Career Services Spotlight – Edward Tin-Yau Lau, MPA ’19, Center for NYC Neighborhoods

What is your new job? How did you obtain it?
My new role is Outreach Associate at the Center for NYC Neighborhoods. I obtained the job via online application. I applied to the same organization, but to a different position in 2017 and Suzanne Grossman with Marxe Career Services helped connect me to one of her contacts. I think the Center had a positive impression of my application.

The Center is a one-stop shop for protecting and promoting affordable homeownership in New York City. My new role takes me to different parts of the city hosting educational events and making presentations related to city and state’s sustainability and resiliency initiatives. Performing outreach and case management for two major programs, FloodHelpNY and Community Energy Engagement Program, I help connect homeowners to resources ranging from home energy assessment to the installation of a backwater valve to mechanical retrofits to make homes more comfortable and energy efficient.

How long were you actively job seeking?
I’d been actively job seeking since March and I got an offer from the Center at the end of June so about four months.

What was your job search strategy during this period?
I focused my job search in the community economic development space where I know I have the knowledge and expertise in program delivery. I revisited the organizations and agencies that drew my interest during my MPA studies and identified the ones that I want to grow with. I also considered carefully if the positions I was applying to match with the experience and skill set that I have.

What do you think were the secrets to your success?
If there were secrets, it had to be the preparation for interviews. I researched industry trends and company culture to ensure I understood the organization’s position in the industry, the population it serves, and its challenges. Also, think about what your role model(s) would do to take on the new job. What questions would they ask? What language would they use? For me, one of my role models is I. M. Pei who once said “Great artists need great clients.” When I was preparing for the interviews, I considered the organizations of my future clients. I was determining if we would be great matches so that the discussions centered at how my skill set would be utilized and make the biggest impact on their business activities.

What advice do you have for job seekers out there?
1) Make a fair evaluation of yourself by identifying your strengths and weaknesses. If you can’t do it, seek support and guidance from Career Services.

2) Be ready to talk about the process of your work and/or findings of industry trends. Interviewers want to know the substance of your work, how you arrive at a decision, and lessons learned — not your job responsibilities which they are fully explained in your resume.

3) It is also helpful to find friends or colleagues to help you prepare for interviews. “Pitch” yourself to them and receive feedback. So you are more confident to tell a compelling story as concisely as possible.