Student Blogs

Bandier: Syracuse University’s Music Business Program

Bandier students learn from Monte and Avery Lipman, chairman and president of Republic Records during the David M. Rezak Lecture Series.
Bandier students learn from Monte and Avery Lipman, chairman and president of Republic Records during the David M. Rezak Lecture Series.

Did you know that one of Syracuse University’s smallest academic majors is also one of its most influential?

Students meeting with Cody Verdecias from Atlantic Records.
Students meeting with Cody Verdecias from Atlantic Records.

The Bandier Program in Recording and Entertainment Industries (Bandier, for short) within Syracuse’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications enrolls just 25-30 students each year, but is consistently ranked as one of the best schools for studying the music business. Graduates of the program go on to roles in a variety of careers, including A&R, media and public relations, music journalism, entertainment law, venue management and more!

Interested in learning more about the Bandier program? Take a look at these recent photos for a snapshot of what life is like for Bandier students!

  • The Bandier Program maintains close ties with industry executives and leaders across all areas where music and the media intersect and offers students the chance to learn from someone new each week through the David M. Rezak Music Business Lecture Series.

    Bandier students attending SXSW Music Festival and Conference in Austin, TX.
    Bandier students attending SXSW Music Festival and Conference in Austin, TX.
  • Bandier students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the music business through programs like the Syracuse University Los Angeles Semester. The Bandier Program has a strong alumni network that works with students and faculty/staff regarding mentoring and assistance in finding internships and job opportunities!

    Bandier students enjoying the sunshine while spending a professional semester in Los Angeles.
    Bandier students enjoying the sunshine while spending a professional semester in Los Angeles.
  • The small nature of the Bandier Program means that students are provided with individual academic and professional guidance based on their interests. Students are required to hold at least three internships during their time at Syracuse, and many do so while studying abroad! Through experiences like these, Bandier students are exposed to a broad spectrum of ideas and experiences that prepare them for the ever-changing landscape of music business.
Bandier students taking in the sights during a semester away in London.
Bandier students taking in the sights during a semester away in London.
  • Despite the small and close-knit nature of the program, Bandier students also have resources of a large university at hand. Bandier students are actively involved on campus in a range of clubs and organizations, and many hold leadership roles in the college entertainment programming board, University Union.

    University Union leaders with Khalid after Syracuse University’s annual spring Block Party, held in the Dome.
    University Union leaders with Khalid after Syracuse University’s annual spring Block Party, held in the Dome.

A Bridge to a Dream Job via the School of Education

Kyle Zhen '20 and classmates at Brooklyn New School.
Kyle Zhen ’20 and classmates at Brooklyn New School during their Bridge to the City teaching experience (Photo courtesy of Kyle Zhen).

Inspired by his AP US History teacher, Brooklyn native Kyle Zhen ’20 knew he wanted to be a teacher when he arrived at Syracuse as a first-year student.

Now a senior about to apply for full-time teaching roles, Kyle looks back over his time at Syracuse and experience in the School of Education (SOE) with gratitude for all that he’s learned and confidence in his chosen career path. Read on to learn more about Kyle and what it’s like to be an SOE student at Syracuse!

Meet Kyle Zhen ‘20
Major: Inclusive Elementary and Special Education (Grades 1-6), B.S.
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Activities: Students of Sustainability, Asian Students in America (ASIA)

Choosing a major
I knew I wanted to be an elementary school teacher – someone who is there for students, considerate, compassionate and teaches kids to be great humans –when I entered Syracuse, so the Inclusive Elementary and Special Education major was a perfect fit.

Students walk in Huntington Hall.
The School of Education is housed in Huntington Hall.

As a first-generation college student, my family really values education. I want to be able to pass on that value to my students, too, so that regardless of their backgrounds, they have the opportunity to achieve their dreams and really love learning.

Cohort-based model
SOE classes are cohort-based, which means you take courses with the same group of students in your major. The cohort model is great because it’s easy to make friends and build connections, and to ask for and offer help from each other. It’s a really collaborative environment.

