New York, N.Y. – On February 22, the East Coast Conference hosted their annual Career Development program on the Manhattan campus of New York Institute of Technology. Stephanie Thorburn, Associate Director of Leadership Development at the NCAA, provided the key note presentation titled, “Preparing Today for Tomorrow.”

 “The East Coast Conference, through our ‘Experience in Community and Character’ program is committed to the NCAA Division II goal of "Providing Division II student-athletes a path to graduation while cultivating skills and knowledge for life ahead," said ECC Commissioner, Dr. Robert Dranoff. “Tonight’s program is another step in helping our student-athletes.”

Thorburn’s presentation focused on how to set oneself apart when beginning a job search after college. Among the topics in her presentation were personal branding, networking, practical interviewing tips, and potential employers screening personal social media pages.

“She was an outstanding presenter,” Dranoff said about Thorburn. “She focused on concepts that really hit home with our student-athletes. “

Former student-athletes who are now in the working world and Career Services professionals from ECC institutions also volunteered their time to serve as facilitators for the 35 current student-athletes who attended.

After Thorburn spoke, the ECC alums and Career Service professionals helped lead open group discussions with the student-athletes about what they had heard in the presentation. They also had the opportunity to share their own experiences and offer advice.

The former student-athletes in attendance were Patrick Cunningham (Dowling), Jose Duverge (Dowling), Marissa Vouris (C.W. Post), Brian Buckmire (Queens), and Andrew Gangemi (St. Thomas Aquinas). Career Services professionals and ECC administrators that helped facilitate were John Hyde (NYIT), Laurie Hollister (NYIT), June Doyle (Molloy), Cheretta Robson (St. Francis College), Jason Imperati (NYIT), Teelah Grimes (Dowling), and Jennifer Robbins (Queens).

“I heard from many of the students who were present how valuable the session was and we look forward to working with Stephanie again in the future,” Dranoff stated. “Thanks go to Robert Vowels and Curtis Hollomon of the NCAA Office of Student Affairs and Leadership Development for their support for this important program.”