Open menu button Close menu button
Close
Quick Links
Close

Veterans, LGBTQ+, International Students, Accessibility Students

Additional Navigation
Close

The Center for Career and Professional Development is committed to assisting our veteran population in gaining knowledge of career development and employment opportunities and in leveraging their skills to secure gainful employment in their chosen career field upon graduation. Our goal is to welcome transitioning military veterans to the Center and to encourage them to utilize the full range of the Center’s career and professional development and employment consultation services.

Veterans are part of a unique population. Unlike many traditional college students, veterans have already developed marketable employment training and experience in the military. Matching those acquired skills and experiences with potential majors and future employment goals can present challenges, just as the transition from the military to college and civilian life does.

Career Resources for CSI Veterans

As a CSI student who is also a military veteran, you will find the career resources listed/linked below to be especially useful. Additional resources are available at the Center for Career and Professional Development, and we encourage veteran students to visit our on campus and/or virtual center to discuss how their unique experiences can best be translated in to an informed career choice. For a full list of the services and special events available, please follow the links below:

For General Information

For Employment Readiness Resources

Career Assessment Tests

Translating military skills into civilian workforce

Military resumes and cover letter resources

Researching Companies

Interviewing

Many civilian employers admit challenges when it comes to evaluating a veteran during a job interview. This is often because veterans have difficulty explaining how their military experience relates to the needs of the civilian employer. Veterans are ready to praise their team or unit, but are less likely to highlight their own achievements and accomplishments in the military or in their college careers. As a result, they often do not “sell themselves” for the qualified candidates they are.

It is important for veterans to keep in mind that the concept of "professional presentation" is often different for former military personnel than for civilians. Military personnel (particularly those recently separated/discharged from military service) will often present themselves with eyes forward, back straight, and using "Sir" and "Ma'am" vocabulary (often without much smiling). This behavior may sometimes be misperceived as cold, distant, unapproachable or demonstrating a lack of social skills. While this is generally not the case, these perceptions can sometimes threaten advancement in the interview process. Veterans should recognize that they need time and “practice” to begin to “speak freely" in the interview process and to experience a comfort level where they can represent themselves in the most positive light. Interview coaching, especially in the area of “competency-based” practices, can be very helpful to veterans launching a civilian internship or employment search.

For additional assistance with practice interviewing skills, contact the Center for Career and Professional Development and the Veterans Support Center at CSI by visiting their homepages and/or scheduling an appointment for interview coaching.

  • The Gold Card Program!

Any eligible veteran can present the Gold Card at his/her local One-Stop Career Center to receive enhanced intensive services including up to six months of follow-up. The enhanced in-person services available for Gold Card holders at local One-Stop Career Centers may include:

  • Job readiness assessment, including interviews and testing;
  • Development of an Individual Development Plan (IDP);
  • Career guidance through group or individual counseling that helps veterans in making training and career decisions;
  • Provision of labor market, occupational, and skills transferability information that inform educational, training, and occupational decisions;
  • Referral to job banks, job portals, and job openings;
  • Referral to employers and registered apprenticeship sponsors;
  • Referral to training by WIA-funded or third party service providers; and
  • Monthly follow-up by an assigned case manager for up to six months.

For more information on the Gold Card Program, contact:

Peter Romano (USMC)
Veteran Recruiter
Staten Island Workforce1 Career Center
120 Stuyvesant Place, 3rd Floor
Staten Island, New York 10301
Phone (718) 285-8431
Email promano@edsisolutions.com
Or, visit them online at NYS DoL Vet Services, Career One-Stops.

Military Scholarship Information

For more information on eligibility for the College of Staten Island Scholarship Program, please visit the Institutional Advancement & External Affairs Office on campus in Building 1A, Room 210 or telephone 718.982.2332.

We have made great strides when it comes to being a more inclusive society and respecting all people for who they are. However, change rarely happens overnight and many in the LGBTQ+ community may feel hesitation and skepticism about entering the working world. The above video will guide you through the entire process, from job searching and interviewing to dress codes and starting your first day. Video provided by Candid Career. See more Candid Career Videos here!

The Center for Career and Professional Development is committed to assisting our LGBTQ+ population in gaining knowledge of professional development and employment opportunities and in developing the necessary skills to secure gainful employment in one’s chosen career field upon graduation. At CSI, we strive to provide a supportive environment, with an LGBTQ Resource Center, welcoming staff across campus, active student groups, and university-backed non-discrimination and benefits policies.

There may be challenges for LGBTQ internship and/or job seekers, including the openness and support of hiring employers. In an effort to meet these challenges with well thought out and well planned strategies, Center staff recommend you research companies and their culture carefully to be sure that they meet your individual needs and goals. The Center for Career and Professional Development staff welcomes any questions or concerns an LGBTQ+ applicant may have during their internship and/or employment search process and remain committed to advise, support and advocate for students in any way.