When you enter the School of Education, you meet with both peer and faculty advisors right away. Your peer advisor is a year or two older than you and can show you around and give you advice on classes. My faculty advisor was great to go to with questions and was quick to respond to me and point me in the right direction no matter what I needed.

Experiential education
As an SOE student, you are working in the classroom as soon as freshman year. From programs like Book Buddies, to observing teachers and teaching lessons in Syracuse City School District, there are countless opportunities to gain experience in the field. 

Syracuse student working with children in Syracuse City School District.

With these experiences, plus student teaching, practicum work, in-school tutoring, and internships, SOE students log over 900 hours in the classroom by graduation. This is huge, because there is no better way to prepare for a career in education than time in the classroom.

Some of my favorite classes at Syracuse were my teaching methods classes where you learn how to really break down the content you are teaching and the methodology behind it. These classes allow you to really analyze and learn the best way to present material, like adding fractions, to third graders who have never been exposed to it before.

A Bridge to the City
When I was applying to college, one of main things that attracted me to Syracuse was the A Bridge to the City program, which allows education students to complete their semester of student teaching in New York City. Being from Brooklyn, I always knew I wanted to teach in an urban environment like the one I grew up in. I want to give back to my community and help make sure students from diverse backgrounds and immigrant communities have the opportunity to be successful.

Eight students from my cohort completed the Bridge to the City program with me this fall, and we lived together dorm-style at the 92nd Street Y. It’s a great location because its right near Central Park and it’s close to museums and the subway. After being at different placement schools during the day, we could come back and use the gym and cook dinner together, as well as hang out and explore the city on weekends.

During the first seven weeks of the program, I taught 5th grade at the Brooklyn New School PS 146 and during the second seven weeks I taught 3rd grade at Midtown West School PS 212. I loved both of my placements – I got to make meaningful connections with students and teachers and my 5th graders even invited me to their graduation at the end of the year! I loved the experience and would jump at the chance to teach full-time at either of my placement schools.

Advice for incoming students
My first piece of advice is to do your readings and homework! I recommend the 6th floor of Bird Library or the comfy couches in Carnegie as two great spaces to study. 

My second piece of advice to incoming education students is to reach out when you need help. School of Education prides itself on being a collaborative and supportive environment and professors (and your cohort!) are always willing to help and offer mentorship. So whether you’re struggling with a reading assignment or simply have a question or need advice – don’t be afraid to ask!

 

Top 20 Reasons to Apply to the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell in 2020 [Part 2 of 2]

Today I’m sharing reasons #11-20 of my two-part post: the Top 20 Reasons to Apply to the College of Arts & Sciences | Maxwell in 2020!

Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

If after reading Part Two, you still have questions – don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Admissions! We’re here to help you as you navigate your college research and application process. Reach us anytime at orange@syr.edu!

11. Unique Integrated Learning Majors
Syracuse’s signature Integrated Learning Majors (ILMs) in Forensic Science; Environment, Sustainability & Policy; Ethics; Energy & Its Impacts; Citizenship & Civic Engagement; and Neuroscience combine the academic coursework of traditional majors with professional training in an applied or multidisciplinary field. First created in 2010, ILMs, housed in A&S | Maxwell, offer students broad exposure to their field of choice and increased employability due to the versatile nature of these programs.

12. Liberal Arts Core
The College of Arts & Sciences is the home of liberal arts at Syracuse University. A&S faculty believe that education should do two essential things: help students master fundamental intellectual skills for communication and expression and develop broad perspectives on the world and human experience.

The Liberal Arts Core requirements ensure that all students in A&S take courses in writing, language, quantitative skills, humanities, social and natural science, and is part of what makes an A&S | Maxwell degree so meaningful. These skills also translate to success after Syracuse – written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a team are three of the most-cited attributes employers look for in college graduates!

13. Tailored Career Advising
In addition to a university-wide Career Center, A&S | Maxwell students can take advantage of tailored career advising from in-house advisors that specialize in the liberal arts and sciences. Need help finding an internship or networking in your field? Starting to think about graduate school or obtaining a full-time job after graduation? Take advantage of resources like school-specific immersion trips, online networking and job platform Handshake, and annual career fairs with the assistance of our A&S | Maxwell advisors and feel confident in your path!

