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Spring/Summer 2011 IN THE CITY AND ABROAD THE NEXT BIG THING TECH INDUSTRY ATTRACTS NEW GRADUATES INTERNSHIPS 101 HOT COMPANIES TO WORK FOR A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEW YORK OBSERVER EXPLORE SUMMER
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Page 1: Education Spring 2011

Spring/Summer 2011Spring/Summer 2011

IN THE CITYAND ABROAD

THE NEXT BIG THINGTECH INDUSTRY ATTRACTS NEW GRADUATES INTERNSHIPS 101HOT COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEW YORK OBSERVER

IN THE CITY

EXPLORESUMMER

EDUCATION APRIL 2011_cover.indd 1 4/7/11 5:38:00 PM

Page 2: Education Spring 2011

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Page 3: Education Spring 2011

3

C ollege graduates used to aspire for a lucrative career in the finance in-dustry. But in the

age of Facebook, Hashable and dot-com start-ups, the dream of the graduating class has shifted a bit. It seems that everyone wants to be the next Mark Zuck-erberg.

Current students dream of his billion-dollar bank account but first must understand they need an idea to get there. At this year’s South by Southwest Accelerator Awards in Austin, Texas, more than 400 compa-nies submitted their Web-based products in March with New York start-ups sprinkled among the most promising entries and finalists. Some look to rede-fine our personal and business discourse, while others looked towards our interactions with news media, government and politics. All of them are a means to inspire and connect current students.

Hashable is the brainchild of Mike Yavonditte, who you may know from the sale of his search engine marketing firm, Quigo Technologies, to AOL for $340 million in 2007. His new site allows integration with LinkedIn, which makes sense because Hashable plays out like a real-time, more social-media-savvy, evolving sibling of LinkedIn. Much of Hashable’s networking potential comes through Twitter connectivity and the use of hash tags.

The goal of the project is to quantify your connections with people, both professional and social. In their own words, Ha-shable is a means to exchange business cards—sans the paper—make intros between yourself and others and “check-in” with people for meetings and calls. Hashable allows users to connect people that other-wise may not find each other and encourages connections

of all kinds through tweets, be it “#beers” with a friend or a “#meeting” with an employee. This type of right-now commu-nication really resonates with students, so it’s no wonder they want to pursue career opportu-nities in the technology field.

Hashable also makes heavy use of popular techie trends with students, like Apple prod-ucts and Foursquare. Some Hashable tweets are even fur-

ther connected through loca-tion descriptor Foursquare, the breakout company at last year’s SXSW Accelerator Awards. Like Foursquare, Hashable also has users in a quasi-competition, in Hashable’s case through the site’s public leaderboard that ranks users on monthly and all-time scales in terms of “Hashcred” and total connec-tions. Though the site’s ease of use and learning curve could be improved—and surely will, con-sidering the project is only five months old—the premise shows a lot of promise, especially with the new iPhone application.

Though the art of the busi-ness card may keep some away, financing by Union Square Ven-tures—who have also helped Zynga, Foursquare and Tumblr get their footing—shows Hash-able may soon become a force in the social-media sphere. For students, it provides a creative form of networking while also signaling that there is a contin-gent of young, fresh ideas look-ing to revise how we interact in business settings.

DocumentCloud is anoth-er New York Web-based project that found success at Accelera-tor. Founded in 2009 by a group of journalists and programmers who worked at The New York Times and ProPublica, Docu-mentCloud is another part of the movement to innovate how the Web publishes and digests news.

“I think there are so many tools out there that can be

THE NEXT BIG THING

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Tech start-ups attracting new graduates By Andrew GuArini

Last year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference.

Page 4: Education Spring 2011

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brought to bear, but journalists don’t generally have access to these tools or the knowledge to use them,” said Aron Pilhofer, one of the project’s found-ers. “We provide a mechanism for reporters to say ‘you don’t have to just take my word for it; here’s the exact sentence on the exact page on the exact docu-ment’ to prove how they know what they know.”

More than just means for creating a source paper trail on documents, DocumentCloud also seeks to help reporters, journalists, researchers and archivists get more out of docu-ments and help newsrooms create a more defined online presence. The Web site contains a myriad of primary source documents ranging from court filings, hearing transcripts, tes-timonies, legislations, reports, memos, meeting minutes and correspondence.

Using the program Open-Calais, the site allows you to analyze your comments, giving you information about people, places and organizations men-tioned in each, in addition to collecting links related to your story that direct you to original reporting. Pilhofer credits the city in helping the company gain traction.

“It’s not so much the abun-dance of media in New York,” said Pilhofer. “It’s more the abundance of talent and of pro-grammers who have an interest in civic and public affairs and have this journalistic curiosity about things.”

For students pursuing a ca-reer in writing or journalism, DocumentCloud stands to be-come an indispensible resource. Apart from purely collecting these primary-source docu-ments, DocumentCloud works to keep them current by letting writers add annotations and notes, both personal and public. The beauty of DocumentCloud is encouraging deeper intro-spection toward current and past events while we write and debate them.

Pilhofer hopes the New York initiative will carry on into their future goals, these being the possible implementation of data analysis and support for multiple languages.

“It would be great for every-one to find and collaborate on these documents in a single place,” he said. “I think it can be

a really valuable tool for cross-border collaborative investiga-tions.”

Another breakout start-up is the Participatory Poli-tics Foundation, a non-profit looking to increase civil engagement, communication between people and leaders and government transparency. The organization seeks to do so by delivering data from govern-ment sources, meaning they desire to make all public data truly public.

“Where we excel is in making this data intelligible and more user-friendly,” said executive director David Moore. “Then we provide outreach for organiza-tions that are active in politi-cal issues and could make use of the liberated data.” Through the construction of open-source

Web tools that build public knowledge and encourage ac-tivism, the foundation wants a political process that is creative and, as their name suggests, participatory. Their project began with OpenCongress.org, which has now become the premiere government transpar-ency Web site with one million visitors per month and 150,000 members.

Moore, like Pilhofer, credits the city in helping the organi-zation reach its potential. “Be-ing in New York we’re plugged into the overall burgeoning New York tech scene,” he said. “Being here is an advantage because the excitement up here is palpable with other organiza-tions looking at open govern-ment issues.”

Moore found similar encour-agement at SXSW.

‘PeoPle weren’t just interested in mobile or the new GrouPon. PeoPle were also interested in findinG start-uPs that involve the oPen Government movement.’

Participatory Politics Foundation Executive Director David Moore.

“People weren’t just interest-ed in mobile or the new Group On,” he said. “People were also interested in finding start-ups that involve the open govern-ment movement.”

In the context of students in New York, PPF is a great tool for student activism and knowl-edge. New York City is rife with protests and conversations per-taining to our political system, and PPF can help students build their platform and increase their presence. Those who are creative enough with the tools the site offers can truly spread their message and craft a de-veloping discourse through the entire political spectrum. For politically minded students in New York, the PPF gives the opportunity to do more than merely scream and stomp your feet.