The following are LGBTQ+ resources that may be of help:

Wellbeing and Health

  • Human Right’s Campaign Worknet - This index "provides a simple way to evaluate whether America's biggest employers are treating their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees and consumers equitably." The index is based on a 10-point system that rates corporate policies and actions toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
  • Lamda Legal - National LGBT civil rights organization; web site includes information about workplace discrimination cases.

Conferences & Networking Organizations

  • Ford GLOBE - Ford Motor Company’s LGBT employee group’s resource page.
  • Out and Equal - Non-profit organization that discusses LGBT workplace issues.
  • Pride at Work - AFL-CIO group that seeks to integrate LGBT concerns into the larger Labor Movement.

LGBTQ+ Scholarship Resources

You can learn more about scholarships and fellowships by visiting the Office of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. Students are also advised to explore all award categories that pertain to them.

The United States visa process can be a confusing path to map out. From CPT vs. OPT to deadlines and conditions, the process sees upwards of 80% of international students returning home to their countries after graduation. The best way to land in the 20% that find successful employment is to fully understand the process from start to finish! Video provided by Candid Career. See more Candid Career Videos here!

The Center for Career and Professional Development is committed to assisting our international student population in gaining knowledge of professional development and employment opportunities and in developing the necessary skills to secure gainful employment in their chosen career field upon graduation.

We can assist with the following:

Career Planning

Center for Career and Professional Development staff members are available to help you navigate the American employment system. Schedule an appointment with one of our staff members for:

  • Résumé assistance (converting your résumé or CV to an American style résumé)
  • Interview skills (build off your current interview skills and learn how they will help you during the American employment interview process)
  • Navigating the job market and searching for internships, volunteer, and employment opportunities (help focusing your search on employment that is best suited for your skills and career goals)

To schedule an appointment, please email Careers@csi.cuny.edu or log into your Handshake account at csicuny.joinhandshake.com

Scholarships & Fellowships

The CSI Scholarship Program is open to all full-time CSI students who have achieved at least a 3.25 GPA, regardless of residency/immigration status. Applications become available during the fall semester, and the annual deadline occurs on the last business day of February. Students may pick up an application at the Institutional Advancement Office located in Building 1A-210 or download it from their website.

The City University of New York also offers scholarship opportunities to all students. With the exception of a few programs, students are welcome to apply regardless of whether they are a citizen or resident. These awards, along with a multitude of additional external scholarships, can be viewed at Office of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs for access CSI’s Fellowship and Scholarship Database online. Students are advised to view all award categories that pertain to them; under each award, the eligibility criteria states whether citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Students may also review a free search website containing numerous scholarships specifically for international students at: iefa

Graduate School

Students should consult with graduate admissions personnel at the school they wish to attend to ensure they have secured all necessary documentation. These requirements can include proof of immigration status and official transcripts from their home institution which may require translation into English. In addition to possible entrance exams such as the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), international students may be required to submit proof of English proficiency via the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

International students should be aware that, like undergraduate tuition rates, graduate tuition will also be significantly higher. For information regarding graduate programs at the College of Staten Island, contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, located in 2A-103, at 718-982-2019.
For graduate programs within CUNY, students may visit: Graduate Studies: Find Your Program

All students should exercise caution when searching for programs outside of CUNY (including CSI), because some websites contain programs from schools that have paid premiums to be featured on the website. These websites may not provide accurate information about the school’s ranking and reputation.

Students are encouraged to use Peterson’s Graduate and Professional Programs Guide, a reliable and trusted resource for graduate school information. Students may visit the CSI Library for access to this guide, which may only be used within the library facility. For comprehensive information regarding graduate study and personal statement writing, students may visit: Writing Personal Statements Online

The Center for Career and Professional Development is committed to inclusion of all students in achieving their career development goals. The Center has a history of strong collaborative ties to the Office of Accessibility Services and works closely to establish individualized career planning, customized internship and employment advisement, as well as scholarship, fellowship and special opportunity information and referral for students identified with special needs.

As the future employees, graduate school students, or fellowship candidates, students with accessibility needs can often face unique challenges. They must find a way to meet the specific qualifications of their chosen career path, as well as demonstrate transferable skills such as effective written and verbal communication, reliability, decision making, leadership, and problem solving. They must also determine whether or not they will need accommodations to help them succeed in their elected field. Success in any work-based or academic learning experiences whether that be internships, volunteerism, service learning, fellowships, mentoring, research opportunities, or jobs depends on carefully considered planning and preparation with your LEADS counselor at the Center for Student Accessibility and with a career specialist at the Center for Career and Professional Development.

Career Readiness

Readiness for an internship or employment search, is defined as being equipped to find, acquire, and retain an appropriate internship or employed position as well as being able to manage the personal and professional transitions to that position. There is an important distinction to be made here in your career planning process.

