University at Buffalo School of Management

at Key Private Bank while finish- ing his degree. "I got my first job at 13 and have been working ever since. But even for students who don't have a lot of work experi- ence, the course helps you see how your classes and life experi- ences can fill your résumé." Far-reaching impact To help run the program, the CRC engages a small army of student volunteers who complete more than 800 interviews per year as the interviewers. In addition, all sophomores prac- tice completing pre-recorded virtual interviews, which are oen used as first-round screens in corporate recruitment. "This program has a dramatic impact on our students' career preparation, and that's really a testament to the hard work of our student volunteers and our recruitment coordi- nator, Kristina Martin," says Michael Paolini, senior associate director in the Career Resource Center. "And, since coming on board as our partner, GEICO has taken the program to a new level. Now, it's not just us helping students improve—it's the people who hire them offering feedback and supporting their development, too." As an added benefit, student volunteers see things from the other side of the table and gain insights they can use in their own interviews. Last year, Shania Chen, BS '21, performed more than 15 practice interviews a week as the program's student assistant, picking up tips from her peers on questions to ask or ways to wrap up the interview. "Practice really makes perfect," says Chen, now a phar- maceutical sales representative with Eli Lilly & Co. in New York. "Some students would have interviews coming up and ask to do more practice to prepare themselves. It was great to see them grow within a couple weeks—and then they'd come back and tell me they got the job." Corporate recruiters notice all that practice, too. Lauren Harris, assistant director for U.S.-East campus recruiting at EY, says School of Management students oen demonstrate a confidence in their abilities that sets them apart from their peers. "Candidates who have gone through the program demon- strate active listening and are not deterred by tougher ques- tions," Harris says. "UB's commitment to helping students build these skills is best in class and certainly gives students from the School of Management an edge over candidates from universities that don't offer this type of program." Chen hanks to UB Sustainability, students can now "shop" for professional attire for interviews or career fairs— all at no cost. Located on the North Campus, the Hired closet is equipped with a dressing room and racks of clothing, shoes and accessories to help students dress the part in professional set- tings. Students can take home the equivalent of one complete outfit to keep per semester, depending on availability. "Obtaining professional attire can pose a significant financial hurdle for young people," says Erin Moscati, sustainability ed- ucation manager at UB. "Hired will help ensure that all UB stu- dents have access to clothing to make a good first impression." Donations of professional attire are welcome. Clothes should be purchased within the past decade, in excellent condition and laundered. Bags and accessories, along with unopened beau- ty and hygiene products, are also accepted. To donate, contact 716-829-5743 or emoscati@buffalo.edu. "We will always be looking for donations," says UB Sustainability graduate assistant Matthew Taboni, BS '21, JD/MBA '25 (pic- tured above). "Fashion is constantly changing, and we want the closet to be able to adapt and grow with the trends." Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki DRESS TO IMPRESS Spring 2022 Buffalo Business 23

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