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MaryEllen Ryan is a Senior Associate Director in the Pulsifer Undergraduate Career Development and the dedicated Career Coach for Finance and Corporate Finance & Accounting (Finance-Focus) Majors.
Career Questions
What is your favorite part of your job as a career coach?
When students come into the office to share great news about landing an internship or full-time role that they’re really excited about!
Your “golden ticket” career services tip?
“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good”. If you are lucky enough to find the “perfect” full-time role, I am absolutely thrilled for you! But few positions are truly “perfect” – like most things in life, they have pros and cons. Evaluate job offers objectively by making a list of the considerations that matter most to you, and seeing if the offer checks off most of the boxes. A job doesn’t have to be “perfect” to be an excellent opportunity and a great foundation for you to start to build your career. Your first job certainly won’t be your last job.
Worst piece of career advice?
“It’s a numbers game – apply for as many jobs as possible.” This is like throwing spaghetti against the wall and hoping something sticks. While there may be certain scenarios where casting a wide net makes sense, a targeted, thoughtful approach is much more effective. Only apply to roles / companies that you are truly interested in, and take the time to make connections at those companies (with both professionals in roles of interest and in Human Resources).
Fun Questions
If you wrote a book, what would it be about?
A children’s book about princesses (inspired by my four year old, who is ALL about princesses, ALL the time!).
If you had a free shopping spree, what would be the first 5 things you would buy?
A couple of months ago, I could have easily rattled off five things I would like to buy. But given what’s going on in the world right now with the coronavirus, and knowing how many families are struggling, I’d donate my free shopping spree to a family in need.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Walt Disney
This or That?
Heels or sneakers? Heels
Beach or pool? Pool
Sweet or savory? Sweet
Lightning Round: Favorites
Dessert: Hot fudge sundae, with vanilla bean ice cream, whip cream and chocolate sprinkles.
Movie and/or TV show: Right now, I’m really into Billions and Homeland.
Podcast: I actually don’t listen to any podcasts…
