#TD

Tag: #TD

Jack Murdoch ’27: From Corporate Partnerships to Coaching Dreams 

Jack Murdoch ’27 Major: Business Analytics, Minor: Economics 

Corporate Partnerships Intern 

Rhode Island FC 

Jack Murdoch ’27: From Corporate Partnerships to Coaching Dreams 

Jack, a business major and soccer enthusiast, spent his summer as a corporate partnerships intern at Rhode Island FC (RIFC). During his time at RIFC, he was responsible for managing partner promotions on game days and creating mid-season recaps for 67 different corporate partners. His work also included developing a partnership playbook and contributing to the execution of promotional events that highlighted RIFC’s value to its partners. These experiences helped Jack polish his communication and presentation skills, also gaining a real-life insight into the business side of soccer. 

Jack enjoyed his time at RIFC as a corporate partnership intern, and confirmed that his true passion lies closer to the “playing side” of the sport. This internship helped him realize that he wants to pursue a career in coaching and youth development, capitalizing on his experience as an athlete and his motivation to support the next generation of players. Jack is looking forward to continuing his professional networking journey and looking for opportunities within the soccer industry for coaching and player development. 

This internship was made possible through generous donor funding, which supports students in gaining real-world experience without the stress of balancing summer expenses. Hoping to intern next summer? Schedule an appointment at the Career Center and we can help you! The summer internship funding application will open in early January, after we get back from break. Learn more about funding for internships. 

Computer Science major and Data Science & Mathematics minor at Lawrence University, and the President of the Lawrence University Data Science Club. Connect with Sabin on LinkedIn

Fox Communities Credit Union

Founded in 1937, Fox Communities Credit Union (Fox CU) has grown from a small mill workers’ cooperative into an institution with $3B in assets, 134,000+ members, and 20+ branches across Northeast and Southeast Wisconsin.

What They Do

Fox CU provides personal banking, business lending, and digital banking services, all with a member-owned, community-focused model. Their mission: “Partner with members, communities, and our Fox Family to build stronger financial futures.”

Culture & Values

Core values like “Pay it forward” and “Seek to understand” highlight their focus on service, teamwork, and community impact. Employees enjoy strong benefits, coaching, and opportunities for growth.

Entry Points for Students & Grads

  • Teller/Member Service Rep roles in branches
  • Call center & digital support positions
  • Specialist roles like fraud or credit analysis (with some experience)
  • Internship-style entry roles in customer support and operations

Why Fox CU?

Unlike traditional banks, Fox CU prioritizes members over profits and emphasizes local impact. For students, it’s a great way to gain experience in finance, customer service, and community engagement while working in a supportive environment.

Hoffmaster: A Career Snapshot for Students & Grads

Hoffmaster, headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is a leading producer of premium disposable tableware — napkins, plates, bakeware, straws, and table covers. Their products serve both the foodservice industry (restaurants, hotels, healthcare) and retail consumers (party and household goods).

Company at a Glance

  • Founded in 1947
  • 1,000–5,000 employees across multiple U.S. locations
  • Mission: “Elevate dining and entertaining with sustainable, convenient solutions.”
  • Core values: Safety, Teamwork, Customer Focus, Ownership

Career Opportunities

Hoffmaster offers a range of roles:

  • Operations: machine operators, packers, production assistants
  • Technical: maintenance and quality technicians
  • Business: customer service, planning, and support functions
  • Entry Points: production floor jobs, internships, and training-based technical roles

What Sets Them Apart

Hoffmaster stands out with a long history of innovation in tableware and a growing commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly products. For students or grads, it’s a chance to enter the consumer goods industry with clear paths to grow in operations, technical, or business careers.

Associated Bank: What Students Should Know

If you’re looking to break into financial services in the Midwest, Associated Bank is a strong option. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, it’s one of the region’s largest banks, with over 200 branches, 4,200 employees, and about $40B in assets.

What They Do

Associated Bank offers retail banking, commercial lending, and wealth management services, serving both individuals and businesses across Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and beyond. The company emphasizes integrity, teamwork, inclusion, and community impact.

Roles & Entry Points

For students and recent grads, Associated Bank offers:

  • Summer Internships (12 weeks across business areas)
  • Corporate Rotation Programs (finance, risk, HR, IT, product, and more)
  • Wealth Management and Credit Analyst training programs
  • Branch & operations roles for those who want direct customer or support experience

Competitors & What Sets Them Apart

They compete with other regional and national banks, but stand out with their local focus, community investment, and structured career development programs designed for young professionals.

