Students Network with Major Arts Entities at Arts and Culture Career Day Event

By Kai Jackson

Purchase student presents her resume to Caramoor Arts Center representative. {Photo by Kai Jackson)

Earlier this week during Arts and Culture Career day, students had the opportunity to engage with representatives from museums, performing arts organizations and other cultural arts institutions.

The guest list included representatives from major arts entities such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ArtsWestchester and the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.

Interested students gathered in the Student Services building lobby where they had the chance to sit and hear from representatives about their organization’s mission, possible career paths and their own experience in their work field.

Speaker Samantha Hoover of the Hudson River Museum networks with students. (Photo by Kai Jackson)

Representatives from the Neuberger Museum of Art and the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College were also present to discuss work opportunities for students.

“I think it is smart to bring museums and arts and culture organizations in one place,” said Irene Buccieri, human resource generalist of the Storm King Arts Center.

Director of the Performing Arts Center, Seth Soloway poses with Jennifer Carroll of the Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo by Kai Jackson)

Buccier also gave a glimpse of what she looks for when recruiting students.

“One of the things I look for in recruits is strong writing skills, strong communication skills and an enthusiasm for working for a non profit that is mission driven,” said Buccier.

Photo by Kai Jackson.

After the intros students were able to begin networking as they presented resumes’ and exchanged info with the professionals. Students had the opportunity to network with a range of professionals in different departments such as human resources, research, community, sales, marketing and curating.

Associate Curator Dr. Sarah Graff of the Metropolitan Museum of Art speaks to students. (Photo by Kai Jackson)

“I think it is cool having these opportunities available in the area around us,” said Masaya Funakoshi, a student attendee at the event.

This year’s version of the networking event differentiates from last year’s as the Career and Development department incorporated Performing Arts Organizations for students to engage with. Students also were able to explore explore related academic programs at Purchase.

Kristen Lindberg of the Neuberger speaks to students. (Photo by Kai Jackson)

“We want students to walk away with what our speakers are doing at their institutions and for some students,” said Jessica Mazzia of the Career and Developments Department. “We want them to walk away learning about more internship opportunities.”