Moore says the PPF is now looking to spread the openG-government model to all 50 states and the development of projects in cities internationally since the model can be recon-figured for government at any level, anywhere.

Although the tech and social-media world on the Internet has became as crowded as New York City itself, these three companies have found a way to establish themselves as innova-tors in business, personal and political communication. Even better, they’re only just getting started.

So kids, get off Facebook. It’s already been invented.

Page 5: Education Spring 2011

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@NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

@medillschoolFollow us.

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INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS: BRAND MANAGEMENT CONSUMER INSIGHT DIRECT & INTERACTIVE MARKETING PRCRISIS MARKETING MEDIA STRATEGY

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Page 6: Education Spring 2011

F or college students across the globe, summer is a time of exploration, self-fulfillment and expanding their horizons. College

students have the unique opportunity to spend their summers hiking the Spanish Steps, picnicking by the Eiffel Tower or walking along the Great Wall of China—all thanks to the vari-ous summer study-abroad programs offered by area colleges and universi-ties. For students who have never traveled abroad or simply want a taste of independent traveling, a summer study abroad presents the perfect opportunity.

“Summer study-abroad programs can serve as a way to ‘test the waters’ for students who may be apprehen-sive to go for a long-term program or if it is their first time travelling abroad,” said Christopher Hoffman, assistant director of study abroad at Pace University.

This summer, Pace University stu-dents have the opportunity to study abroad in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom, or even a semester at sea.

“The summer [abroad] is a great option for students in a degree pro-gram with a specific track whose cur-riculum does not allow them to take courses abroad during the academic year,” Hoffman said.

Even though New York is often considered the cultural capital of the United States, spending the summer abroad allows students something New York sometimes can’t give students—the chance to be complete-

SUMMER GETAWAYStudents are

taking advantage of summer study-abroad programs

By CHriSTine Liu

Pace University students studying abroad pose in front of a Buddha statue.

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Page 7: Education Spring 2011

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT CHANGE.WE’RE A SCHOOL DEDICATED TO MAKING IT HAPPEN.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN EMERGING PROFESSIONSCreate change and advance your career in Master of Science programs that address important global challenges.

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Environment and Sustainability

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CREATE CHANGE.CE.COLUMBIA.EDU/SPRING6

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Page 8: Education Spring 2011

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ly immersed in another culture. “Students will acquire or improve foreign-

language skills, experience major works of art, exhibitions and events,” said Christopher Nicolussi, senior director of student services and support at New York University. “Stu-dents will also gain a personal understand-ing and knowledge of new places, cultures and people.”

An innovative study abroad program at N.Y.U. takes place in Accra, Ghana, where students will spend an intensive six weeks completely immersed in the field of journal-ism. Students will exercise their disciplines

in reporting, writing, photography or film in one of the most political and culturally rich countries of West Africa.

N.Y.U. also offers the program Shanghai, China: Urbanization, Sustainable Develop-ment in a Transitional Economy, where students will have the opportunity to explore the challenges of environmental sustainability and economic development when rapid urbanization occurs. Students will be exposed to issues such as housing reform, public finance in infrastructure, environmental protection, social welfare and alternative energy.

Studying abroad during the summer offers students a unique opportunity to experience the world outside of their collegiate bubble, something that may not be possible during the fall or spring session due to course load, student organizations or athletics.

Jacqui Gover, a student at Hofstra Univer-sity, will be spending this summer abroad in Sorrento, Italy, as part of the program Hofstra in Italy: A Summer at the Italian Sea-side. Students will experience Italy through day trips to the royal palace and gardens of Caseta; the churches, catacombs and museums of Naples; the island of Capri; and

Clockwise from top: Hofstra

University students in Machu

Picchu; students participating in

the N.Y.U. summer program; a Pace

University student who studied

abroad in India.

Page 9: Education Spring 2011

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Touro College is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

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10

the city of Pompei. Gover is looking forward to experiencing a whole new culture that is completely different from the United States. According to Gover, four years of university just isn’t enough time to absorb the college experience.

“I feel like I’d be missing out if I studied abroad for an entire semester,” she said.

Despite the numerous reasons behind why students chose to travel abroad for the sum-mer, one thing is for sure—they come back irrevocably changed.

“Students return as different people,” said Maria Fixel, a Hofstra University professor. “It’s a life-changing experience.”

But study-abroad programs aren’t all fun and games for college students.

“Students may associate ‘study abroad’ with ‘party abroad,’” Hoffman said. “Our office works with students to make this an in-credible educational opportunity and stress the importance of learning both inside and

outside the classroom.” Gover has a similar mind-set. “I’m also looking forward to improving

my Italian, especially being immersed in the culture, and listening to everyone around me speak it,” she said.

Studying abroad also increases student’s career prospects and gives them a chance to plan their own curriculum—two extremely useful tools in the real world.

“This international component prepares them with the global competence required to succeed in the international marketplace,” Hoffman said. “Students also gain personal development [as] the self-author of their academic and professional endeavors.”

While many other industries and fields have felt the shock waves of a faltering economy, the economic conditions of the past few years have had little or no effect on current summer study abroad programs, the experts said.

“Summer 2011 study abroad is doing very well,” Fixell said. “All seven programs [offered at Hofstra] currently have a strong enrollment.”

But that doesn’t mean studying abroad is cheap. Students prepared to spend the sum-mer abroad must also allocate a budget to use while studying, living and playing abroad, keeping in mind that the cost of living may be higher in other countries.

“Students and families should budget for costs associated with study abroad that include acquiring a passport and/or visa, airfare, exchange rates and personal spend-ing, [all of which] may differ from what the student buys in the United States,” Nicolussi said.

But some universities have come up with their own solutions to what could be a financial difficulty for students hoping to study abroad. As a part of the Pace University exchange program, students can spend an

‘student may associate “study abroad” with “Party abroad.” our office works with students to make this an incredible oPPortunity

and stress the imPortance of learninG both inside and outside the classroom.’

Hofstra students in Sorrento, Italy.

Page 11: Education Spring 2011

More than 1,000 ways to put your world in context.

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Noncredit CoursesProfessional CertificatesGraduate Degrees Undergraduate Degrees

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How to Get Your Book Published

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Reading the Beats

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Page 12: Education Spring 2011

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affordable summer at Lingnan University in Hong Kong.

“With the arrangement we have with Lingnan University, Pace University students will not be charged tuition for the summer,” Hoffman said.

There are also various options for grants or scholarships to help students study abroad. The Global Studies Foundation Student Grant is designed to help students al-ready abroad with foreign-language training and other academic studies, and the Benja-min A. Gilman Scholarship aims to support students who have been underrepresented in study-abroad programs. They encourage students to study abroad in nontraditional locales outside of Western European and Australia.

Once students have made the decision to study abroad, their universities and schools are set to help them prepare for the journey.

“Each program offers a number of pre-departure [meetings,]” Fixel said. “These meetings address local customs, manners, courses, lodging, safety concerns, excursions and weekend travels.”

