On February 20, Brooklyn College’s marketing students were treated to an exciting and educational day of career-building insights at a special seminar led by distinguished leaders from the business and finance sectors. The event, spearheaded by Assistant Professor Ngoc Cindy Pham—a CUNY Career Success Fellow, Tow Senior Faculty Mentor, and Career Readiness Council Member—provided students with invaluable tools for professional communication and career planning. (Left to right) Assistant Professor Ngoc Cindy Pham and Amber Creighton of Cathay Securities, Inc., address Koppelman School of Business students. The seminar was a powerful learning experience, featuring a lineup of influential guest speakers. Ryan Ban Tran, CEO of Trans International Group, Inc., captivated students with practical tips on effective business communication. Tran shared strategies for simplifying complex business concepts into clear, engaging language that resonates with diverse audiences—an essential skill in today’s fast-paced corporate world. Amber Creighton of Cathay Securities, Inc., shed light on careers in investment banking. Known for being an industry often dominated by Ivy League graduates, investment banking might seem out of reach for many. However, Creighton made it clear that with the right approach, anyone can tap into this competitive field. Students had the chance to discuss their own interests, learn how to build strong professional networks, and gain practical advice on how to break into top firms. (Left to right) Guillermo Molina, Ryan Ban Tran, Provost April Bedford, Amber Creighton, Cindy Ngoc Pham, and Dean James Lynch. The seminar also had an international dimension, with Guillermo Molina attending on behalf of Universidad Católica Tecnológica del Cibao. His visit highlighted the ongoing discussions about a potential sisterhood agreement between Brooklyn College and universities in the Dominican Republic. This partnership would open doors for students to explore new academic and cultural opportunities abroad. What truly set the seminar apart was Pham’s dedication to turning her students’ aspirations into real opportunities. On the first day, she asked students about their dream careers, and little did they know that a few weeks later, they would be sitting in a classroom with real industry leaders, learning directly from them. Ryan Ban Tran, CEO of Trans International Group, Inc., captivated students with practical tips on effective business communication. In the lead-up to the event, Pham worked one-on-one with students to fine-tune their résumés, ensuring they were fully prepared to meet with recruiters and make the most of the seminar’s networking opportunities. This thoughtful preparation helped students feel confident and ready to take the next step in their careers. The event kicked off with inspiring words from Provost April Bedford and Murray Koppelman School of Business Dean James Lynch, who stopped by to welcome the guest speakers and show their unwavering support for student career development. Their presence underscored Brooklyn College’s ongoing commitment to helping students succeed in their chosen fields. This career seminar was just one example of how the college continues to invest in the future of its students. It was a powerful reminder of the college’s unwavering commitment to equipping students with the skills and connections they need to thrive in the professional world.