Like any other set of skills – sports, computer proficiency, playing a musical instrument, etc., practice improves your skills and increases your opportunity for success. Internship and Employment search skills are no different. The more you seek out opportunities to practice, the more your skills will improve. With consistent advisement and support from the Center for Student Accessibility and the Center for Career and Professional Development, participate in the Center’s semester programs/events as referenced in your ICP (as opportunities both to “practice” your skills and to launch your internship/employment search).

Career Center staff are available to discuss ways to build your career readiness skills. Email Careers@csi.cuny.edu or log in to your or log into your Handshake account at csicuny.joinhandshake.com

Disclosure

When applying for internships, employment, graduate schools or any other special opportunity programs, disclosure of a disability or needs for accessibility services is – first and foremost – your choice. It is a personal decision and one that you should undertake only after meeting with your advisor from the Center for Student Accessibility and discussing the benefits and possible drawbacks of doing so. Remember, you are not legally bound to disclose and your decision to disclose should be based on what will help you advance in your personal, academic, and career goals.

The following questions/guidelines should serve to prepare you for discussion with your counselor/advisor at the Center for Student Accessibility.

  • How comfortable you are discussing your disability and how detailed you would like to be in that discussion?
  • If your disability is a visible one, how prepared are you to clarify misconceptions potential employers/recruiters may hold regarding your abilities?
  • Have you examined the job/internship description and are you prepared to speak of how your strengths make you qualified for the position?
  • Have you done your research and are you prepared to discuss any accommodations you may require as an intern or employee including any costs to both you and the employer?

If you do decide to disclose, how prepared are you to respond to what might be some uncomfortable questions such as:

  • “Can you be a dependable employee?”
  • “Can you complete the jobs given to you as effectively as another potential employee?”
  • “What can you contribute to this company?”

If you decide to disclose, you should schedule an appointment with your advisor at the Center for Student Accessibility to practice your responses to these and some other potentially challenging questions.

If you decide not to disclose your disability:

  • Have you researched the company and the job description thoroughly so you can be sure you are able to complete the tasks required by the position?

  • In the case of non-disclosure, are you aware that you are not entitled to receive the accommodations you may need and, if you cannot perform the duties required by the position description, you can legally be let go from the position.

    Timing of disclosure really relies upon your comfort level and in depth advisement of this issue with your advisor from the Center for Student Accessibility. The tabs below are designed to help prepare you for a one to one advisement session.

Hiring Complexities

We all possess strengths that make us highly qualified to work in a position. It is important to identify what qualities set you apart from others and focus on how these specific qualities will make you more qualified for this position than other potential candidates. Unfortunately, as an individual with a disability, you may come across employers who have preconceived stereotypes. Being aware of these stereotypes will enable you to combat them and present examples of your abilities in your résumé, cover letter, and interview. These potential barriers to employment, as well as résumé and cover letter development, presentation skills, and interview preparation should always be discussed with your CUNY LEADS counselor and/or career specialist at the Center for Career and Professional Development.

Landing an Internship or Job

As future employees, graduate school students, or scholarship/fellowship candidates, students with accessibility needs can often face unique challenges. They must find a way to meet the specific qualifications of their chosen career path, as well as demonstrate transferable skills such as effective written and verbal communication, reliability, decision making, leadership, and problem solving. They must also determine whether or not they will need accommodations to help them succeed in their elected field. Success in any work-based or academic learning experiences, whether that be internships, volunteerism, service learning, fellowships, mentoring, research opportunities, or jobs depends on carefully considered planning and preparation with your LEADS counselor at the Center for Student Accessibility and with a career specialist at the Center for Career and Professional Development to develop an Individualized Career Plan (ICP).

Scholarhips & Fellowships

There are many scholarship and fellowship opportunities offered to students who have a documented disability or can prove physical, family, or psychological hardships in their lives. The application process for scholarships and fellowships demands a great deal of time and effort and usually requires students working with a faculty member or the designated Fellowship and Scholarship Coordinator for the institution. The CSI Scholarship Program is open to all full-time CSI students who have achieved at least a 3.25 GPA and students with accessibility needs who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Applications become available during the fall semester, and the annual deadline occurs on the last business day of February. Students may inquire about the application at the Institutional Advancement & External Affairs Office, 1A-210.

The City University of New York also offers scholarship opportunities and all students are welcome to apply. For students registered with their campus Center for Student Accessibility, there is the CUNY Matthew Goldstein Scholarship, which has an annual deadline in June and provides tuition waivers for unmet state financial aid (TAP). You can learn more about scholarships and fellowships, including the CSI Scholarship Program application, by visiting the Office of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. Students are also advised to explore all award categories that pertain to them and carefully consider the eligibility criteria for each award.