As far as the courses students take during their time abroad, students are encouraged to sign up for those not generally found in the United States.

“Time is short, so I encourage students to seek out courses they might not choose in the United States, attend events that differ from their typical area of interest and embrace the people they meet who have different back-grounds and perspectives,” Nicolussi said.

Hoffman urges students to take as much as they can from their study-abroad experience.

“Go with an open mind,” he said. “See challenges as an opportunity for personal

and educational growth. Live in the mo-ment. Remember that while your primary purpose is education, try your best to learn as much outside of the classroom.”

For those students who choose not to study abroad, taking courses at a local uni-versity may be a viable option. Campuses all over New York are vibrant in the hot months of summer with exciting experiences beyond textbooks and classrooms.

N.Y.U. offers a new and exciting summer program titled Cultural Capital: Media and the Arts in New York, a program that provides an understanding of how New York City became a media giant. In addition, students will have the opportunity to take another class related to media studies rang-ing from Advertising and Society to Video Art.

The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture (SSA) under the CUNY and CCNY umbrella, is the only leading public school of architecture in New York City. The school is hosting the new Architecture Summer Career Lab for both pre-college and college-level students, an exciting opportu-nity for burgeoning architects. Experienced faculty members and design professionals will guide students step by step through the

stages of design and development. Students will advance from hand-sketches to digital drawings to creating three-dimensional models.

New York University’s Writers in New York program only demands only that you write, and write and write—and rewrite—over the long summer months. Students will study great literary works while constructing poetry or fiction pieces of their own under the guidance of notable authors and editors. The course will pro-vide insight into the craft of writing and revising, and the process of publication. This program gives students the chance to create great works of poetry and literature in the same neighborhood as Mark Twain, James Baldwin, Frank O’Hara, E.E. Cum-mings and Willa Cather.

New York City College of Technology offers a wide array of summer courses, including a potential real estate broker’s dream class—Home Staging: Designed to Sell, during which industry professionals will show students how to stage homes so that potential buyers can picture themselves living in the space.

A program designed for either the doe-eyed high-school senior, the career-minded undergrad or graduate student is N.Y.U.’s Hyperlocal Newsroom Summer Academy, an intensive reporting course that offers students hands-on experience in reporting, photography, creating multimedia report-ing packages and working in a professional newsroom atmosphere—all located right in the heart of East Village. A collaborative project between The New York Times and the N.Y.U. journalism department, this course is one serious résumé builder.

Left, N.Y.U. students studying abroad in Berlin. Right, a Pace University student poses near the Westminster tube.

‘time is short, so i encouraGe students

to seek out courses they miGht not choose

in the united states.’

Page 13: Education Spring 2011

Invites You to Join Our First Annual

Writers’ ConferenCe & intensives

68th Street & Lexington Avenue

ConferenceSaturday, June 4, 2011

8:30am-5:00pm

12 Panels with distinguished writers, editors, publishers, and literary agents, Keynote Speakers

Plus Luncheon and Networking Reception

Participants Include:

And many other distinguished literary figures.

Conference $185 | Conference & Intensives $530 | Intensives $395

Director, Lewis Burke FrumkesFor more information, visit our website:

www.hunter.cuny.edu/ce212.772.4292

Mary Higgins ClarkNelson DeMille

Katha PollitStuart Woods

Christopher Lehmann-Haupt

Daphne Merkin Bruce Jay Friedman

Meg WolitzerRichard Peck

Malachy McCourtJohn Simon

Ben CheeverPatty Marx

Tony HendraSam Lipsyte

Walter Mosley

IntensivesWednesday-Friday, June 1-3, 2011

6:00pm-9:00pm

The Writing CenterWriting | Literature | Cultural Events

Page 14: Education Spring 2011

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April 17Juilliard Jazz at the Blue Notejazz up sunday brunch and join juilliard jazz when they play at the legendary jazz club the Blue note. they’ll pay homage to herbie hancock’s greatest hits, performing them with both classical and updated arrangements. (12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 131 West Third Street, $24.50 at 212-475-8592 or https://www.peltrix.com/bluenote/reservations.cgi?id=8887)

April 19Music Tuesday: Rolf Schulte, violin and James Goldsworthy, pianoGerman-born violinist rolf schulte and pianist james Goldsworthy serve up an afternoon of classical music at sarah lawrence college. the two will tackle works by robert schumann, Donald Martino and johannes Brahms. (1:30 p.m., Reisinger Concert Hall, 1 Mead Way, Bronxville, free)

April 20The 3rd Annual Wallabout Film FestivalWhy go see just one movie when you can see a whole collection of the best student films from around the world? students at the pratt institute produce and curate this once-a-year festival that exposes up and coming filmmakers to the new york city film industry. Watch out, scorsese! (6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, tickets at www.wallabout.org/tickets)

April 22Here on Earth: A Natural History of the Planetscientist and explorer tim

Flannery will discuss his like-titled book and the evolution of earth at this cooper union–sponsored event. Flannery’s list of credits is long, having discovered 40 species

of mammals in australia, published more than 130 scientific papers and been nominated by cate Blanchett for Time’s 2010 person of the year.(6:30 p.m., Rose Auditorium, 41 Cooper Square, free)

April 27A Conversation about Music and Politics: When It Hits You, You Feel No Paincomposer Brian jackson, Fader writer eddie “stats” houghton, Dj laylo, journalist raquel cepeda and others discuss the overlap between music and politics. Megan Bandle of Brooklyn’s south africa house moderates the panel, part of the new school’s graduate program in international affairs’ Media and culture’s conversations series. (6 p.m., Eugene Lang Building, Lang Café, 65 West 11th Street, free)

Here are our picks for the best university-

sanctioned events in the city

By nATALie HowArd

EVENT CALENDAR

Catch an afternoon of classical music with Rolf Schulte and James Goldsworthy at Sarah Lawrence College.

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April 29Distinguished Visitor Series with Damon DunnDamon Dunn, leader of the california G.o.p. and former nFl athlete, stops by the King’s college in this installment of the school’s Distinguished visitor series. Dunn will talk politics, and probably sports, with interviewer Dr. Marvin olasky, editor in chief of WORLD magazine and a presidential scholar at the King’s college. (noon, 350 5th Ave., free, RSVP to [email protected])

May 12nd Annual CUNY New Music Festivalensembles from several different cuny campuses come together to perform original works in a two-concert series. the showcasing groups include conteMpo, nota Bene and cMe. (4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Baruch College Performing Arts Center, Engelman Hall, 55 Lexington Ave., $10)

May 3Intelligence Squared U.S. Debate Series: Don’t give us your poor, your tired, your huddled massesWatch Kansas’ secretary of state Kris Kobach and former republican congressman tom tancredo debate the pros and cons of the country’s current immigration laws with san antonio Mayor julián castro and president and ceo of immigrationWorks

usa tamar jacoby. john Donvan, correspondent for ABC News Nightline, moderates this new york university–hosted event (6:45 p.m., Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 Laguardia Place, $40 at 212-352-3101)

