, the Career Development Center plans to continue working with Spothook and to offer more events like this one in the future. “We are always seeking to bring as many potential employers to campus for our students as possible and this platform presented another convenient option for both groups,” said Corbalis.
Fashion & Style: Winged Monkey In Westport BY MARINNA DESANTIS Features Editor
WINGED MONKEY FACEBOOK PAGE
NEW DRESSES JUST IN TIME FOR FORMAL SEASON
With the weather getting warmer, college girls are looking to update their spring wardrobe with this season’s hottest styles. If you’re looking for a hidden gem that
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meets every fashionista’s price point, look no further than Winged Monkey in Westport. The name of this boutique sounds like it’s going to be unusual, but that’s just not the case. The store sells babies’, children’s, juniors’, and women’s clothes; you can truly find something for everyone, When you walk in the store, there’s merchandise filling the entire floor space. To the right, you can look through rompers, sundresses, and trendy juniors clothes. In this area, you can find funky spring pieces that won’t break your budget. From $25 to $100, you can get some amazing pieces without completely draining your wallet. “I’m happy to have a shopping spot in the area so I don’t only have to shop at places like Forever 21,” said senior Alexa Ramirez. “It’s nice to go out and not be wearing the exact same outfit as the next girl.” The left of the store has formal dresses for prom season. These are definitely on the pricier side, as most long dresses are. There were many high school girls shopping with their moms for the perfect prom dress. Communion dresses also line some of the racks during this time of year. “I’ve never heard of this boutique until now, but I will definitely check it out for my commencement ball dress,” said senior Lauren Alecca. The middle of the store has tables of jeans in basically every color and style you can imagine. Their go-to denim brand is Articles of Society. At around $60 for a pair of jeans that are great quality, you really can’t beat the price. The pricier clothes are towards the back of the store. Brands like Skull Cashmere, which is very expensive with many shirts being $250 and up, and Dolce Vita, are in their own section, which is marketed to women. Shoes are always a girl’s best friend, and with dozens of shoes for everyday, nighttime, or special events, it’s easy to find something at Winged Monkey that speaks to you. The employees are very helpful, and if the item you want isn’t in stock they will order it for you on the spot. “Whenever I go to the Winged Monkey the employees are always so quick to help me in the fitting room, whether it’s getting me a new size or styling my outfits,” said senior Toni Bace. The adorable children’s section takes up the entire back of the store. Clothing, toys, and accessories line the walls. This truly makes Winged Monkey a parent’s one stop
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shopping boutique. While the store is lacking a trendy interior like other stores in the area, their merchandise makes up for it. To shop till you drop and get a gorgeous spring wardrobe, check out the Winged Monkey at 384 Post Road East in Westport, CT.
WINGED MONKEY FACEBOOK PAGE
NEW DRESSES JUST IN TIME FOR FORMAL SEASON
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