BCNY hosted its career fair, where members discovered career and internship opportunities from a wide array of organizations across New York.
Career Prep at BCNY
Career preparation is an integral part of BCNY’s programs. BCNY assists young men on their college journeys with campus tours tailored for Boys’ Club members, college application workshops, and college and career fairs. Our Career Prep programs help members become workforce-ready through training programs with certifications and stipends, job and college interview clinics, and support with securing paid internships.
City Council Member Sandra Ung
Voting is the cornerstone of all democracies and BCNY encourages all members to learn about and participate in the process. Part of this entails learning about careers and internships in government. Council Member Sandra Ungjoined the career fair to discuss with members the role the City Council plays in the lives of Flushing residents and different trajectories that exist for those interested in civic engagement and helping their community. Referencing important aspects of her career, including talking with community members about resources they deserve and working with the mayor to decide budgets, Sandra helped members understand the many processes that underlie working in the democratic process.
FDNY
FDNY Firefighter Jimmy Howell joined members to discuss how the Fire Department offers many opportunities to start a rewarding career in public service. Jimmy showed members some of the tools used to combat fires, explaining the intricacies of certain situations and telling stories along the way. He also told members about the different career paths that exist within FDNY, such as being an EMS, Dispatcher, Fire Protection Inspector, Fire Cadet, and civilian administrator.
NYC Men Teach, Queens College
Members were joined by NYC Men Teach, Queens College educator Leonardo Lopez. NYC Men Teach is an initiative aiming to diversify the teaching pipeline by recruiting and supporting more men of color to become teachers in New York City schools. NYC Men Teach assists interested candidates in finding the pathway to teaching certification that is best for them, in addition to providing hiring, mentoring, professional development, and leadership support and opportunities.
Congresswoman Grace Meng
Evelyn Li, Field Representative for Congresswoman of New York District 6, Grace Meng, joined the career fair to discuss internship opportunities with members. For members unfamiliar with the congresswoman, Evelyn explained some of Grace Meng’s mission and impact, including passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law to combat the rise in hate and violence that increase during the pandemic. Members were curious to learn about the micro and macro impacts that interns could contribute to. They were able to learn about how interests in civics and public service could translate into career preparation opportunities.
Queensborough Community College
Queensborough Community College Admissions Counselor Michelle Gluck attended the career fair, showing members the many career paths that can come from certain majors and those that exist within the college. Members learned about the different academies, such as the Business and Health-Related Sciences Academies, within Queensborough Community College that help students prepare for careers.
YAI Network
BCNY Alum and Compliance and Quality Improvement Manager at YAI, Sidney B. Delince, joined members to discuss their current job and the twists and turns of their career journey. Members were curious about YAI, finding out that YAI and its network of affiliate agencies offer children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) a comprehensive range of services. As an organization, YAI is committed to seeing beyond disability, providing opportunities for people to live, love, work, and learn in their communities.
NYPD
NYPD 911 Dispatch and Community Affairs Representative Amanda Jamie talked with members about the many career paths within NYPD. She highlighted her own journey within NYPD, discussing logistical realities and personal goals. Members learned that within NYPD, one could become a Police Officer, Police Cadet, Traffic Enforcement Agent, Police Communications Technician, School Safety Agent, School Crossing Guard, Auxiliary Police, Police Administrative Aide, Evidence and Property Control Specialist, and more.
With Gratitude
We are thankful to all the people and organizations that attended, including Council Member Sandra Ung, Queensborough Community College Admissions Counselor Michelle Gluck, NYC Men Teach Queens College educator Leonardo Lopez, FDNY Firefighter Jimmy Howell, NYPD 911 Dispatch/Community Affairs Representative Amanda Jamie, BCNY Alum and Compliance and Quality Improvement Manager at YAI Network Sidney B. Delince, and Field Representative for Representative Grace Meng, Evelyn Li.