Why It Matters for Students

If you’re looking for a career where you can gain broad financial experience while contributing to your local community, Associated Bank offers a great balance of professional growth and purpose.

Strategies on Keeping a Job Search Manageable 

When I think about managing a job search, one key message really stands out: you don’t have to treat every job application like it’s a life-or-death situation. Not all opportunities deserve the same level of effort, and trying to give every single one your full attention is a guaranteed recipe for burnout. What I’ve learned is that by approaching your search strategically—with clear categories and time boundaries—you can actually make the process much more efficient and less stressful. 

The Emotional and Time Cost of Job Searching 

One of the first things that stuck with me was how every application comes with two kinds of costs: time and emotional energy. That part really made sense. You can easily lose hours tweaking your resume or obsessing over a cover letter—only to hear nothing back. If you do this over and over again without a clear strategy, it’s no surprise you’d end up feeling frustrated or drained. 

So instead of throwing your energy at everything, it’s smarter to think about how much each opportunity is really worth. That’s where the tiered approach comes in. 

The Tiered Approach: Matching Effort to Opportunity 

This framework breaks down your job opportunities into three main categories—and I found this concept super helpful for balancing energy, time, and expectations. 

Tier 1: “Drop Everything” 

These are the dream jobs. The ones that make you think, “If I got this, I’d pack up and move tomorrow.” They’re rare—maybe only one or two like this show up during your whole search. 

Because they’re so meaningful, they deserve deep investment: 8 to 10+ hours of prep. That includes researching the company in depth, doing informational interviews, and customizing every single part of your application. Even if you don’t get the job, the process itself is rewarding because you’re learning and connecting. 

Tier 2: “Strong Opportunities” 

These are jobs you’d be genuinely excited to land, and they make up the bulk of a healthy job search. What I like about this tier is that it balances quality and efficiency—you put in a solid 30 to 45 minutes of effort, enough to stand out without exhausting yourself. 

Tier 3: “Acceptable” 

These are roles that you’d take if offered, but you’re not emotionally invested in them. Maybe they’re slightly out of your comfort zone or not quite ideal—but they’re still worth applying to. Here, you only spend about 5 minutes per application. The key is not getting emotionally caught up in these; the lower investment helps protect your energy. 

Non-Tiered (a.k.a. Don’t Apply) 

This part really clarified things for me: if you wouldn’t take the job even if offered, just don’t apply. That simple rule can save you so much time and stress. It’s easy to feel guilty about skipping opportunities, but applying to mismatched roles wastes your resources and clouds your focus. 

The 15-Minute Job Search: A Game-Changer 

Another powerful takeaway was the 15-minute job search strategy. I love how this flips the typical grind mindset on its head. Instead of sitting down for an undefined and overwhelming session, you give yourself a very short, clear block of time with a specific goal. 

For example: 

Target: “Search for data science internships in Chicago.” 

Goal: “Find two roles to apply to.” 

Time Limit: 15 minutes—no more, no less. 

This approach keeps things light, focused, and doable. It’s great for maintaining momentum, especially when juggling other priorities like school or personal life. 

Final Thoughts 

What I’ve really come to understand is that a well-managed job search isn’t just about maximizing output—it’s about protecting your energy, managing your time wisely, and investing differently depending on the value of the opportunity. By applying a tiered system and breaking tasks into manageable chunks, the process becomes much more human and less exhausting. 

Ultimately, you’re not just trying to land any job—you’re trying to land the right one. And that takes clarity, discipline, and a little self-compassion. 

Sabin Ku Shah is a Computer Science Major and a Data Science Minor at Lawrence University and also a Secretary at Lawrence University Data Science Club. As a Career Peer Educator for CJW and GLI Career Communities, Sabin is motivated to help students explore their career paths. Connect with Sabin on Linkedin

Entry Level Career in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields today, with an ever-increasing need for skilled professionals to protect organizations from cyber threats. If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity but don’t have extensive experience, don’t worry. Many entry-level cybersecurity jobs provide an excellent opportunity to get your foot in the door and start building your skills. In this blog, we’ll explore the types of entry-level positions available in cybersecurity, the qualifications needed, and how to land your first job in this exciting field.

Why Cybersecurity?

Before diving into the types of entry-level jobs available, it’s important to understand why cybersecurity is such an attractive career choice. With cybercrime on the rise, businesses across industries are investing heavily in security measures. As a result, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, and the field is expected to grow even more in the coming years.

A career in cybersecurity not only offers job stability but also competitive salaries and the opportunity to work in a variety of sectors, from government and finance to healthcare and technology. Now, let’s look at some of the entry-level roles that can help you get started in the industry.

