Sigma Phi Society
Cornell University
Employment and Career Networking
Spring 2013
In 2012 the Epsilon Association initiated a new program to connect alumni and students in mentoring, career advising, and networking. Part of the effort is aimed at connecting alumni with current students interested in internships, summer, part-time and full-time employment.
Securing meaningful summer employment, especially for the younger students, can dramatically enhance a student’s credentials for future employment and graduate school. We hope that the Sigma Phi alumni network can provide these opportunities for these remarkable undergraduates.
The actives compiled the following document of students interested in connecting with alumni for employment. Each year many of these connections take place informally. We are now embarking on amore formal process to identify job opportunities among the alumni and qualified candidates among the actives.
Look carefully at these bios. The Sigma Phi students are highly ranked academically, hold leadership positions across campus, and are active ina wide variety of athletic and extracurricular activities.
Many students have already secured employment or entrance into graduate school. The Epsilon Association hopes that you can assists in identifying opportunities for the balance of students.
Alumni, please review this list. If you know of an opportunity, can offer a position, or have some suggestions for any of these actives, please contact the student directly.
Please provide feedback on this document and process, and suggestions for improving the program to Michael Koby C’93, .
As this project evolves we expect the take advantage of new technology and software to automate the data collection, postings, and communications. If you are aware of the availability of such an app or web-based product, please contact Michael Koby. Finally, alumni who are seeking employment or networking would also benefit from participating in this initiative and are encouraged to contact Michael as well.
Index
Recent Alumni
Anthony Joseph (A.J.) DiValerio III C’08 Cornell 2012
College of Architecture, Art & Planning: Major-Architecture, Minor-City Planning
Seeking: Full-time employment
Field: Architecture, Advertisement, Graphic Design
Matthew Vernon Henderson C'2010 (January 2013 Grad)
College/Major: Applied Economics and Management
Seeking: Permanent Employment
Field: Finance, Real Estate Finance
Seniors (Class of 2013)
Luke J. Namer C’2010
College of Arts and Science, Major: Government, Minor: Film and Spanish
Seeking: Internship or employment for next year.
Field: Film Production, Journalism & Media, and Government Lobbying & Advocacy
Mandela K. Steele-Dadzie C’2010
College of Human Ecology, Policy Analysis and Management
Seeking: Permanent Employment
Field: Healthcare, Consulting, Financial Services Consulting, Research
Juniors (Class of 2014)
Jordan Vance Caines C'2011
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,Applied Economics and Management
Seeking: summer employment (2013), permanent (2014)
Field: healthcare related marketing / finance; consulting
Sophomores (Class of 2015)
Daniel P. Cappetta C’2012
College of A&LS, Applied Economics & Management, Communication Double Major
Seeking: summer employment (2013, 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Sports Management, Talent Representation, Finance, Real Estate
Steven John Szafara Jr. C’2012
School of Hotel Administration
Seeking: summer employment (2013, 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Real estate development & acquisitions, asset management, consulting
Scott B Murphy C'2012
College of Arts & Sciences, Statistics and Economics double major
Seeking: summer employment (2013)
Field: Finance, Business Analytics
Alec Michael Morris C'2012
School of Hotel Administration, Real Estate Finance Minor
Seeking: summer employment (2013)
Field: Real Estate/Hospitality Finance, Hotel/Casino Management
Taylor E Holland C’2012
CALS, Applied Economics and Management
Seeking: summer employment (2013).
