The One College Decision That Set Me Up for Success

Twenty-nine years ago, I had a decision to make: NYU Stern School of Business or Pace University Lubin School of Business. One had a prestigious reputation, the other a hands-on approach to career development.

I chose Pace. It was the best decision I could have made.

For some, college is about the classes. For others, it is about the social experience, Greek life, campus events, or lifelong friendships.

For me, Career Services shaped my entire college experience.

Pace’s downtown Manhattan location, just a few blocks from the New York Stock Exchange, placed me at the center of the finance world. I wanted to work during college, and Pace made that possible.

Through Career Services, I had access to part-time jobs and internships throughout my four years.

I was given a menu of companies to choose from, and the school arranged the interviews. That kind of access opened doors I never could have reached on my own.

In retrospect, I realize that Career Services laid the foundation for my professional success. Unfortunately, I do not see many Career Centers playing that role today.

It is disappointing to read that 40% of students never visit their school’s Career Center.

Looking back, these are the biggest lessons I took away from my time with Career Services.

Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up

When students think of Career Services, they typically associate it with resumes, cover letters, and mock interviews. Those are important, but the best advice I ever received from Career Services was this:

Always follow up.

I saw the power of follow-up almost immediately.

During my freshman year, I applied for a part-time bookkeeping job. I never heard back. So I called the company. Their response?

"You can start right away. No interview required."

It was a simple position they could train anyone to do. They had no time to sift through applicants, and I was the only one who followed up.

A few years later, in my junior year, I interviewed for an internship at Bankers Trust. I thought the interview went well, but I never heard back. A week later, I called to check in.

They had chosen another student.

The team enjoyed baseball, and the student they selected happened to be a baseball player. But then they said something unexpected:

"We actually think you would be a great fit for another team here. The position was never listed, but we would love to have you."

That internship became one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Bankers Trust was located at One Liberty Plaza, right across from the World Trade Center. Three years later, on 9/11, it was one of the first buildings to fall.

The best opportunities aren’t always the ones you apply for. Sometimes, they are the ones you follow up on.

Know What You Stand For (and Don’t Be Afraid to Say No)

In my sophomore year, Career Services arranged an interview for me, but I backed out.

It was with Philip Morris, the cigarette company. I decided I did not want to work for a company that made products I did not believe in.

When I told my Career Services coordinator, she did not pressure me. She simply said,

"No problem. We will cancel the interview. You have to be comfortable with whatever you choose."

That moment reinforced something I had not yet fully learned. It is okay to say no when something does not align with your values.

Years later, I was in a difficult situation at work where I had to say no to my boss. He asked me to do something I did not think was ethical. It was not a fun experience, but I stood my ground.

Looking back, I see how one decision in college prepared me for a moment I never could have anticipated. That is why students should never feel pressured to take a job that does not align with their values. The right opportunity will come.

Ask for What You Want

During my senior year, I was interning at Fortis, now BNP Paribas Fortis. It was a great work environment, but something caught my attention that had nothing to do with my role.

Everyone on the team had a different work arrangement.

Some were in the office daily. Others barely came in. A woman with young children only showed up occasionally, which was great for me because when she was not there, I got to use her office.

It was 1999, long before “hybrid work” became a trend. But even back then, flexible work arrangements existed.

I learned something important: If a company values you, they will make accommodations.

That lesson shaped how I approached work for the rest of my career.

For years, I worked from home three days a week, long before remote work became mainstream. I asked for what I needed, and because I was valuable to my team, they always said yes.

Work Experience Is Everything

By the time I reached my senior year, I had already worked at multiple companies.

That gave me confidence.

When I interviewed for my first full-time job at Arthur Andersen, the audit partner said something that stuck with me.

"We are hiring you for your potential."

Oxford Dictionary defines potential as "having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future."

But how do you demonstrate potential?

Some might say grades are a measure of it. But are they?

At the beginning of every college semester, students get a syllabus. It outlines everything: assignments, deadlines, grading policies. If you follow the instructions and do the work, you get an A.

But the real world does not work like that.

Success doesn’t come with a syllabus. The real world is full of ambiguity, uncertainty, constant change, and unexpected challenges.

This is why work experience isn’t just helpful. It is what truly prepares you for the real world.

Career Services at Pace University set me up for long-term success. The lessons I learned back then, many of which I did not fully appreciate at the time, became the foundation for everything that followed.

And it all started with one decision.

I chose the school with the best Career Services.

Not every school has a strong Career Services department, but that doesn’t mean students can’t take control of their future. Seek out internships, connect with alumni, and do not be afraid to create your own opportunities.

The experience you gain today will shape the opportunities you have tomorrow.