Nexus Center emphasizes connection, networking and support

By James Cowlishaw

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – For decades college career centers have provided students with

services to help navigate career opportunities like internships and jobs as well as life after

graduation. The Nexus Center for Applied Learning & Career Development is dedicated to

connecting students to opportunities across campus and in the professional workforce.

Rena Varghese, executive director of the Nexus Center, described the center as a hub that ties Farmingdale students to local employers, faculty members and a plethora of applied learning opportunities. That said, she did make it known that engagement from students can tend to be rather low at times due to academics and what she describes as a lack of exposure to career planning services during a student’s early years in school.

“The Nexus Center is meant to be a hub for the entire college,” Varghese said.

Varghese mentioned one of the ongoing tribulations is making certain that students take

advantage of career planning services early on in their college career. She highlighted the

importance of Farmingdale’s First Year Experience courses as well as different Nexus Center

events and workshops play a vital role in ensuring students are prepared for internships and a job in the corporate world.

“I think the heart of what we do lies in the people,” said Varghese.

Aside from student career exploration, Varghese also highlighted the challenges both students and alumni are facing in the current job market. She goes on to mention that students and alumni applying for positions are feeling the effects of what she listed as both shifting employer expectations and a demand for more experience from candidates. She exemplifies these as factors that are making it harder for students to secure jobs.

“Networking was hard for me. I struggled with the voice in my head when I was younger. I

encourage students to talk kindly to themselves,” said Varghese.

She passionately encourages students to take advantage of being a student. What she means by this is suggesting students attend office hours, attending a variety of workshops and events and building connections with professors and faculty. Moreover, Varghese suggests that taking initiative is the key to mastering the art of networking.

Farmingdale students attending Nexus Center Job Fair, November 2025.

Varghese goes on to discuss the importance of soft skills, highlighting the importance of

communication and how it is deeply valued by employers. Maintaining professionalism is of

major importance for those entering the workforce for the first time. The Nexus Center hosts

workshops to help students garner these skills as well a semester-annual Job Fair with many

employers.

When asked where she sees the Nexus Center in five years, Varghese suggests the center is

dedicated to hiring more career counselors to better benefit and improve the accessibility of

career development services for students at Farmingdale State College.

While students navigate an extremely competitive job market Varghese claims career

development centers like the Nexus Center play a vital role in ensuring students are building the right types of connections and are prepared to enter the workforce.