At the Salisbury Center, we are here to assist you in realizing and fulfilling your career objectives. We can help you assess your interests, values and skills in order to chart your direction. We oversee the HWS Career Network that we encourage you to join.
Brandi Ferrara Executive Director of Career Services
Brandi joined Hobart and William Smith in 1999 and is responsible for strategic leadership and management of the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education. In addition to overseeing student career development programs, Brandi enjoys helping students to explore career options and engaging with alumni, alumnae and parents. She works with students in all career fields and with those interested in applying to graduate school. Brandi graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a master’s degree in teaching and bachelor’s degree in marketing.
Meet Sam Halfman, our Graduate Programs Career Coordinator at HWS. With over 10 years of experience in career counseling and student advising, albeit at the high school level as a high school special education teacher, Sam is dedicated to helping graduate students navigate the job market and achieve their professional goals in this new role. Sam holds a Master of Science in Education from Roberts Wesleyan University and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Allegheny College. In addition to assisting graduate students with career planning, job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, and networking; Sam provides one-on-one career coaching to graduate students, organizes career workshops and events, develops and maintains relationships with employers, and stays up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Sam is dedicated to empowering graduate students to make informed career decisions and to supporting them throughout their professional journey
Chuck advises students and alumni/ae looking to enter the for-profit sector, with a special focus on business and finance careers. While assisting with career path identification, resume writing, interview prep and networking, Chuck also serves as the liaison with the Athletics Department and assists with events, workshops and career treks.
Prior to his return to HWS in 2021, Chuck spent 16 years in real estate as both an investor and as an agent, which was preceded by a 15-year career coaching college lacrosse and football. Chuck holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University at Albany and earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
Scott MacPhail, Ph.D. Associate Director of Health Professions Counseling and Fellowship Advising
Dr. MacPhail advises students interested in careers in the health professions and students applying to nationally competitive fellowships. Prior to joining HWS, Scott was an academic advisor at the University of Rochester specializing in health professions advising. Scott holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English from Indiana University – Bloomington, a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from the University of Idaho, a master’s degree in English from State University of New York at Stonybrook, and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Chicago.
Karrie utilizes intel and experience from her time as an Executive Recruiter to give HWS students the ultimate advantage in the job market. On the Non-Profit side of the office, Karrie works with students on career exploration, application materials (resumes, cover letters, references), as well as conducting practice interviews to ensure that students are prepared to put their best foot forward when presented with an opportunity.
Over the course of four years in New York, NY, Karrie worked with three Executive Search firms, expanding her range to include multiple industries and executive levels. At Notch Partners, she spent the majority of her time working closely with PE, specializing in the consumer sector, working across the food & beverage, personal care, beauty, apparel, specialty retail, QSR, automotive and education industries and working with C-level talent. At True Search, she split her time between CEO and go-to-market searches in the consumer sector. Finally, at Eastward Partners, Karrie experienced a true start-up experience and focused on the management consulting sector, placing partners and managing directors.
Prior to her career in search and higher education, Karrie graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Colgate University with a double concentration in history and Russian Eurasian Studies. Outside of work, she enjoys rooting for her Buffalo Bills.
Shayne Feinberg P’17, P’20 Senior Associate Director
Shayne works to identify internship and job opportunities for which students can apply in the “for-profit” sectors. In talking with alums, parents, and employers, she is able to develop opportunities in various fields such as finance, marketing, sales, real estate and publishing. Through on campus information sessions, as well as off-campus career trips, Shayne is able to give students real life examples of what different careers look like. On campus, she works with students to achieve their short term and long term career goals.
Career assistants are well trained student para-professionals who are available to assist students by appointment with resume preparation. To schedule an appointment, request one on Handshake under Career Center. Look for format a resume with a Career Assistant.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education collaborates with internal and external partners to facilitate a comprehensive process that assists students in realizing and fulfilling their career objectives.
We value: Our ability to assess interest, values and skills in order to help create clarity, confidence and direction. Fostering strategic partnerships. Preparing our students to compete for opportunities. Engaging students, alumni, and alumnae in a thorough career development process.
Contact
Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education 300 Pulteney Street Geneva, NY 14456