Common Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs

  1. Cybersecurity Analyst / Information Security Analyst
    • Role: As a cybersecurity analyst, you’ll be responsible for monitoring systems for security breaches, analyzing security data, and helping protect the organization’s networks and data.
    • Skills Needed: Knowledge of networking, firewalls, encryption, and common cybersecurity threats. Familiarity with security tools and systems like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems) is helpful.
    • How to Get Started: You can get started by gaining an understanding of network security basics and learning how to use security tools. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+ can help boost your credentials.
  2. IT Support Specialist / Help Desk Technician
    • Role: While not strictly a cybersecurity position, IT support roles often serve as a gateway into cybersecurity. You’ll work directly with end users, troubleshooting and maintaining IT systems, and ensuring that security protocols are followed.
    • Skills Needed: Strong knowledge of computer systems, software, and networking basics. Basic understanding of security best practices.
    • How to Get Started: IT support roles require problem-solving skills and a strong technical foundation. Start with CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications to show your readiness for IT support roles.
  3. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
    • Role: SOC analysts monitor and analyze security incidents, track threats, and help respond to cyber attacks. They work in a controlled environment, often using advanced tools to detect and mitigate threats.
    • Skills Needed: A solid understanding of network security, threat detection tools, and incident response. Familiarity with SIEM tools is a big plus.
    • How to Get Started: Look for internships or entry-level roles at companies that have a dedicated security operations center. Certification in CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or even a SOC Analyst certification can help you stand out.
  4. Network Security Administrator
    • Role: Network security administrators focus on protecting the network infrastructure of an organization. They manage firewalls, VPNs, and other network security devices to ensure that unauthorized access is prevented.
    • Skills Needed: Knowledge of TCP/IP, firewalls, VPNs, and network monitoring tools. Understanding of access control and network security protocols is key.
    • How to Get Started: For this role, certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco’s CCNA, or Certified Network Defender (CND) can be very helpful. Understanding the basics of network troubleshooting and security will make you a strong candidate.
  5. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
    • Role: As a penetration tester, your job is to simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems before malicious hackers can exploit them.
    • Skills Needed: Basic knowledge of networking, operating systems, and programming. Some familiarity with hacking techniques and ethical hacking tools is beneficial.
    • How to Get Started: While penetration testing often requires some experience, there are entry-level roles for those with foundational knowledge of cybersecurity. Start by learning the basics of ethical hacking and consider certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional).
  6. Cybersecurity Consultant
    • Role: Cybersecurity consultants assess an organization’s security measures and advise on improvements. While this role may involve more experience, entry-level consultants can start by helping clients implement security protocols and assess risks.
    • Skills Needed: An understanding of risk assessment, security frameworks, and compliance regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. Consulting also requires strong communication skills to explain security concepts clearly to clients.
    • How to Get Started: Start by gaining foundational cybersecurity knowledge, particularly risk management and compliance. Certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) may be beneficial down the line.

Qualifications for Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs

While each role may have specific requirements, here are some common qualifications and skills that will help you get your foot in the door in cybersecurity:

  • Basic IT Knowledge: Understanding how computer systems work, networking protocols, and operating systems (Windows, Linux, etc.) is crucial.
  • Certifications: Earning certifications will help you stand out. Some popular ones for entry-level cybersecurity positions include:
    • CompTIA Security+: A great foundational certification for anyone starting in cybersecurity.
    • CompTIA Network+: Helpful for understanding networking concepts that are fundamental to cybersecurity.
    • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Ideal for those interested in penetration testing or ethical hacking.
    • Cisco’s CCNA: Great for those pursuing network security administration.
  • Soft Skills: Communication skills are important in cybersecurity roles. You’ll need to communicate technical issues to non-technical staff and sometimes explain complex security concepts in simple terms.
  • Hands-On Experience: The best way to build experience is by gaining practical exposure. Consider internships, volunteer opportunities, or even lab environments where you can test your skills. Platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Cybersecurity Labs provide environments where you can practice and build real-world skills.

Cybersecurity is an exciting and rewarding field with numerous entry-level opportunities for individuals looking to start their careers. Whether you’re drawn to roles like a cybersecurity analyst, IT support technician, or penetration tester, there’s a path for everyone. By gaining relevant certifications, building hands-on experience, and networking with industry professionals, you can successfully launch your career in cybersecurity. With the demand for cybersecurity professionals growing every day, now is the perfect time to get started!

Economics and Business Analytics double major and a Data Science minor at Lawrence University as well as an Event Coordinator at Pan Asian Organization and Social Media Manager at LU Data Science Club. Connect with Nadika in LinkedIn