A cohort of SUNY New Paltz business students had a chance to practice the the ever-important skill of networking on a recent trip to Douglas Elliman, one of the nation’s top real estate companies.
The visit was organized by the New Paltz Management Association (NPMA), School of Business Lecturer G. Chris Napolitano, and Mark Palermo, a vice president at the New York-based firm. They convened at the swanky Manhattan apartment complex where Uber co-founder Garrett Camp has a penthouse.
“I always see real estate signs when driving and traveling, and how properties are always up for sale,” said NPMA vice president Johnathan Fratus ’22 (International Business; Asian Studies), “but then to see the luxurious side of the profession gives you a whole other perspective.”
Napolitano enjoyed seeing business school students meet with Palermo, a friend of his for more than 20 years.
“I love being able to bring friends from my personal network together with our students to provide them unique experiences within the business world,” he said. “Our students proudly represented SUNY New Paltz throughout the entire event, and I am so proud of them for stepping out of the classroom to chase their interests and dreams.”
That practice – “stepping out of the classroom” to make connections and apply lessons in the real world – is core to the curriculum in the School of Business. These kinds of field experiences were less common during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic, but opportunities are opening up once again, and New Paltz students are benefiting.
“For most of our members, this was the first time they were able to put on business professional attire and be in a professional environment, beyond the classroom,” said NPMA President Allie Schadoff ’22 (Business Administration). “It was impressive to meet with him and to get that experience.”
“Remembering the connections you make now is really important,” Fratus added. “You can always use these in your future to broaden your own horizons.”
About the New Paltz Management Association
The student-run Management Association’s mission is to be the College’s leading provider of business experiences for students. NPMA holds workshops on leadership and teamwork, plans networking events, and organizes trips to successful companies in the spring semester. Past company visits include Google, HuffPost, Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden.
