Tips for Baruch Graduate Students

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The tips listed below were created from the experiences MS Finance alums: Candas Kirnaz, Paola Cepeda, and Mahendra Waghamare had during their time at Zicklin.

We hope this list helps students with some additional direction and structure on how to maximize their time and activities while at Zicklin. 


Candas Kirnaz (MS Finance ’25), Financial Analyst at Grant, Herrmann, Schwartz & Klinger LLP: 

“During my MS in Finance program at Baruch College, everything on this list came from real experiences that helped me find my way as an international student in New York. Connecting with classmates, alumni, and professional communities made the biggest difference. Those relationships gave me support, confidence, and opportunities I didn’t even know existed. 

Using resources like GCMC, career fairs, and workshops helped me understand the job market and feel more prepared. Attending immigration-focused events made the journey far less stressful. I hope this list encourages current students to put themselves out there and take small steps every day—they truly shaped my path forward in NYC.” 


Paola Cepeda (MS Finance ’25), Program Manager, Business Development at Trison Wells LLC: 

“As an international student in New York, I learned that you don’t have to navigate your career journey alone. I’m extremely grateful for the tools and support my college offered—they made a real difference. 

Being intentional about connecting with classmates who shared similar career goals, forming groups for encouragement and job leads, helped me stay on track. I strongly recommend taking full advantage of the career center—résumé reviews, mock interviews, career fairs, alumni events, mentorship programs, and company visits—and saying yes to student projects, competitions, and collaborations. These small steps build confidence, community, and real opportunities over time.” 


Mahendra Waghamare (MS Finance ’25), Trade Finance Specialist at Mizuho: 

“Studying as an international student in New York can be challenging, so it’s essential to make full use of the resources available. Securing a full-time internship made a significant difference in my academic and career journey. 

The support at GCMC was incredibly helpful, especially résumé reviews, LinkedIn networking guidance, and access to on- and off-campus networking events. The City Tutor Mentor Program was another valuable experience, where I received guidance from a senior professional at Bloomberg that helped shape my career path. 

I secured a full-time internship at the beginning of my second semester thanks to friends who shared opportunities on LinkedIn, along with strong career resources at the college. Most importantly, the International Student Service Center (ISSC) provided critical, timely guidance that made navigating my internship as an international student much smoother.” 


Networking & Classmate Connections 

  • Meet classmates who are seeking similar jobs 
  • Create a WhatsApp group with classmates who share the same career goals 
  • Join alumni events on campus 
  • Connect with alumni from your home country on LinkedIn 
  • Connect with senior-level alumni in your target field on LinkedIn 
  • Join EOC events and mentorship programs on campus 
  • Join InterNations and Meetup events for networking 
  • Attend consulate business networking events 
  • Attend nonprofit organization events 
  • Participate in One-To-World events to meet students from other universities 

Career Fairs & Company Engagement 

  • Join company career events on campus 
  • Attend company welcome events at their offices 
  • Join company information sessions (e.g., Bloomberg) 

Job Applications 

  • Apply to jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake 
  • Apply through staffing firms 
  • Look for campus jobs related to your target field 
  • Look for CUNY jobs related to your target field 

Resume, Skills & Interview Preparation 

  • Build your résumé with GCMC 
  • Use AI tools to check keywords and alignment with job descriptions 
  • Do mock interviews for your target role with GCMC 
  • Learn technical computer programs relevant to your target job 
  • Attend campus workshops (e.g., Subotnik Center) 

Projects & Competitions 

  • Do student projects with classmates 
  • Complete online projects to strengthen your résumé 
  • Participate in on-campus case study competitions 

Networking Through Past Experience 

  • Reach out to previous managers for networking and potential future roles 

Immigration & Support 

  • Attend immigration lawyer webinars hosted on campus 

Experts in Residence: Visas and the Job Search Process 

 
Join us for a virtual Experts in Residence session featuring Zicklin alumni who’ve been in your shoes. 

 
Hear from Candas Kirnaz, Mahendra Waghamare, and Paola Cepeda (MS Finance ’25) as they share real-world insights and practical advice. 
 

February 25, 2026 
5:00–6:00 PM 
 

Virtual 
 

Learn about career paths, day-to-day work, and strategies for navigating visas, work authorization, and the job search—followed by a live Q&A. 

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