May 6Material Networks | Networked Materialsthe Bard Graduate center hosts this symposium on the interconnectedness of people and objects. Become part of this network and exchange ideas with

speakers delving into the topics of patrimony, travel, trade and correspondence. students enrolled in graduate programs at Bard college will be among the all-day event’s speakers. (9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 18 West 86th St., free)

May 12Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style—Kate BettsBarack may be president, but Michelle is the one in the spotlight at this event sponsored by the Fashion institute of technology. Kate Betts, former editor of Time magazine’s style and Design section, presents and signs copies of her new book about first ladies and their influence over american fashion. (6 p.m., Fred P. Pomerantz Art and Design Center, Katie Murphy Amphitheatre, Seventh Avenue at 27th St., 1st floor, free, register at 212-217-4585)

May 18In Our Lingo: Daisy MartinezGet a taste of puerto rican culture when cuny brings celebrity chef Daisy Martinez to el Museo for a cooking demonstration. the star of Food network’s Viva Daisy! will share some sweet secrets from her cookbook, Daisy Morning, Noon and Night.(6:30 p.m., El Café at El Museo Del Barrio 1230 Fifth Avenue, free, RSVP at www.elmuseo.org/

calendar)

May 21Johnny Mathis in Concertlehman college’s lehman center for the performing arts is bringing out the big guns to celebrate its 30th anniversary season. a full orchestra will join johnny Mathis, lifetime achievement Grammy recipient and two-time inductee into the Grammy hall of Fame, when he croons a set list of his greatest jazz hits and best Broadway musical covers. (8 p.m., 250 Bedford Park Blvd., West, Bronx, $55-$85, 718-960-8833)

June 9Why Chimpanzees Cannot Learn a Language: A New Look at the Evolution of Languagechimps might not be able to learn something new, but you might at this installment of columbia university’s café science series. chat with professor of psychology and psychiatry herb terrace and more of columbia’s most prominent scientists at this informal discussion. (6 p.m., Picnic Market Café, 2665 Broadway, $10)

June 18Freakonomics Radioembrace your inner freak with stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics and host of Freakonomics Radio, when he graces new york university’s main stage. Dubner brings his pop culture philosophy to life in this first-ever live event. (8 p.m., Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 Laguardia Place, $50 at 212-352-3101)

EVENT CALENDAR

Daisy Martinez shares her love of Puerto Rican food.

Michelle Obama will speak at FIT.

Hear the legendary Johnny Mathis in concert.

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T he thought of working for little or no pay would not be taken kindly by most of the working world, but for

college students, this thought is not only a necessary reality but a highly competitive opportunity. Internships can be invaluable for gaining experience and connections, but with so many companies to choose among, it’s hard to know which offer an edu-cation that goes beyond trips to the coffee maker or photocopier. We’ve picked three top intern-ships, in advertising, finance and fashion, that offer realistic insight into working life and a genuinely educative and enrich-ing experience for students. Read our guide to find out what they entail, what makes them so beneficial and how to snag them.

The Flourishing Fashionista

Where: W magazine.When: Fall, spring and

summer semesters.

Who: Students with an interest in journalism, fashion, graphic design or photography are ideal for a position at a fash-ion magazine. If you value your magazine subscriptions more than your library or credit card and think heels and a designer bag are a mandatory part of work attire, you should fit in just fine. Whether applying to W or another magazine, you should be a fan of and familiar with the magazine’s content before-hand. Trust me; they’ll know straight away if you’re not.

What: With its glossy, oversize pages and dedication

to sleek editorials, pioneer-ing photography and savvy cultural reporting, W is the perfect hybrid of fashion, art and culture. Students can ap-ply to intern in one of four de-partments: features, fashion, accessories and fine jewelry. Tasks vary depending on the department, but generally interns transcribe interviews, run errands for editors and research stories. Fashion and accessories interns should also expect to spend a lot of time on their feet organizing the closets and transport-ing items—so make sure your shoes aren’t too killer.

Why: Interns will learn how to conduct themselves in the Condé Nast environment and gain an understand-ing of the ins and outs of the

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS 101:Survival Guide By CoCo meLLorS

Above: Interns hard at work. Left: an internship at W magazine is ideal for an aspiring fashion journalist.

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Page 17: Education Spring 2011

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York Prep is a co-educational college preparatory school for grades 6-12. The School’s approach emphasizes independent thought and builds confidence and graduates go on to the finest colleges and universities.

The York Prep philosophy is that every child can be the hero of his or her academic career. We handcraft a curriculum to maximize the potential of each child, always considering who they are first as individuals rather than trying to fit them into a mold. Our small class size and expert faculty enable each student to grow and reach beyond their comfort level in an atmosphere of nurturing and guidance.

Great teaching at York Prep leads to great college guidance. York Prep is rightfully proud of having Jayme Stewart as its College Guidance Director for over 40 years.

Mrs. Stewart is a legend in her field. Since founding York Prep with her husband, Headmaster Ronald P. Stewart in 1969, she has tirelessly directed the school’s intensive college guidance program. She authored the book, How to Get into the College of Your Choice… and How to Finance It, and her work has influenced the way college guidance is now seen.

The college guidance program at York Prep begins in 9th grade and intensifies in 11th grade. Students attend individual guidance meetings weekly and Mrs. Stewart’s college class bi-weekly. Parents are delighted when they learn that students work on college essays and complete all their applications during Mrs. Stewart’s college class.

“An Intimate Place to Learn in the Heart of a Great City”

York Preparatory School 40 West 68th Street – New York, NY 10023

coeducational college preparatory school serving students from grades 6-12.

Outstanding Academics

Superb College Guidance

An Oasis of Learning and Compassion

Championship Sports Teams

Endless Extracurricular Activities

There IS something for everyone at York Prep!

For more information, contact our Admissions Office at

[email protected] or 212-362-0400.www.yorkprep.org

Reserve Space Now For the september 7th, november 2nd,

january 11th and april 11th issues of

The Educated Observer For advertising information contact:

Barbara Ginsburg Shapiro, Managing Director, 212-407-9383, [email protected]

Daniel D’Andrea, account executive, 212-407-9329, [email protected]

Page 18: Education Spring 2011

18

magazine industry. Interns can also forge useful connec-tions by working closely with editors and communicating with clients on a daily basis.

Insider’s Tip: “It’s not cool to play it cool in an interview,” said Fan Zhong, head of W’s internship program. “So show some enthusiasm and drop the irony. You might seem like a cool person to hang out with, but it doesn’t make you seem like the kind of person we’d want to work with.”

Payment: College credit and a stipend cover-ing travel and lunch.

The Amateur Advertiser

Where: Grey Advertising.When: Ten weeks dur-

ing June and August.Who: Perfect for students

with a passion for pop culture who love watching clips and ads online and are interested in blending business with creative work. No particular major necessary, but a liberal arts or business background is a definite pro. Being a fan of Mad Men can’t hurt either.