14. Support from the Dean’s Team
The A&S | Maxwell Dean’s Team is a group of undergraduate student ambassadors who will help you transition to Syracuse and answer any questions you have along the way. Members of the Dean’s Team are selected across diverse backgrounds, majors, and hometowns but they all have one thing in common: they bleed Orange! Dean’s Team ambassadors will be on hand to help you answer any questions you might have throughout the year, and even serve as mentors in first-year forums, the discussion-based courses required of all first-semester A&S | Maxwell students.

15. Discovery ProgramOtto the Orange visits Big Ben in London
Do you have the travel bug? Considering a gap year abroad? First-year students in A&S have the opportunity to study abroad during their first semester as a Syracuse University student through the Discovery Program. With locations in Florence, Italy; Madrid, Spain; or Strasbourg, France – you can scratch your itch to travel while earning Syracuse University credit alongside other Syracuse students.

 16. Exciting Minors
A&S | Maxwell students are able to take advantage of any of the 100 minors at Syracuse University, no matter which school or college they are housed in! With unique options like Global Security Studies, Mindfulness & Contemplative Studies, Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises, and much, much more, you’ll be sure to find a great option to complement your chosen course of study.

17. Power of A&S | Maxwell Alumni
With over 70,000 accomplished and engaged alumni worldwide, A&S | Maxwell students don’t have to look far to find connections that bleed Orange. With alumni events both on and off-campus, social networking programs like Handshake and the #hireorange initiative, it’s easy for A&S | Maxwell students to connect and share with Syracuse alumni from day one!

Syracuse University students on graduation day

18. Washington Semester Program
The Maxwell School’s Washington Semester Program allows undergraduate students to work and intern in the nation’s capital while earning Syracuse University credit. Students who participate in the Washington Semester Program gain first-hand experience in both international and domestic policy that sets them up for success pursuing careers in public service, public affairs, NGOs, media and business, and more!

19. Meaningful Community Service OpportunitiesSyracuse University students participating in community service
With resources like the Shaw Center and 20+ community service organizations at their fingertips, A&S | Maxwell students have countless opportunities to volunteer and make a difference during their time at Syracuse. During the 2019-20 academic year, Syracuse’s 150th Anniversary, the campus community was even charged with completing 15,000 hours of community service in 150 days – which they met and exceeded! No matter the cause that is near and dear to your heart, you’ll be able to make a difference during your undergraduate career at Syracuse.

20. Ability to Take Academic Risks
With 60+ majors and 100+ minors to choose from and the ability to take classes across campus as part of the Liberal Arts Core, A&S | Maxwell students are encouraged to explore their academic interests and take learning risks. Want to dabble in economics? Interested in trying a new language or learning more about nutrition? You’ll have space to indulge your curiosities and under guided support from academic and career advisors.

Combining Business and Technology

Meet Julia Fontana ’19 G’20
Major: Information Management & Technology
Hometown: Nazareth, PA
High School: Nazareth High School
Activities: iSchool Peer Advisor, NEXIS Research and Innovation Lab, University 100 Student Ambassador

I began my career at Syracuse as a dual student in the iSchool and the Whitman School of Management. During my campus visit, I fell in love with the iSchool and the possibility of a curriculum that combined business and technology. I have always been interested in both areas and Syracuse was the only college I was looking at that had a formalized program where I could pursue both majors simultaneously.

Throughout my time at Syracuse, I have taken full advantage of every opportunity available to me. That’s my biggest piece of advice – there are awesome things happening in the iSchool, so make sure you’re making the most of them!

Collaborative, inviting environment for learning and discovery

The iSchool is more than just a building or college where students take classes. It truly is a community, a family of people, coming together to learn, discover, grow, and help each other.

Unlike any academic environment I’ve experienced before, the iSchool is completely collaborative. Students are encouraged to work together to solve problems and develop solutions. You see this spirit of community most clearly in NEXIS, an entirely student-run research lab located in the iSchool.

NEXIS has provided me with a platform to put what I learned in the classroom into action. It has opened the door to incredible opportunities I would not have otherwise considered.

