2015 Annual Report

CAREER SEMINAR
NECO’s Alumni
Association offers
a range of programs
It used to be that ODs had essentially two choices for
a career path: private practice or a staff position at a
commercial enterprise. Over the past few decades, the
profession has diversified considerably. To help students
fully understand the breadth of these career
opportunities, the Alumni Association offers an annual
career seminar where alumni from diverse professional
backgrounds participate in a panel discussion for
second- and third-year students. Panelists describe their
experiences in the field and share insights about what
motivated them to choose their respective career paths.
really like in the working world. They’re always very
appreciative and grateful.”
Paul Cangiano, OD ’96, agrees. The owner of a
successful private practice in Boston’s North End, he
says, “I like to give back to NECO as much as I can, and
I especially enjoy talking to students. I tell them, ‘You
shouldn’t think about signing a partnership agreement
if you’re not sure that’s the type of career you want.’
Speaking with us, they can learn the pros and cons of
different careers and make more informed decisions.”
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
that connect students
with alumni who can
help them develop a
clear, personalized
path toward becoming
a successful
vision professional.
Career seminars are ideal for students looking to make
sense of today’s expansive professional landscape.
NECO has actually been hosting these events for 36
years – solid evidence of the College’s longstanding
commitment to students’ career success. Their ongoing
popularity attests to the fact that both students and
alumni find them extremely valuable.
At a seminar held in early November, 11 alumni
comprised a panel representing fields such as clinical
research, commercial practice, OD/MD practice,
industry, HMO, academic, hospital-based practice,
private practice, and military. According to Baharak
Asefzadeh, OD ’03, who works for the Veteran’s Health
Administration, such events are important.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity for students to meet with
diverse professionals face-to-face and learn what it’s
GRADUATE STRONG
Thanks to NECO’s strong curriculum, exceptionally
committed faculty, and breadth of clinical experiences,
NECO students gain many of the skills they need to
hit the ground running after graduation. At the same
time, they also face the challenge of addressing the
numerous administrative requirements involved in
becoming a health care professional.
For that reason, NECO launched Graduate Strong
in 2014. The program’s objective is to provide
opportunities for current students to hear from recent
graduates about a range of non-clinical elements that
affect their work as they go forward, such as licensing,
practice insurance, debt management, credentialing,
employment searches, and accessing resources from the
American Optometric Association.
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