What: With titan clients like CoverGirl, E-Trade, Dairy Queen and the NFL under its belt, Grey is the godfather of all advertising agencies. And if you have to start anywhere, start with the godfather. Interns apply to either the account management or cre-ative departments. Around 15

applicants are chosen for each department to work directly with a team covering a specific product. Interns in account management generally shadow the assistant account execu-tive in order get an idea of what an entry-level position entails daily. They also attend client calls and creative brainstorm-ing sessions, do competitive research and learn what a cre-ative brief looks like. Interns in the creative department shadow a junior art director or writer while working with a creative team on several proj-ects at once. They give ideas and help with brainstorming, as well as designing and devel-oping creative concepts and copy that could be used for cur-rent and prospective clients.

Why: Interns at Grey have a truly hands-on experience and the staff takes their role seriously: Each team has to submit a proposal outlining the value of a project for the intern working on it. Grey also actively uses their intern program as a feeding pool for hiring full-time employees and hires around 5 out of every 15 interns taken on each year.

Insider’s Tip: “Do research before the interview and be able to talk about your favorite ads,” said Melissa Morahan, who oversees the internship program. “They don’t have to be Grey-specific, but you should be able to say why you think they were effective.”

Payment: Paid hourly rate.

The Burgeoning Banker

Where: JPMorgan Chase.When: Intern-

ships run all year. Who: Students don’t need

to have studied business or finance, but being comfortable with numbers and having a quick, analytic mind are musts. JPMorgan Chase values diver-sity and looks for well-rounded students, so even if mergers and acquisitions are your passion and Wall Street is your favorite movie of all time, it helps to have other hobbies, as well.

What: JPMorgan Chase offers positions in a range of business areas, including asset management, finance, IB risk, investment banking, opera-tions and business services, sales, trading and research and technology. Whichever area you apply for, expect a good deal of responsibility and hands-on training. Interns perform the same tasks as

full-time analysts and work on proprietary tools and other industry software as well as interacting with clients, senior key players, and a large network of analysts. The social aspect of the internship is also important. The bank organizes out-of-office social events, and after-work drinks with co-workers are encouraged, so don’t be afraid to invite your boss for a round at your local.

Why: JPMorgan Chase genuinely believes internships are a vital resource for meet-ing their company’s future leaders and are dedicated to ensuring that their intern program is as challenging and enriching for students as possible. Interning will also stand any student in good stead for a full-time position; the majority of people who intern for JPMorgan Chase end up joining their team full time.

Insider’s Tip: “Before the interview, candidates should have a clear understanding of what our firm does, who our competitors are and how we distinguish ourselves in the marketplace,” said Melissa Morgan, the private banking campus recruiter for JPMor-gan Chase. “If you haven’t had much interview experience, enroll in practice sessions at your university career services center, videotape yourself or rehearse with a friend.”

Payment: JP Morgan Chase offers competitive compensation packages. G

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Left, one of Grey’s campaigns for DirecTV. Bottom, JPMorgan Chase offices.

Page 19: Education Spring 2011

Christie’s Education Christie’s is the only major auction house in the world that directly runs educational programs at the graduate level. An international team of dedicated art-world experts, academics and practitioners have been brought together who are committed to educating and inspiring the next generation of art-world professionals.

Christie’s Education gives students a unique insight into the functioning of, and history of, the art market with unparalleled access to Christie’s auction house and the works of art that pass through it every week. The history of art is explored through continuing first hand observation of works in many media and students address issues of meaning, originality and authenticity.

Christie’s Education New York has been designated as a

degree-granting institution by the New York State Board of Regents. Our Master’s program in Modern Art, Connoisseurship and the History of the Art Market is registered with the New York State Education Department. A part-time Certificate option in this field of study is also available. In 2007, Christie’s Education New

York was accredited by the New York State Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education in their capacity as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

Christie’s Education New York also offers several short courses on topics as diverse as fine art, wine and jewelry. Each course provides participants with a unique, behind-the-scenes view of the art world.

Inquires+1 212 355 1501 or [email protected] us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/ChristiesEducation

Columbia University’s School of Continuing Educationis a resource for those who wish to take their lives in new directions. It’s mission is to transform knowledge and understanding in service of the greater good–in short, to drive change. The School offers thirteen professional master’s degrees in established and emerging fields: Actuarial Science, Bioethics, Communications Practice, Construction Administration, Fundraising Management, Information and Knowledge Strategy, Landscape Design, Narrative Medicine, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Sports Management, Strategic Communications, Sustainability Management, and Technology Management. Each program provides practical, professional education for students seeking demanding, focused studies.

Both full- and part-time courses are taught by faculty and industry leaders who bring current perspectives into the classroom. The Postbaccalaureate Studies program offers qualified individuals with bachelor’s degrees the opportunity to take courses and certificate programs for graduate school preparation or career advancement. Working with advisers, each student develops a plan of study tailored to his or her background and academic goals, choosing from 50 different university undergraduate and graduate areas of study. The school also offers summer courses, high school programs in New York, Barcelona and Jordan, and a program for learning English as a second language. Though the offerings are diverse, they are unified by a mission to offer innovative instructional programs that meet Columbia’s standard of excellence. www.ce.columbia.edu

The Writing Center, at Hunter College’s Continuing Education Department, strives to provide the community with the very best in creative, intellectual programming. Director Lewis Frumkes will be continuing with the annual Writers’ Conference, which is widely considered to be the finest fiction and non-fiction conference in New York City. The Writers’ Conference will include an extensive array of literary enthusiasts who will be sharing their knowledge, experiences, and advice throughout the 4-days of the Conference. The Writers’ Conference will take place on June 4th, 2011, with intensive seminars taking place during the three evenings leading up the Conference, on June 1st – June 3rd, 2011.

This year, the Writers’ Conference will be featuring three intensives: memoir, fiction, and agents. Meg Wolitzer, who is

the author of This is Your Life, will lead the memoir intensive. The fiction intensive will be guided by Bruce Friedman, the author of Three Balconies: Stories and A Novella and Splash, which won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay. Betsy Lerner, a partner at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency, will instruct the agents intensive. The Conference will also include two keynote speakers, Nelson DeMille and Walter Mosley. Nelson DeMille is the author of many novels, most recently publishing The Lion, and Walter Mosley created the classic series featuring Easy Rawlins and the new mystery series featuring Leonid McGill. In addition to the intensive and keynote speakers, the Writers’ Conference will comprise of twelve panels with a total of seventy distinguished writers, editors, publicists and literary agents promoting hope for the new age of publishing.

For more information contact:The Writing Center at Hunter College CEwww.hunter.cuny.edu/ce212-772-4292

Page 20: Education Spring 2011

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Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business Offers Graduate Students More Flexibility!

Recently ranked among the nation’s top M.B.A. programs by Forbes, and recognized by The Princeton Review, and U.S. News & World Report, the Zarb School provides professionals with the skills necessary to excel and advance in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business world. At Hofstra, students benefit from an intensive education with real-world application, all within close proximity to the nation’s top media and business market – New York City. This means that Zarb students receive real-world training in a variety of industries.