Opportunities to make lasting alumni connections

As a sophomore, I took a fully-funded trip to New York City to visit the New York headquarters of EY and Microsoft. I participated in hands-on profes

sional development exercises and made lasting connections with Syracuse alumni. My team of students even presented our project to partners at EY!

World-class internship and job prospects

My summer before junior year was spent in Washington, DC at the Federal Reserve Board as an Applications Development + User Experience Intern. Right away I got to work on bug fixes, automation, usability expansion, and participated in client meetings. The work I did made it into production across the entire Federal Reserve Board! This incredible internship was made possible thanks to connections I made at the on-campus iSchool Spring Career Fair.

This internship served as a great way to practice the interpersonal skills I learned through the iSchool. Since I was working with both clients and developers, I had to speak both the technical language of my development team, as well as the business language of our clients. The iSchool taught me the importance of “speaking both languages” and putting it into practice further emphasized my classwork.

Immersion experiences in the real-life business world

During the Spring Break of my senior year, I traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area through the iSchool Immersion Experience program. We visited Syracuse alumni and friends at companies across Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area. I made 100 new contacts at huge organizations like Google, Uber, Cisco, and Twitter. We even met with startup companies like Density, which was started by iSchool alumni. It was incredible to learn about the tech-driven business culture of the Valley directly from members of the Orange family.

A background in management and technology has prepared me for a future of possibilities. My experiences have strengthened my interpersonal and communication skills and my technical knowledge. More so, I now understand the necessity of these skills in a business world that is growing more technologically-oriented. The iSchool’s flexible curriculum allowed me to take the courses that interest me most. Plus, the school’s abundance of extracurricular involvements have enriched my educational experience. I’ve even decided to spend another year at the iSchool to earn my Master of Science in Information Management through the Fast Track program!

Why We Applied Early Decision

Lauren Czudak ’19
Psychology, Selected Studies in Education
Livonia, NY

Why did you decide to apply Early Decision at Syracuse?

Syracuse was a top choice for me after visiting my brother on campus. At an Orange Preview, I took a tour of campus and met with staff from the School of Education. I learned about Selected Studies, which is such a unique program that has diverse career options.

I fell so in love with the campus and the school and everything it provides. I felt like I was at home. The school spirit and the fact that the whole community “bleeds orange” truly set it apart. Syracuse offered a significant number of student organizations, strong academics, and it was a good distance from home.

What was it like to receive your notification?

I was ultimately admitted to my second choice program. At first, I was extremely disappointed. But my parents were so proud of me and emphasized how competitive Syracuse is. After 15 minutes it hit me how huge the honor was of being accepted ED. Since I wasn’t admitted to my first choice program, the decision was no longer binding. But I still knew I wanted to attend Syracuse. I even transferred into my first choice once I was a student.

Why should students apply ED?

Make sure that you truly see yourself at Syracuse for those four undergraduate years. It is a large commitment, but if you want to attend this university, it’s worth the pressure. Be sure you have conversations with your parents, counselor, and yourself about the application process. Speak your mind and let your parents understand and support your decision.

 

Max Josef ’21
Sport Management
San Francisco, CA

Why did you decide to apply Early Decision at Syracuse?

I began formulating my ideas for what I wanted in college while in middle school. I knew I wanted a mid-sized school with a strong sports team. I ended up visiting five colleges, including Syracuse. I ultimately applied Early Decision at Syracuse because I believed it would best prepare me for my future. The Sport Management program is incredibly strong, with .

Mostly, I wanted my decision early. The college application process is incredibly stressful and I just wanted to know where I was going and have a relaxing second semester.

How did you receive your notification?

I thought I would hear during finals week. I set an alarm on my phone for when I received an email from Syracuse. We were taking a practice final in my Pre-calculus class. As I was finishing up my test, the alarm went off. My teacher shook her head and let me go to the bathroom, telling me to “take my stuff and don’t come back if you don’t get the answer you were expecting.”

Why should students apply ED?

I think it’s a lot less stressful. It makes for a more enjoyable second semester of senior year. For me, I thought it was the best course of action because I knew I wanted to be at Syracuse. I think going Early Decision shows your passion in ways that a 1,500 word essay can’t.