Graduate School

Applying for graduate programs follows a process similar to scholarship and fellowship applications and often includes writing a statement of purpose, obtaining letters of recommendation, and completing an interview with an admissions recruiter. However, for students with special needs, additional forms and information may also be part of the application process, such as accommodation requests, equipment, and material. Students should consult with graduate admissions personnel at the school they wish to attend to ensure they have secured all necessary documentation and that the institution is in compliance with ADA guidelines. Students may also want to evaluate whether or not the institution provides a supportive environment that promotes and celebrates diversity. For information regarding graduate programs at the College of Staten Island, contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, located in 2A-103, at 718.982.2019 or visit our graduate admissions site.

For graduate programs within CUNY, students may visit: Graduate Admissions

All students should exercise caution when searching for programs outside of CUNY (including CSI), because some websites contain programs from schools that have paid premiums to be featured on the website. These websites may not provide accurate information about the school’s ranking and reputation. Students are encouraged to use Peterson’s Graduate and Professional Programs Guide, a trusted and reliable resource for graduate school information. Students may visit the CSI Library for access to this guide, which may only be used within the library facility. For comprehensive information regarding graduate study and personal statement writing, students may click on the following link for more information: Writing Personal Statements Online

For assistance in applying for scholarships, fellowships, and graduate school, please visit the Office of Institutional Advancement & External Affairs, Building 1A, Room 210, and ask to meet with the Fellowship and Scholarship Advisor or visit their scholarships page.

External Resources

  • AbilityLinks - “AbilityLinks is a nationwide, web-based community where qualified job seekers with disabilities and inclusive employers meet and gain access to valuable networking opportunities. Job seekers who want to connect to employers by voluntarily self-identifying having a disability use AbilityLinks to post resumes and apply for jobs. No information about disability type is asked.”
  • Best Trade Schools- Trade schools are increasingly gaining recognition as valuable pathways for people with learning disabilities. Rather than being alternative choices, these institutions actively provide tailored programs and resources designed specifically for people with learning disabilities.
  • Birch Family Services - Birch Family Services is a team of more than 3,000 teachers, therapists, social workers, psychologists, nurses, residence counselors, administrators, board members, and family members working together: To provide the finest education, habilitation, and residential services to people with autism and other developmental disabilities. To help their families overcome the lifelong obstacles they face in raising children with disabilities.
  • DIsabledperson.com - “We boast over 40,000 active jobs with hundreds of new jobs posted every day from all across the U.S. posted by companies who are looking to hire people with disabilities.”
  • Enable America - “Enable America’s objective is to increase employment among people with disabilities in the United States.”
  • Entrypoint - Entry Point is the signature program of the AAAS Project on Science, Technology, and Disability. Entry Point identifies and recruits students with apparent and non-apparent disabilities studying in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business for outstanding internship and co-op opportunities.
  • Federal Jobs for People with Disabilities - “The Federal Government is actively recruiting and hiring persons with disabilities. We offer a variety of exciting jobs, competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.
  • GettingHired.com - “Providing a safe and secure environment is top of mind and our employer partners have a vested interest in hiring the most talented individuals for their companies. We seek to work with companies who are making a concerted effort to hire people with disabilities and are constantly looking to improve their program through best hiring training programs for a variety of teams.”
  • Hire Disability Solutions - “The mission of Hire Disability Solutions is to give all that want a chance to succeed, the opportunity to succeed. Hire Disability Solutions was founded in response to the increasing demand for services for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we aim to promote inclusion into the mainstream employment world.”
  • Institute for Career Development - ICD has been helping people transform their lives through career development and employment for almost 100 years. We specialize in serving New Yorkers with barriers to employment gain economic independence through career planning and evaluation and career school programs.
  • Lime Connect - ”Lime Connect is leading the way as the premier resource for top talent in the disability space by attracting, preparing and connecting highly accomplished individuals with disabilities for careers with the world’s leading corporations.”
  • The National Business Disability Council – “The National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) at The Viscardi Center is an employer organization and comprehensive resource for disability best practices.”
  • Project Hired - “Project HIRED, a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization, maintains a single vision: to be a significant force for the employment of individuals with disabilities until the need no longer exists.
  • Work Force Recruitment Program - “The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Diversity Management & Equal Opportunity (ODMEO) manage the program, which continues to be successful with the participation of many other federal agencies and sub-agencies. Since the program's expansion in 1995, over 6,000 students and recent graduates have received temporary and permanent employment opportunities through the WRP.”
  • The National Business Disability Council Emerging Leaders Program - “Studies have proven that volunteering or participating in an internship are the best predictors of future success in the workplace. The Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program for College Students with Disabilities gives college students with disabilities the opportunity to jumpstart their career path and gain a competitive edge.”

Helpful Links