With potential job and internship opportunities for college students as pressing a need as ever, Farmingdale State College (FSC) has announced that its new Nexus Center for Applied Learning and Career Development is now open for business. The initiative was put forth by FSC in order to integrate applied learning and career development, both on Long Island and within The State University of New York, with the goal of helping students and alumni along on their potential career paths.
“Farmingdale State College is a leader in applied learning and career development,” said FSC President John S. Nader. “Our Nexus Center will ensure that our students have multiple hands-on opportunities that will successfully prepare them with the skills and experience regional employers seek.”
Applied learning takes knowledge and skills gained from the classroom and then applies them in a hands-on, real-world environment. Wherever a student’s experience takes place, be it in a research laboratory, hospital, darkroom, baseball stadium or on Wall Street, they’re expected to bring the skills and experience they acquired back to the classroom to enrich their academic work. FSC plans to make applied learning a graduation requirement starting next year.
Rena Varghese, Nexus Center executive director, explained that the center has the potential to fill multiple needs, as it not only provides students with experience, but also gives employers a chance to spot the potential of up-and-coming workers.
“FSC, as SUNY’s largest college of technology and applied science, has already been recognized for its positive impact on the regional economy,” Varghese said. “Applied learning is key to our continuing goals of preparing students for the workforce and meeting the needs of employers. The new Nexus Center allows us to offer a unified front for external partners to engage with the college and connect with our students, which satisfies mutually beneficial interests.”
In addition, FSC hopes the new center will further expand its relationships with local, regional and national businesses and industries. Among those that have provided internships and employment to students and graduates are D3 LLC, Henry Schein, National Grid, Tesla Motors, Summit Security Services, H2M and Enterprise Holdings.
Dr. Grace Wang, interim provost and vice chancellor for research and economic development of the SUNY Board of Trustees, thanked Nader, FSC’s campus leaders and the faculty governing body for its support in getting the Nexus Center up and running, and expressed confidence that the new initiative would prove successful in creating career opportunities for students.
“SUNY has a longstanding history of providing our students with applied learning opportunities throughout their time on campus,” said “Between the opening of the Nexus Center for Applied Learning and Career Development and making applied learning a graduation requirement for its students, Farmingdale State College understands the importance of providing students with experiences that will translate into a career.”