 

Matthew Lyons ’22
Selected Studies in Education
Fair Lawn, NJ

Why did you decide to apply Early Decision at Syracuse?

My cousin graduated from Syracuse, so I heard a lot about the university growing up. It became a true contender in high school, as I was looking for colleges with strong education programs. I visited campus and was struck by how unique the teacher prep programs are in the School of Education. No other school I visited allowed students to have a field placement in the first year.

Syracuse became my first choice. Beyond the impressive academics, I felt at home here. I knew if I got accepted to Syracuse I was going to attend, so why not apply Early Decision? All my application materials were ready to go and it would relieve a lot of stress knowing which college I’d be going to by December of my senior year.

What was the wait like?

The wait was nerve-wracking. You try to put it in the back of your mind, but it’s hard. All my friends who were applying Regular Decision were putting the finishing touches on their applications. But I was dealing with a different type of stress. It was such a relief once I heard back in late December.

Why should students apply Early Decision?

Anyone that is really passionate about Syracuse should apply ED. If the college is your first choice and you can see yourself as part of the Syracuse community, you should apply early. Your application will stand out and it shows your dedication to being Orange.

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Bridging the Gap between Engineering and Geography

Simone stands in a research laboratory, with a lab bench behind her and glassware displayed to her left

When Simone Burns came to Syracuse, she knew she wanted to major in Environmental Engineering. During her time here, she found her passion at the intersection of engineering and geography.

What sparked your interest in geography, in addition to engineering?

During my freshman year, I took a class called World Cultures. I never took a class like that in high school – it wasn’t just about cultures. It was also an introduction to the geographical principles of space, place, how we fit within them, and how we interpret or use them. For example, we talked about living rooms, and I really enjoyed thinking about how people from different cultures use the same space in different ways.

Later on, I took a geography class and learned about mapping technology. Using geographic information systems (GIS), you can pull together different kinds of data to create layered maps. I was able to take what I was learning in class and apply it in a real, physical way. For example, the class made maps of all the places we frequently visited on campus. When we put the maps together, we saw that the routes, represented by lines, were different for every person; everyone had different patterns. I remember thinking, “oh, I could see myself doing a lot more with this.”

Indeed, you have done more! Can you explain how you continued to work with GIS?

Most recently, I used GIS for my senior design project. There were about 20 different topics that students could choose from, including GIS, which I immediately signed up for. Our assignment was to solve a problem about bike lanes: there were only three bike lanes near campus, but many people bike around our campus, and there was a need for an online resource.

First, we researched the existing bike lanes around campus. We found that a lot of people could use the existing lanes to get to campus, but once they reached main campus they would share the roadways with buses and zig-zag around pedestrians on the sidewalk. It’s dangerous for everyone involved, but where else could the bikers go?

To get ideas for how to solve this problem, we teamed up with an advisor from Syracuse’s Office of Sustainability, researched bike lanes on other college campuses, took a close look at the bike lanes in the City of Syracuse, and surveyed the people who use them. We needed a lot of information: What kind of bike lanes do people prefer? How could we signify that a lane is intended for bikers? Where do people typically bike while they’re on campus? Where are the bike racks? What other resources do they use?

We decided to collaborate with the University to create an interactive map that bikers can use to plan their trips to, from, and around campus. The map will tell them where the bike lanes and bike racks are, along with places of interest like restaurants, lockers, or places to take a shower. We started out with nothing, at ground zero, and had to build all of those maps with buildings, bike racks, and bike lanes – everything someone would need when mapping out a route.

This project was a manifestation of both my majors, with geography influencing engineering and vice versa. I had to think about the engineering and technical aspects of building the maps, but also think, “okay, from a social aspect, how do we interact with the space?” I have learned that you can’t just think technically to create a design; there are so many other factors that go into it.

Simone and four other students stand in front of a research poster
Simone’s senior design team of civil and environmental engineering students called Green Path. From Left to Right: Simone Burns (Project Manager), Yuanyuan Wang (Design Analyst), Kimberly Fitzgerald (GIS Analyst), Lilin Liu (Design Analyst), and Hope Bartlett (Data Analyst).