About the ProgramsHofstra University offers a traditional classroom format as well as courses within a digital classroom framework, giving students the flexibility they need to succeed. The Zarb School offers a new online M.B.A. program in strategic business

management, which gives students the opportunity to attain a state-of-the-art education without leaving their current location. All online courses in the program are taught by Hofstra’s business school faculty.

In addition, the 20-month Executive M.B.A. program is for those individuals who hold middle- to senior-level management

positions in private industry, government, and the not-for-profit sector. Classes are held 8 a.m.-6 p.m. every Saturday, giving professionals the opportunity to pursue a degree while maintaining their job responsibilities.

The traditional Zarb M.B.A. may be completed either part-time in the evening or full-time during the day, and students can choose from among 11 concentrations.

Explore the possibilities at hofstra.edu/zarb.

Expertise in the Evaluation and Treatment of APD

The term auditory processing disorder (APD) describes what happens when sound is not interpreted properly. The child hears typically, but as sound moves from the ear to the brain there is a delay of the signal. APD brings challenges to everyday listening tasks and hinders development of language skills. Children with APD can experience frustration, social isolation, and insecurity. But these daily struggles are both common and treatable. Signs of APD often appear at a young age, when a child’s attention span and basic language skills might not be on par with other children. Signs to look for include: - Has difficulty following instructions and conversations - Struggles hearing in noisy environments - Constantly says “what?” or “huh?” - Seems distracted or inattentive - Has difficulty

learning to read - Mishears words - Has difficulty telling a story in sequence and finding words The Auditory Processing Center at the Center for Hearing and Communication provides the guidance and support children need to tackle APD symptoms, regain confidence, and succeed in just about any listening environment.’

To find out if your child (or someone you know) could benefit from a consultation or evaluation, phone Lois Kam Heymann,

Director of the Auditory Processing Center and author of The Sound of Hope: Recognizing, Coping with and Treating Your Child’s Auditory Processing Disorder, at (917) 305-7850. With over 30 years of experience working with children with hearing, listening and learning challenges and their parents, Heymann leads a team of professionals dedicated to realizing your child’s full potential.

Medill, Northwestern University, a leader in education since 1921, offers a master’s degree in journalism that combines the enduring skills and values of journalism with new techniques and knowledge that are essential to thrive in today’s digital world. Here, you will join a diverse group of students who are motivated by many ambitions. In journalism, -- no single size fits all. Perhaps your goal is to expose wrongdoing through investigative reporting or to give voice to the voiceless. You might aspire to create finely crafted prose or tell stories with interactive tools. Maybe you want to be a documentary filmmaker or a magazine editor. Or maybe you see yourself as a broadcast producer or media entrepreneur. Perhaps your path is still unclear, but—like your Medill classmates—you have a passion for journalistic storytelling, a creative instinct and a commitment to do good in the world.

Our full-time faculty are seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience and contacts. We also draw on Chicago’s journalism community for accomplished adjuncts who have specialized in reporting, photography, videography, non-fiction narrative, magazine editing, web design and more.

You’ll be able to go further and faster in a rapidly changing profession where there is a growing range of opportunities in new and traditional media. Employers look to Medill as the pre-eminent source for media professionals who are well-educated in fundamentals, skilled in new techniques and willing and able to take on tough challenges. For information about the master’s program and to find out where Medill graduates are working now, please visit the Careers page on the Medill website.www.medill.northwestern.edu

Page 21: Education Spring 2011

Attention8th to 11th Graders!

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u Unparalleled success rateu Unlimited time for students and parentsu Advising and facilitating every step of the way!u Work directly with Michele, not a representative.

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Page 22: Education Spring 2011

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EXPLORE YOUR WORLD AND ENRICH YOUR MIND AT NYU-SCPS THIS SUMMER Summer is the season of energy, fulfilling goals, exploring, pursuing opportunities, and discovering what’s new under the sun. In that spirit, the New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU-SCPS) offers Summer Intensive programs and courses in a wide range of fields so that motivated students like you can advance their ambitions for learning and augment their opportunities for professional growth.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIESDiscover how the latest technologies and online tools help you move your career ahead— and further your organization’s goals— in today’s fast-paced professional world. New courses, such as Web 3.0—Strategies to Attract, Retain, and Monetize Web Traffic; the Summer Intensive in Social Media Marketing Strategy and Execution; and the iPhone and iPad Developer Summer Intensive, help you gain an in-depth understanding of high-tech strategies for enhancing profitability, getting your message across, and more.

TAKE A STEP TOWARD A CREATIVE CAREERBring your artistic aspirations to the forefront by exploring career pathways that synthesize your professional

talents with your creative drive. Summer programs include Screenwriting Boot Camp for Beginners; Branded Entertainment: How to Create a Web Television Series for an Integrated Marketing Communications Program; and the Summer Intensive in Web Design.

NYU-SCPS SUMMER INTENSIVESSummer Intensive programs deliver in-depth, concentrated learning experiences for individuals seeking to acquire knowledge, understanding, and skills for career advancement or personal enrichment. There are timely curricula in publishing; finance, taxation, and accounting; real estate and construction management; Web design; filmmaking; foreign languages; marketing and public relations; writing; philanthropy; global affairs; the business of sports, and more.

For more information, please visit our website: scps.nyu.edu/summer.

Touro’s Graduate School of Education was officially established in 1993 and, today, is among the largest Schools of Education in the State of New York. The enrollment draws on the rapidly changing urban community of New York and reflects an extremely diverse student body, as well as students from all over the world. Consistent with Touro’s mission, the School of Education remains solidly committed to contributing to the building of a better society for all through the provision of high quality educational opportunities. Their goal is to offer exemplary programs and to graduate outstanding students who will provide superior future leadership to the field of education. To this end, the School continues to strengthen its internal systems for supporting the high performance of both students and faculty; developing new programs that can effectively meet the contemporary needs of schools – especially those serving high-needs and diverse student bodies; and expanding the School’s collaboration with a wide range of national and state stakeholders in education.

In order to provide school districts and other educational agencies with highly professional and competent teachers, administrators, and educational personnel,

every effort is made to continually update, strengthen, and maximize the quality of our programs.

Students will find Touro’s Graduate School of Education a very desirable place to study and to earn their graduate degrees. They offer a highly qualified faculty with excellent reputations in their fields of study; a very reasonable and competitive tuition structure; and several types of scholarships and financial support. In addition to our Bay Shore campus, they also offer their programs/ courses through facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens*, and Staten Island*.

*Not all programs can be completed at all locations.

Touro College is an Equal Opportunity Institution

Through the doors of the McKim, Mead & White Neo-Federal townhouse at 684 Park and up a couple flights of spiraling stairs lives the Queen Sofa Spanish Institute Spanish Class Program, a small, private Spanish language school with over 40 years of history. Since 1954, Queen Sofia Spanish Institute has hosted landmark art exhibitions and lectures by celebrated academics. The Class Program has proudly been an integral part of the Institute’s contribution to Spanish and Latin American cultural presence in New York since 1968. Instructors are native speakers with extensive teaching experience and enthusiasm to overcome even the toughest learner’s block. Group classes of ALL levels are strictly limited to twelve students per class. The Class Program offers private and semi-private lessons for a learning experience tailored to you!

