CPC's Intern and Earn Program Hosts Successful Career Panel
On Wednesday, February 6th, CPC's Intern and Earn program hosted a career panel for participants from our 23rd cohort. Panelists included professionals spanning government, law enforcement, finance, and healthcare.
- Irene Chu, Chief of Staff for Assembly Member Peter J. Abbate, Jr.
- Frank Wu, Financial Advisor with Prudential Financial
- David Lin, Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Training and Fitness Awareness Program (FAP) Coordinator with the FDNY
- Firefighter Benjamin Chou with the FDNY
- Officers Edi Radoncic and Michael Nocera from the NYPD Recruitment Office
- Raymond Liang, Assessment Nurse from Health First and Intern and Earn Program alumnus
The panel was moderated by ECS team member Sujin Oh and was an overwhelming success. After brief introductions, each panelist provided insight into how they determined their career choice and challenges they faced along the way. A common sentiment shared by all panelists was their passion for serving others and their community.
Ms. Chu highlighted a decision to further her education in sociology was because of her desire to address persistent social issues within her community.
Officer Nocera spoke about how difficult it was to part with his childhood friends and how challenging it could have been without family support.
On the importance of persevering, Mr. Wu said "Grit, firmness of character, and an indomitable spirit. While you still the energy, keep on trying and don’t be afraid of making mistakes.”
Officer Radoncic echoed Mr. Wu and remarked, “Don’t ever give up because other people told you so.”
Mr. Liang quoted Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth and shared "Grit is sticking with your future, day-in, day-out. Not just for the week, not just for the month, ut for years. And working really hard to make that future a reality."
The climax of the panel discussion was when the panelists explained the difference between a job versus a career.
“Do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life," said Officer Radoncic.
It is difficult for anyone to work a 24-hour-shift, but Firefighter Chou made it sound so simple. The reason behind his hard work is not due to the trade-offs and perks that come with the job itself, but rather, having the opportunity to make a difference and help at least one person every shift.
"It is the heart behind the actions that turn a job into a life-long commitment...a career," remarked Firefighter Chou.
CPC's Intern and Earn program participants took these words and all of the panelists' advice to heart, and came away inspired to pursue their own lifelong goals and career paths.