Field: Finance, Consulting, Start-up Tech
J. Kofi Acquah C’2012
College of Engineering, Operations Research and Engineering
Seeking: summer employment (2013 and 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Technology, Consulting, Energy
Freshman (Class of 2016)
Robert Knox Linkens C'2013
College of Human Ecology, Design & Environmental Analysis –Human Factors Ergonomics
Seeking: Summer Internship (2013)
Field: User Experience Design/User Interface Design
Brian N Bank C’2013
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Communications
Seeking: Summer employment (2013)
Field: Finance
Eric M. Bloom C’2013
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Seeking: summer internship (2013)
Field: Sports Management, Labor Law
Michael Aaron Wolkon C’2013
School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Industrial and Labor Relations
Seeking: Summer internship/employment (2013)
Field: Law, finance, sports management, business
Ryan E. Lane C’2013
College of Human Ecology
Seeking: Summer Employment/Internship (2013)
Field: Design and Facilities Planning and Management
Student Biographies and Interests
Sigma Phi Recent Alumni
Anthony Joseph (A.J.) DiValerio III C’08
Alum Class of 2012, College of Architecture, Art & Planning: Major-Architecture, Minor-City Planning
Hometown: Philadelphia PA
Cell: 610.306.0108
Email:
Linkedin:
Seeking: Full-time employment
Field: Architecture, Advertisement, Graphic Design
I am currently employed at Archer & Buchanan Architecture LTD, a smaller firm outside of Philadelphia recognized for its exceptional design in residential projects. As a personal side project I do freelance graphic design mainly gaining work through word of mouth. Some clients I’ve done work for include restaurants, charities, music groups, and major financial institutions. My career interests at this time are geared more towards gaining a full-time position at a larger more corporately oriented firm in either the architectural or advertisement industries, preferably outside of Pennsylvania. I realize that these two fields are very unrelated in nature, but I believe that my training as an architect at Cornell has given me a unique set of skills to not only conceive, create and execute ideas in a concise and efficient manner, but has also given me the skills necessary to convey these ideas in a way as to most effectively reach an audience. It is for these reasons why I am also interested in a potential career in advertisement. Architecturally speaking, I am intent on working for a firm that is not only recognized for its progressive designs, but also prides itself in being at the forefront of architectural ingenuity. It is my goal in this regard to obtain a full-time position at a firm that enhances the living and occupancy of buildings through design.
At Cornell I was a four-year, varsity letter recipient member of the Men’s Lightweight Rowing team. I was recruited out of high school where I was a two-time National Champion in the Men’s Varsity Quad for Malvern Preparatory School. My junior year I bronzed at the EARC Sprints Championships in the Second Varsity Boat and earned three consecutive placements on the Wall of Honor (’09-’11) having broken and set many team records, standing still today. When I wasn’t rowing or focusing on my studies I was the rowing team’s representative on the Student Athlete Advisory Council also serving as University Team’s Relations Chair. Bi-monthly meetings were made with student representatives of every varsity sports team to discus, coordinate and execute community service projects as well as philanthropic events to raise money for various charities within the city of Ithaca. I was an avid participant in intramural volleyball winning the intramural championship in 2011 with my co-ed non-Greek affiliated team. Freshman year I became a member of the Solar Decathlon, and Design and Planning Group where I was an active member until I graduated, and at Sigma Phi I was elected as pledge class president and served as the Initiation Chair in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Personally, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, drawing and meeting new people with whom I can share new ideas and experiences with. Some of my fondest Cornell memories occurred when I stayed in Ithaca for a summer with a group of Sigma Phi brothers as well as studying abroad in Istanbul, Turkey the next summer with 8 other architecture students and a fantastic professor.
Matthew Vernon Henderson C'2010
Graduated January 2013, Applied Economics and Management
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
C:(770) 262-0392
E:
Seeking: Permanent Employment (2013)
Field: Finance, Real Estate Finance
I'd like to pursue a career in finance. My aim has always been to work for a global financial institution that can give me the opportunity to reach my full potential. The demanding and energetic environment of finance will allow me to utilize my analytical, computational, and communication skills on a daily basis.
I was born in California but have lived a little outside of Atlanta for the last 15 years. Before coming to Cornell I went to Clemson University in South Carolina. Since coming to Cornell the Sigma Phi Society has been an extremely meaningful part of my life. I developed some lifelong relationships and coming from a large family it has been nice to feel like I have a home away from home.
Seniors – C’2010
Luke J. Namer C’ 2010
Senior Class of 2013, College of Arts and Science, Major: Government, Minor: Film and Spanish
C: 917.648.7294
E.
LinkedIn:
Seeking: Internship or employment for next year.
