By Kimberly Joy Dixon – Assistant Director of Employer Relations & Diversity Career Center – Stony Brook University

I am the coordinator of the Diversity Professional Leadership Network (DPLN) Program, which is a partnership with employers designed to impart career & industry knowledge to students.

Denise Quedraogo - Stonybrook.

Denise Ouedraogo

Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Major: Business Administration

Hometown: Plattsburgh, New York

Employer/Location: Travelers Companies, Melville, New York
Job Title: Operations Specialist, Claims

Through the DPLN program, my professional development flourished. The workshops taught me about my strengths and weaknesses and communicating this information to employers. I often utilized interview preparation opportunities: resume review, 10 mock interviews with Career Center staff/employer partners, three job shadow experiences where I witnessed professionals at work. To supplement what I learned during site visits, I attended Executive panels and Women in the Workforce panels, which clarified my career interests. I had 10 interviews with six companies before accepting a position with Travelers.

Kimberly Dixon - Stonybrook

Kimberly Joy Dixon

Assistant Director of Employer Relations & Diversity

Career Center

Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

I am the coordinator of the Diversity Professional Leadership Network (DPLN) Program, which is a partnership with employers designed to impart career & industry knowledge to students. I have seen Denise’s professionalism grow this past year; by matching her with her professional mentor and guiding her through many mock interviews, I have helped her enhance her leadership skills and feel prepared in her internship/job search.