SUNY Brockport will celebrate the Class of 2022 May 13-14 during its undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.
The Class of 2022 has experienced a unique and challenging college journey but they’ve persevered. Some will continue on to pursue graduate education, while many others have accepted jobs in their fields of study. Get to know a few of the #EagleEmployed 2022 graduates who have excelled throughout their education at Brockport and will soon take the first step in their career.
Frank Derdzinski
Degree: Business Administration Title: District Manager, Aldi
Who/what can you attribute your success at Brockport to?
I attribute a majority of my success at Brockport to my full schedule being an athlete and the time-management skills I developed as a result. The jam-packed schedule I have had as a student-athlete forced me to stay on top of school work to remain in good academic standing. Furthermore, the work ethic and competitive nature required to compete at the college level has also spilled over into my academic and soon-to-be professional career.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to about entering the workforce?
I’m most looking forward to seeing how what I’ve learned in the classroom will be applied in the real world. In other words, I’m most excited to obtain real-world experience in addition to my classroom education.
How did you find out about the job opportunity?
I originally found this job opening on LinkedIn.
What is one piece of advice you would give to Brockport students?
The best piece of advice I would give to new Brockport students is relatively simple, STAY ORGANIZED. With great organization you’ll be able to complete academic work effectively while still being able to participate in student activities.
I found this job opportunity through a professor who gave me names of alumni from the journalism department. I reached out to two alums who work at the news station and they reached out to connect me with their news director.
Who/what can you attribute your success at Brockport to?
I attribute this success to my journalism advisor and mentor, Kim Young. She went above and beyond to help me improve my news writing, and give me an internship opportunity that boosted me in the right direction career-wise. My criminal justice advisor, Joseph Cochran, also guided me the past four years into a direction I truly wanted to be in.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to about entering the workforce?
I look forward to being able to make money doing what I love, in a new city I also love. I can’t wait to feel successful and feel like “I made it”.
What is one piece of advice you would give to Brockport students?
One piece of advice I would give to any student is to not give up and not to settle. I went through two majors before I found the one meant for me, as well as numerous minors. It took until junior year for me to find my passion. I don’t regret the timeline at all. Work hard, connect with professors, and get involved. This college has so many amazing opportunities, you just have to know the right people and jump out of your comfort zone to find them.
Rhonda-Lee Forbes
Degree: Computer Science Title: Odoo, Technical Support Specialist
How did you find out about the job opportunity?
I learned about Odoo through my own research on LinkedIn. A few weeks after my initial discovery, the Buffalo-based branch came to campus and spoke in one of my courses. After talking to the recruiter, I decided to apply for the position of technical support specialist.
Who/what can you attribute your success at Brockport to?
I attribute my success to a few people from Brockport. Dr. Adita Kulkarni, Dr. Mehruz Kamal, Dr. Eugenyia Ekiert-Iskrenova, Dr. Eric Owusu and Daniel Rogers from the Computing Sciences Department. As well as Dr. Rebecca Smith from the Mathematics Department. I also have to mention Krystal Perlman from the Brockport Information Technology Services (BITS) because she gave me the work experience that helped me land the job. I love and respect these people so much for helping me get to where I am today.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to about entering the workforce in your field?
The learning experience! I learned so much from Brockport Information & Technology Services (BITS) and I am excited to learn more at Odoo.
What is one piece of advice you would give to Brockport students?
It’s hard, but it is doable. You just have to push yourself.
Clare McCulloch
Major: Business Administration & Finance Title: Financial Analyst, Amazon Finance Rotation Program (AFRP)
How did you find out about the job opportunity?
I found this job on Handshake through a campus recruiter.
Who/what can you attribute your success at Brockport to?
My professors, friends, and family who always encouraged me and shaped my work ethic.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to about entering the workforce in your field?
I am looking forward to joining a rotational program tailored to recent graduates like myself. I will have the opportunity to work in different finance roles at Amazon allowing me to continuously learn and grow, all while applying what I learned here at Brockport.
What is one piece of advice you would give to Brockport students?
You can only be as confident as you feel, so always have faith in yourself!
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