Field: Film Production, Journalism & Media, and Government Lobbying & Advocacy.
As a Government major I initially began my undergraduate studies focused on global infrastructure development and non-profit work. During my time as an intern for ‘Share Our Strength,’ I was partially put in charge of organizing a citywide canvassing day to educate minors on government sponsored summer meals programs. It was from this communication and organizing effort that I started to find a passion for film as a means of telling a story. This passion led me to pursuit a Film minor at Cornell and to production work with ‘GoodEye Video’ and with the ‘Cornell Daily Sun’ as an Executive Producer of Multimedia. These experiences have motivated me to find a career in the fields of film production, journalism and government policy as I strive to advocate for, through effective communication, marginalized groups in the United States.
I grew up in New York City and went to high school at the United Nations International School where I served as the President of the student body. I spent each summer playing baseball for local city teams and working as a camp counselor. At Cornell, I have held e-board positions for the Cornell International Affairs Review and the Microfinance Club. I have also benefited from the opportunities that the Sigma Phi Society offers. Serving as Co-Oliphant Chair, I helped manage the extremely successful speaker series events with Philippe Petit and Craig Venter. Additionally, while serving as Philanthropy Chair for two semesters, I worked with our brothers to organize the Share Our Strength Charity Dinner and the Bone Marrow Drive. These experiences have not only shown me the importance to get involved in campus extracurricular activities, but to also take advantage of the amazing brotherhood, both with actives and alumni, that the Sigma Phi Society offers.
Mandela K. Steele-Dadzie C’2010
Senior Class of 2013, College of Human Ecology, Policy Analysis and Management
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
C: (609) 784-3347
E:
LinkedIn:
Seeking: Permanent Employment
Field: Healthcare, Consulting, Financial Services Consulting, Research
I am a current senior studying Policy Analysis and Management here at Cornell. While studying different policy realms in the country, I became particularly interested in the field of healthcare. Never really seeing myself entering the industry from a clinical standpoint, the business/operational side of healthcare provision has been my main focus. Hospital administration is where I see myself in the future, with running my own hospital being the ultimate goal. Before that however, I would like to gain some more professional and management experience, which is why I am so interested in consulting.
Over the course of my four years at Cornell I have been quite involved in the Sigma Phi Society as well as other organizations on campus. Within Sigma Phi, I have been Secretary, Social Chair, and Rush Chair. Each of these positions has allowed me to establish myself as a leader within the house and as someone my brothers can look to for responsibility. Outside of the house, I am also a very active member of the Cornell United Men’s Soccer Club. Furthermore, volunteering is a very big part of my life and I am a member of the Cornell Tradition Fellowship which rewards students for volunteering and work experience.
Juniors – C’2011
Jordan Vance Caines C'2011
Junior Class of 2014, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,
Applied Economics and Management
Hometown: Granite Bay, CA
C:916.367.9779
E:
LinkedIn:
Seeking: summer employment (2013), permanent (2014)
Field: healthcare related marketing / finance; consulting
I began my education at Cornell majoring in Biological Sciences and had planned on attending medical school after graduation. Yet after studying and gaining experience in the clinical side of healthcare, I ultimately decided that a career in practicing medicine was not something I still felt passionately about. My interest in becoming a physician was a result of my passion for healthcare. I transferred to the study of Applied Economics and Management and I began to discover the connection between the business world and the life science industry. My interests in the area continued to expand as I took courses such as Pharmaceutical Management and Policy and International Technology Marketing of Biotechnology. This past summer, I further explored this interest while working with a company in the Biotechnology industry. However, I found myself wanting to return to the healthcare industry. I desire an opportunity to combine my passion for the medical field with my keen interest in business.
I was born and raised in Northern California. I was recruited to swim on the Men’s Varsity Swim Team at Cornell. I swam for the Big Red for the last two years. Recently, I was forced to retire due to a shoulder injury. I am an active member of the Sigma Phi Society and currently the Historian for the house. My interests include skiing, hiking, squash and photography.