It sounds like this project was a fantastic learning experience. What are your next steps?

After graduation, I participated in a short-term study abroad class called Asiatech. I visited and learned from various tech companies in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. After the trip, I began my current internship with SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Physical Plant Department; I am digitizing and modeling their hospital buildings using 2D and 3D drawing software. After my internship, I will pursue my Master’s degree in Civil Engineering at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, FL where I will conduct research using GIS to improve transportation and evacuation routes in Florida.

Simone dressed in her graduation gown, holding her graduation cap, with the hall of languages and flowering trees in the background

Going to New Heights with Syracuse

Meet Cassie Cooper ‘20
Major: Health and Exercise Science
Hometown: West Monroe, NY
High School: Altmar-Parish-Williamstown High School
Activities: Syracuse University Outdoor Club, Commuter Organization Group

Health and Exercise Science has brought a world of opportunity my way. This past semester, I interned at my former high school helping with indoor and outdoor track and I’ve been able to study in the human performance lab on campus. However, my absolute best experience was spending three weeks trekking to the Base Camp of Mount Everest.

Getting there

The trip started off when my flight to JFK got cancelled. We sped down to NYC and got to the airport with 15 minutes to spare. Our first flight was a 14 hour flight from JFK to Abu Dhabi. We were delayed and missed our connecting flight to Kathmandu. So we stayed overnight in Abu Dhabi, which was fantastic.

Once we arrived to Kathmandu, we met with the Calgary, Swedish, and University of Michigan teams who were joining us and took another flight to Lukla – which has one of the world’s shortest runways. Hold on!

The journey to Base Camp

Our trekking days were long as we went up and down dirt paths. All the locals were incredibly fit and would lug housing materials on their back while wearing flip flops. Meanwhile, we were in hiking boots, using poles, and trying to catch our breath as they sprinted past. At night we stopped at lodges to acclimate. On those rest days, we explored the towns, went shopping, and played cards.

It took us about two weeks to trek up to the Base Camp. I was surprised to see snow on the ground in June! As we passed Gorak Shep to Base Camp, we saw a pack of yaks come through – they’d run into you if you didn’t get out of the way! When we arrived to Base Camp, you could see the Khumbu Icefall and there were tons of prayer flags. We all cheered and took dozens of photos. I went down to the glaciers and stood by one – it was massive. To get down to the glaciers, you’d have to slide through the rocks, but the views were incredible.

Taking a class at 17,000 ft.

Every rest day, we had a lecture. Topics ranged from decrease in oxygen pressure at high altitudes, to the role genetics might play in altitude sickness, to muscle fatigue. We also learned a lot about the culture in Nepal. To be able to see and interact with the culture firsthand was life-changing. With this trip, we experienced firsthand what we were learning. With the oxygen pressure difference, it wasn’t just learning about it but also having to deal with it as you hiked.

What’s next?

I initially thought about being an athletic trainer. But after this trip, I’m thinking more about being a paramedic or first responder for outdoor adventurers.

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Discovering Public Health

Meet Ryan Patel ‘19
Major: Public Health, Biology – Pre-Health Track
Hometown: Manhattan Beach, CA
High School: Mira Costa High School
Activities: University 100, Orientation Leader, University Conduct Board, Forever Orange Student Alumni Council, Homecoming Court, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, Peer Educator with the Office of Health Promotion, volunteer at Crouse Hospital and Syracuse VA Medical Center

How did you get connected to Public Health?

As soon as I got to Syracuse, I signed up for a million clubs; literally anything that had the word “health” in it. However, one club stood out: the Society for Public Health Educators (SOPHE). I became involved and discovered Public Health through a research opportunity looking at malaria rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Through my Public Health classes, I’ve studied epidemiology, clean water access, fertility and maternity rates, the societal impacts of health access, among other topics.

How has experiential learning been part of your education?

Experiential learning is a key element of Public Health, with several classes requiring an internship component. I’ve had first-hand experiences at Vera House, the Syracuse City School District’s Refugee Assistance program, and the Office of Health Promotion. I’ve also been able to study abroad in South Africa through a Public Health course. With the Refugee Assistance program, I assisted in teaching health literacy to refugees in the North Side of Syracuse.

