My name is Jasmine, and I am a junior nursing student and Decker Senior Peer Consultant. This winter break, I had the opportunity to attend the NYC Connect Decker Employer Treks.
Exploring future career paths can feel overwhelming, especially in a field as broad as nursing. Programs like NYC Connect help make that process clearer by giving students the chance to learn directly from healthcare professionals, experience hospital environments, and build meaningful connections. This winter break, I had the opportunity to participate in the NYC Connect Decker Employer Treks, where I visited leading healthcare organizations, gained insight into the nursing profession, and strengthened my professional skills. Here is a look at my experience and what I learned along the way.
Preparation
Before the Employer Treks, I met with the Fleishman Career Center Career Development to make sure I was professionally prepared. I had my resume reviewed, took a professional headshot at the Iris Photobooth, created a LinkedIn profile, and set up a professional email account.
I also researched each hospital’s mission, values, and opportunities using their websites and LinkedIn pages. Using Fleishman’s Networking Questions resource helped me prepare thoughtful questions so I could learn more from employers beyond what was available online.
As the trek approached, I planned my commute and aimed to arrive at each site 15 minutes early. I packed a small notepad for notes and brought copies of my resume. I dressed professionally and wore comfortable shoes, which was especially helpful during the hospital tours.
Employer Trek Experience
During the Employer Treks at NYU Langone and Northwell Health, I heard from hiring managers, nurse managers, and Binghamton alumni. They shared insights about their hospitals, available opportunities, the application process, and what their roles look like day to day. The alumni also spoke about their career journeys and offered advice for students entering the field.
In addition to the panel, we toured medical/surgical, oncology, and pediatric units. This gave me a better sense of the environments I may want to work in and allowed me to connect with healthcare professionals in those areas. Throughout the experience, I asked questions, took notes, and introduced myself to staff while exchanging contact information. Using a LinkedIn QR code made it easy to connect quickly and professionally.
After the Treks
After the Employer Treks, I followed up by connecting with hospital staff on LinkedIn and sending thank you messages. I also engaged with posts about the experience, including the recap shared by Decker Engagement and Event Coordinator Courtney. Seeing how my peers reflected on their experiences reinforced how valuable the opportunity was.
Advice and Tips
NYC Connect week was a meaningful experience that helped me learn more about organizations I may want to intern or work for in the future, especially as someone from New York City. If you are considering applying, here are a few tips:
- Be professional and prepared
- Take notes during presentations and tours
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Network and follow up with professionals afterward
I also recommend reviewing the Fleishman Career Guide and scheduling an appointment with a career staff member to strengthen your networking skills.
I hope this encourages you to apply and take part in next year’s NYC Connect week. It is a great opportunity to explore your interests, build connections, and learn more about your future in healthcare!
Career Support & Sources:
As you explore this resource, we encourage you to take advantage of everything available to support your career journey. Below, you’ll find the sources and contributors that made this guide possible, multiple ways to connect with our office for personalized career support, and some important reminders to keep in mind as you plan your strategy. Be sure to check them out, and remember, our team is always here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
| Reminder | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Use Multiple Sources | Information about careers and education can vary depending on where you look. Try checking several websites and resources when researching anything related to your career development (for example: job outlooks, salaries, industry trends, graduate programs, or fellowships, etc.). This will help you get a fuller, more accurate picture of what employers or admissions committees are looking for. |
| Make Sure to Network | Talking directly with people associated with your career goals or the programs/companies you’re interested in can give you the clearest and most useful insights. Reach out to professionals, recruiters, alumni, or current students to learn what really matters in your field (for example: company expectations, hiring timelines, résumé preferences, graduate program requirements, etc.). Even within the same industry or graduate program type, different organizations and admissions committees may value things differently. Listening carefully to their guidance can help you put your best foot forward. |
| Use AI Ethically in Career Development | AI tools can be a great resource for brainstorming, polishing materials, or practicing interview questions (for example: outlining position description details to guide your documents, generating practice questions, etc.). But it works best when you use it thoughtfully and make sure the final work reflects your own skills and voice. Some employers and graduate programs may not allow AI, so always check instructions carefully. Think of AI as a helper, not a replacement, and remember, Career Consultants are happy to guide you on how to use it effectively! |
| Be Aware of Employment Scams | When searching for jobs or internships, it’s important to stay alert for potential scams, especially when exploring positions outside of Binghamton’s Handshake. Common warning signs include requests for personal or financial information upfront, job offers without interviews, or anything that seems “too good to be true.” To learn more about what to watch for, see real examples, and find out how to protect yourself or respond if you encounter a scam, check out Employment Scam Information – Binghamton University. Staying informed helps you pursue opportunities safely and confidently. |
Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff.
Appointments: You can schedule your 30-minute career session on Handshake. These are offered all year and can be done virtually and in person.
Online Resources: Visit uConnect, our virtual career center that is always accessible to support your career needs.
Picture Source: Courtney Wheeler, Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences
AI Assistance: Portions of this resource may have been developed with support from AI tools (such as ChatGPT by OpenAI or Gemini), used to help synthesize research, generate summaries, and refine formatting. All final content has been reviewed and customized for Binghamton University students.