Sophomores – C’2012
Daniel P. Cappetta C’2012
Sophomore, Class of 2015, College of Agriculture & Life Science, Applied Economics & Management, Communication Double Major
Hometown: Syosset, NY
C:516.376.5506
E:
Seeking: summer employment (2013, 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Sports Management, Talent Representation, Finance, Real Estate
Here at Cornell, I have recently been accepted to the Dyson School of Business Applied Economics & Management. I will be double majoring in the AEM program and Communication. In AEM, I plan on focusing on Finance, while in Communication I plan on focusing on Communication and Information Technologies. I have a wide variety of interests, such as finance, real estate, and entrepreneurship, but with this business background, I hope to one day work in sports. Sports have always been a passion of mine, and the sports entertainment industry is a huge one. The thought of being able to contribute to a sports franchise or league that I have grown up idolizing is extremely exciting to me. I am also interested in going to graduate school to pursue my JD and/or MBA degrees. This would be a great stepping-stone on the path to becoming a Sports Agent, if that is the career that I decide to pursue.
I am involved in a variety of extracurricular activities on Cornell’s campus. As an active member of the Sigma Phi Society, I have been elected as Treasurer and Philanthropy Chair, and also held the position of Social Chair. Philanthropy is a passion of mine, as I believe that individuals who are fortunate enough to not need assistance should give back. Sigma Phi’s current philanthropy endeavors include support of Cornell’s Share Our Strength chapter, of which I am the VP of Operations. Share Our Strength aims to eliminate childhood hunger on a national level, however our chapter focuses on the greater Ithaca area. While contributing to combatting childhood hunger has been a goal of our house for years now, I am also developing new philanthropy initiatives, such as working with the local Special Olympics. We are currently organizing the regional Bowl-a-thon, which should be a successful and rewarding experience. I am the Red Bull Student Brand manager—a job that I thoroughly enjoy and has exposed me to many new and inventive marketing techniques. I am heavily involved in the ILR Sports Business Society. As the club’s Director of Finance, I create and maintain our budget, manage funding of our activities and initiatives, and plan logistics for travel events throughout the semester. I also love sports and have been skiing, and playing basketball and lacrosse for as long as I can remember. At Cornell, I am a member of the Club Basketball team, which won the Ivy League Championship and NIRSA Regional Championship this year.
Steven John Szafara Jr. C’2012
Sophomore Class of 2015, School of Hotel Administration
Hometown: Berwyn, PA
C: 610-308-8530 E:
LinkedIn:
Seeking: summer employment (2013, 2014), permanent (2015)
Field: Real estate development & acquisitions, asset management, consulting
Career Interests:
As a Sophomore in the School of Hotel Administration, I have become very interested in the Real Estate/Finance side of the hotel industry. I am currently pursuing the Real Estate Minor within the Hotel School and hoping to work at a real estate investment firm this upcoming summer to gain experience and determine where, specifically, in the field I want to focus.
About Me:
At Cornell, outside of the classroom and Sigma Phi, I participate in two main extracurricular activities. First, I play on the club soccer team at outside midfield and outside back. I am very involved in the team both on and off the field, currently serving my second term as the social chairman in charge of organizing all off-field events and travel to away games and tournaments. Second, I am a member of the Cornell Hospitality Consulting club (CHC). Our mission is to apply the concepts we learn in the classroom to real world projects by offering our services to companies pro bono. As an analyst, I am currently working on a project pitching a personal safety smart phone application to be purchased in bulk by Cornell University and integrated into the campus safety program.
Within the Sigma Phi Society, I have held various positions in the house so far, currently I am the Social Chairman and Formal Chairman. I am in charge of scheduling and managing all social events sponsored Sigma Phi or hosted at 1 Forest Park Lane.
Outside of Cornell, I am an avid skier, visiting Colorado each winter break to ski Beaver Creek and Vail. In the summer I enjoy hiking, especially along the Appalachian Trail where I have currently hiked over 200 miles and plan on finishing in my lifetime. Finally, I love traveling to all corners of the world and country experiencing different lifestyles and foods.