The most common factor that prevents a person from learning a new language is finding the time to do it. The Class Program offers several scheduling options to fit the most packed calendar. If your time isn’t flexible, the Class Program will be! Miss a class? Free make-up classes are provided to keep you up to speed. Need extra help on a lesson? Two hours of free weekly tutoring are included in your course. Your

immersion experience doesn’t stop when class ends – the Class Program sponsors weekly meet-ups and themed social events to keep the conversation flowing! Learn more and register on our website (http://spanishinstitute.org/) or give call us at 212.628.0420! Mention this ad, receive 10% off a group course!

Page 23: Education Spring 2011

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G one are the days of students spending endless hours in hundred-person lectures, reading

textbooks that weigh a ton and cost twice that. Individual-ized study programs, in which students plan their own courses of study, are changing the face of education and the landscape of life after college.

“Our program is about stu-dent-centered education,” said Beth Kneller, deputy director of the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary

Studies. “Each student indepen-dently designs the curriculum for a bachelor’s degree with the guidance of at least one faculty member.”

Interdisciplinary programs move away from generalized majors and toward distinctive concentrations that reflect a student’s unique interest or combination of interests.

“One student made some interesting discoveries in read-ing into the musical themes of Plato,” Kneller said. “But he also studied accounting.”

Tailoring your own concen-

tration to your specific interests might sound too good to be true, but it requires a lot of time and organization on the student’s part.

“This is not a program for a student who takes education casually,” Kneller said. “Our students can plan and think ahead and be in a place psycho-logically to take control of their education.”

This planning begins even before students are admitted into the program. The very first step is the application, which differs from the one used for the

other programs at CUNY.“The program has its own ap-

plication process,” said Kneller. “Applicants fill out a separate application which asks them to give an outline of individual-ized studies, a course outline of classes they would take for their concentration with a working title, a personal state-ment and letter of recommen-dation from a faculty member at their school.”

While CUNY Baccalaureate only accepts transfer students with at least 15 completed credits, New York University’s

BREAKING TRADITION

Individualized study programs are taking the education world by storm

By nATALie HowArd

CUNY Commencement ceremony. CUNY has individualized study programs, which allow students to achieve degrees based on varying interests.

Page 24: Education Spring 2011

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Gallatin School of Individual-ized Study welcomes all under-graduates, as long as they have the motivation.

“Gallatin students are not content to let pre-established structures define their learn-ing,” said Gallatin’s dean, Su-sanne Wofford. “Many Gallatin students are students who do not want to give up something important to them—work in the arts for instance, or business—but also want a strong liberal-arts education.”

To accommodate these var-ied interests, the programs at both N.Y.U. and CUNY offer up courses across the university to their students.

“Students in this program can take classes at any CUNY campus,” said Kneller, “and have access to all 17 under-graduate colleges. They can also take classes at the Graduate Center and the School of Profes-sional Studies.”

CUNY Baccalaureate and Gallatin both also offer their students the opportunity to participate in independent studies, collaborations between the student and a faculty mem-ber on a subject not offered in a class.

“Our students take about 50 percent of their classes in other school at N.Y.U. and about 50 percent of their classes in Gal-latin,” Wofford said. “Gallatin has no lecture classes. All of our

classes are small interdisciplin-ary seminars, writing seminars or art workshops.”

Individualized programs cater to each student’s specific needs, which sometimes render academic traditions obsolete. One such tradition is the final thesis.

“For some concentrations, it might not make sense to do a written thesis,” said Kneller, “so a thesis is encouraged but not required. A thesis is a good way for the student to pull together everything they’ve done, but it doesn’t have to be written. We’ve had final projects that are performance-based, such as recitals.”

Gallatin strays even further away from that standard with its graduation requirements, the rationale and colloquium. The rationale is a short paper outlining the student’s con-centration, which is further explored in the colloquium, a two-hour conversation with three N.Y.U. faculty members.

“In their rationales and col-loquia,” Wofford said, “Gallatin students learn how to explain who they are and what they are studying and why. That skill is very valuable when facing potential employers.”

What might not be so valu-able to employers is an indi-vidualized study degree. The concept is fairly new—both Gal-latin and CUNY Baccalaureate

were founded in the 1970s—and a diploma that reads Individual-ized Study is much harder to explain than, say, English or Finance. But so far, this hasn’t stopped students.

“If anything, it helps students on the job market,” Wofford said. “Gallatin students have some of the highest num-bers at N.Y.U. for employment after graduation because they can often see exactly how they can fit in in a given work setting and are well prepared for hav-ing to talk about themselves in interviews.”

Some students start thinking about graduation before they’ve been admitted to the program, tailoring their program of study to a specific job or field.

“A lot of our students choose our program because they already have a particular career path in mind,” Kneller said. “One girl wanted to design a degree in the sociology of vol-unteerism. We didn’t even know what that was, but she was able to identify courses in CUNY that supported it. The day after graduation, New York Cares of-fered her her dream job as their manager of volunteers. That job had been the motivation for her program and the company had marveled at her dedication.”-

Being able to create and name their own concentra-tions has the potential to turn into more of a contest than

a course of study, but not for these students. Kneller has seen students graduate with degrees in everything from “Studies in the Culture of Ancient Rome” to “Revival of the Secret Voice of Ancient Greek and Latin” to “Electric Media and Obsoles-cence.”

“Nearly 80 percent of our graduates say they’re working in fields related to the program they created,” Kneller said. “I might not see how practical a concentration is at the time, but they all lead to practical jobs.”

They also lead to reforms within the CUNY program of-ferings.

“Whenever a lot of inter-est is shown to a particular field, it certainly makes the colleges pay attention,” said Kneller. “Now we have a clinical psychology degree as well as a general psychology degree. Forty years ago, students were concentrating in real estate before CUNY had a real estate major. Now CUNY has that major.”

Individualized programs are at the forefront of education, and in what comes after. These schools, and their students, don’t settle for being or having second-best.

“Gallatin students are eager to take responsibility for their own learning and for the world around them,” Wofford said. “Our students are leaders.”

CUNY Professor Elizabeth Schaible

and Therese Savery-Connors.

Page 25: Education Spring 2011

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For more information, contact our Admissions Office at [email protected] or 212-362-0400.www.yorkprep.org

“An Intimate Place to Learn in the Heart of a Great City”

“An Intimate Place to Learn in the Heart of a Great City”

York Preparatory School 40 West 68th Street – New York, NY 10023

coeducational college preparatory school serving students from grades 6-12.

Outstanding Academics

Superb College Guidance

An Oasis of Learning and Compassion

Championship Sports Teams

Endless Extracurricular Activities

There IS something for everyone at York Prep!