Why did you decide to pursue Pre-Health?

I knew I wanted to be Pre-Med from a young age. In high school, I took a medical assisting course and fell in love with medicine. I joined the Pre-Health track when I came to Syracuse and have relied heavily on their resources.

What resources are available through the Pre-Health Advising office?

Pre-Health advisors assist with the development of medical school applications and portfolio. We also have a recommendation committee who will read your application and submit a recommendation on your behalf. In addition there are different clubs and organizations that are popular amongst Pre-Health students: Camp Kesem, Medical Brigades, and Syracuse University Ambulance.

Where are you at in the medical school application process now?

Instead of going right into medical school, I’m taking a non-traditional gap year to pursue a master’s in Medical Sciences. Right now I’m relying on my Pre-Health advisor to review my graduate school application materials and be sure I have everything required to apply. After receiving my master’s, my goal is to enter medical school.

Why is Public Health a good option for students who are considering Pre-Health?

It’s out of the ordinary and identifies you as a unique candidate for medical school. Public Health teaches you to think about health holistically. While you’ll still take courses in biology and chemistry, you’re also studying how a person’s community affects their health, nutrition, and lifespan. Public Health prepares you to think of the health outcomes, which is needed in any clinical health career.

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Engineering Abroad

A group of fourteen students pose for a photo on a sand dune at sunset

Last summer, Haley Bigando set off for what would be a “life-changing” experience, studying abroad as part of the James Mandel and Samuel Clemence Civil Engineering Internship at the Dubai Contracting Company. While collaborating with students and professionals from around the globe, she learned how civil engineering concepts apply to multimillion dollar projects, and prepared for her own future as an engineer.

You said that your experiences in Dubai were “life-changing.” What was most memorable part of the trip?

I’ve never been abroad before, so studying in another country and learning about another culture was a huge change. One day they picked us up in SUVs and we drove into the desert. It felt like a large-scale skate park when we drove up the dunes and dropped back down. We stopped at sunset, and drove down to base camp for dinner. Some of us rode camels and went sand boarding, which is basically snowboarding, but in the sand!

It sounds like you formed some close relationships while you were in Dubai. What was it like to study with students from another country?

Half of the students in the program were from the Lebanese American University. We got along with them so well; we lived together, shared our experiences, and showed each other pictures of our hometowns. We had lunch together every day in the office and it would always be something different; some of it we didn’t like, some of it we loved! It was also fun when they would teach us different phrases in Arabic.

A group of sixteen students pose for a photo in front of a city skyline at night

How did you connect with executives and other engineers at the Dubai Contracting Company?

When we arrived, each department head explained what their department does. For example, we toured the planning department and then had a lecture on planning, scheduling, and how that relates to the rest of the project. We even gave presentations to the chairman of the Dubai Contracting Company, Mr. Yabroudi (’78, G’79) and he critiqued us. He pushed us to work very hard, because we jam-packed everything into four weeks.

A group of students gather around a set of blueprints, which are spread out on a table. The students are wearing reflective vests, and their hard hats are sitting on the table.

How did studying in Dubai change the way you look at engineering?

We went on site tours around Dubai almost every other day. We started with sites where construction had just begun, and by the end of the program we were touring completely finished buildings. We were taught to pay close attention to detail and quality; now I pick up on things all the time that I never would have noticed before. Even if it’s just a sidewalk, or something that could have been designed better, I’ll notice it!

Picture of Haley standing at a construction site, with the city skyline behind her. She wears a reflective vest and hard hat.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I will continue at Syracuse with my master’s degree, because I love the close-knit community here and want to get more experience in structural engineering. After graduate school, I look forward to working for The Chazen Companies as a project engineer.

What advice do you have for high school students who might be intimidated by the idea of studying abroad?

When I was preparing to apply for the study abroad program, I questioned whether to go through with it, because I’d never been abroad before. But the Dubai program is short-tem, I knew everyone going, and a professor went with us. All of that made it easier. I’m so glad I handed in my application because I will never have the chance to do something like the Dubai program again. Now I’m not afraid to travel – I want to travel more!

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