Provided

From left, panelists Khary Barnes '02, Marcy Lopez '01 and Funa Maduka '04 offer advice at a career development event March 8 in New York City.

At a career development event March 8, more than 100 Cornellians who graduated between 2000 and 2011 gathered at Cornell's ILR Center in New York City for the discussion, 20/20 Panel: Advice I Wish I Knew.

"The panel was designed to provide direction and inspiration to diverse young alumni from the perspective of their successful peers, as opposed to seasoned alumni well into their careers," said event co-chair and moderator Khary Barnes '02, who works at American Express.

Backgrounds and perspectives of panelists varied widely.

Marcy Lopez '01, dean of programs at NJ SEEDS, an academic preparation nonprofit, spoke about engaging in self-reflection and risk-taking. She also suggested using such resources as literature in her field, self-help books, volunteer projects and Cornell Career Services to find the right career opportunity.

Funa Maduka '04, an MBA candidate at Harvard University, stressed the importance of finding a mentor and building a personal brand. Maduka benefitted from personal relationships she cultivated at Cornell to help her transition from a Goldman Sachs analyst to a position as dean of students at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Following a more traditional finance path, Carlos Almodovar '01, who works for a hedge fund, highlighted his drive for excellence and strong work ethic. By taking on multiple projects under challenging conditions, he said he was able to develop a "personal brand" at such firms as UBS Investment Bank and Lehman Brothers that led to new opportunities.

"The vantage point of one who looks like you and has recently conquered the very challenges you are currently facing is invaluable," said Yve-Car Momperousse, director of Diversity Alumni Programs at Cornell. "This is why I felt it was important to co-sponsor this event in conjunction with the Cornell Black Alumni Association and Cornell's Young Alumni Program."

The panelists took questions on the utility of graduate degrees, best practices for financial management during career transitions and relationship building.

"Audience members could relate to the panelists and were open to hearing about their experiences in navigating the real world. The audience sought advice to use in today's turbulent economic environment," said Kassandra Frederique '08, the event co-chair.

Deirdra Hazeley '04 is an artist and teacher in Brooklyn, N.Y.