For more information, contact our Admissions Office at

[email protected] or 212-362-0400.www.yorkprep.org

York Preparatory School

“An Intimate Place to Learn in the Heart of a Great City”

York Preparatory School 40 West 68th Street – New York, NY 10023

coeducational college preparatory school serving students from grades 6-12.

Outstanding Academics

Superb College Guidance

An Oasis of Learning and Compassion

Championship Sports Teams

Endless Extracurricular Activities

There IS something for everyone at York Prep!

For more information, contact our Admissions Office at

[email protected] or 212-362-0400.www.yorkprep.org

40 West 68th Street – New York, NY 10023coeducational college preparatory school serving

students from grades 6-12.

Outstanding Academics

Superb College Guidance

An Oasis of Learning and Compassion

Championship Sports Teams

Endless Extracurricular Activities

There IS something for everyone at York Prep!

Page 26: Education Spring 2011

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S ummertime is one of nature’s few great pure things—at least until the college admissions process

begins. Instead of worrying about the Hamptons, you’re worried about Rustic Pathways and Asphalt Green. Evan Forster and David Thomas of educational consulting firm Forster-Thomas Inc. say that worry doesn’t need to play into the summer activ-ity equation at all, if you just understand why schools are so interested in activities in the first place. The Educated Observer talked to Forster and Thomas recently about how to get a head start this summer.

So many kids want to just hang out with friends doing anything but academics when school is out. How do you get your child to make the most out of his or her summer?

Evan Forster: With all the drama about summer programs—and I get asked this question obsessively by my college candidates and their parents—there is one little detail I don’t want to get lost: Summer is a great time to, oh my gosh, be a kid.

David Thomas: If you’re looking at summer programs or activities as a way to help develop your child’s college résumé, that’s all well and good. But there’s an old expression that sums it up: ‘You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.’ Children are the same way.

Forster: And why does this matter? Because colleges don’t care about entries on a résumé nearly as much as they care about the impact you have in that orga-nization. Johnny can join the 10 most prestigious organizations on campus, and attend the five most prestigious summer camps, but that just says that Johnny is a follower, a joiner. You can join all

the organizations in the world, but what’s going to stand out is what you do as a member of an organization. Can you iden-tify an opportunity for growth, change, and/or evolution? Do you seize such opportunities? Can you execute on your plans? I’d rather see a student involved in a handful of organizations he really cares about—and make a difference—than be an observer on countless trips.

Thomas: I like what our col-league Jill Tipograph—founder of Everything Summer (ev-erythingsummer.com) and an expert in helping families choose activities—said about paren-tal pressure and expectations regarding how college-bound teens spend their summers. She said, ‘Colleges don’t expect stu-dents of coming up with the next scientific invention. They want to see the students grow. Growth comes from being exposed to a lot of different things, or going deeper into something they en-joy. If you push them into doing something they don’t want to do, it will backfire. You cannot and should not force a teenager into doing something they absolutely don’t want to do.’

What kinds of summer activi-ties are best?

Thomas: Well, you want your child to be engaged by his activities so he can really develop instead of resist. So I would steer athletic children in a totally different direction than an avid musician. Likewise, a kid who is good with her hands and is practical-minded will thrive in different activities than an abstract thinker who enjoys mysteries and research.

Forster: Except for the most natural leaders, developing leadership qualities requires leaving your comfort zone. The most literal way to leave your comfort zone is to travel. Travel is also a typical summer activity

for many families—which makes travel-based summer activities so popular. But let’s get one thing straight. While summer high-school programs at universities abroad and even those stateside at schools like Princeton and Penn that offer excellent sum-mer scholarship programs are wonderful experiences, to be sure, they are not tickets by any stretch of the imagination into those schools or any top school. All an admissions officer sees is, ‘Oh, he came and studied at our school for a summer program, how nice,’ rather than ‘Oh, let’s put a big shiny gold star on his application since he spent some time here last summer.’ There’s no red carpet for graduates of tuition-based summer programs.

Does that mean that there is no value in all those fee-based pro-grams where you build toilets in Mexico, or good old-fashioned teen tours of Europe or Israel?

Thomas: I never said that!Forster: There can be tremen-

dous value in these programs. Really, it’s all about what you do while you are there or after-ward, rather than the simple fact that you can produce a receipt for the program. For example, Rustic Pathways, you go off for a week to a Third World country. It’s very ‘mind-expanding’—for seven days. And then you get to come back and you head out to the Hamptons. Wonderful. If

you’re going to do something with Rustic Pathways, which I would wholeheartedly recom-mend, don’t just spend time with the Maleku tribe in Costa Rica. Before you go, raise money for their school. Organize a supplies drive in your town and come not just with your suitcase, but with a shipment of boxes of pencils, papers and notepads. That’s what one candidate of mine did, and it was not just an act of leadership and impact, but also showed that he had compas-sion, that he goes above and beyond and that he had foresight into the living situation of the Maleku tribe. Now, contrast these two students to the kid recently who told me about how excited he was to do a summer program in Barcelona. I asked him why he had chosen this program. He said, ‘I had friends going there. And who wouldn’t want to be in Barcelona?’ Well, yes, I have to agree with that, but this trip isn’t going to help him get into college. Transforming his mind-set into one of leader-ship and coaching him on how to make an impact starts in our next session.

David Thomas and Evan Forster are founders of Forster-Thomas Inc., a private educa-tional consulting firm in New York City. You can visit them at www.forsterthomas.com, email [email protected], or call 212.741.9090.

Ask the EXPERTS

Evan Forster and David Thomas.

Master Class with Evan Forster and David Thomas

Page 27: Education Spring 2011

Director Lois Heymann (left), President Jeffrey Cohen (center) and Rosie O’Donnell (right) at ribbon cutting for the Auditory Processing Center.

50 BroadwayNew York, NY 10004For an appointment Phone: (917) 305-7850www.CHChearing.org

Vital Resource for Children with Listening and

Learning Challenges

Photo: Risa Hoag, GMG Public Relations

The Auditory Processing Center at the Center for Hearing and Communication offers comprehensive services and support for children with auditory processing disorder (APD) and other listening challenges.

Under the leadership of Lois Heymann, M.A., CCC-SLP, the Auditory Processing Center provides unsurpassed clinical expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of APD.

Visit www.CHChearing.org or phone (917) 305-7850 to fi nd out if your child could benefi t from a consultation or evaluation.

Photo: Risa Hoag, GMG Public Relations

The Auditory Processing Center at the Center for Hearing

“I watched Lois Heymann lead my child from a world of total confusion, disappointment, and narrow options to one of understanding, enthusiasm, and sky’s-the-limit opportunity.”

Rosie O’Donnell

Educated Observer - FINAL.indd 1 4/6/11 7:08 PM

Page 28: Education Spring 2011

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02098_35 / NEW YORK EDUCATED OBSERVER / COLOUR COPY DATE: 8 APRIL / BLEED: 279.5 x 215.9 / TRIM: 273.05 x 209.55 / 241.3 x 184.15 mm / PROOF: 2