2025 Career Development Webinar Explores the Art of Negotiation
The Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Career Services at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) co-hosted the 8th Annual CUNY Multi-Campus Alumni Career Development and Networking Event on June 10. The virtual event offered career-enhancing advice from a panel of four experts, all of whom were either CUNY alums or CUNY employees.
Before starting the evening’s discussion, CUNY SPS Alumni Relations Manager Nidia Cordova, one of the original developers for the event, welcomed the virtual audience of 260 participants. In her opening remarks, Cordova marveled at how much the event has grown, noting “…this effort began with only four CUNY campuses, and this year we are thrilled to welcome graduates from a total of nineteen CUNY campuses.”
Moderated by Raya Faniel, the senior associate director of employer relations and partnerships at City College, the various panel members answered questions on the art of negotiating—including how to settle a starting salary, request a raise, or ask for a promotion.
James Casey, (pictured at left) an adjunct associate professor and academic community leader in the CUNY SPS Research and Compliance program, was one of the panelists. During his presentation, he shared a helpful negotiating tool that can be used when the employer cannot meet a requested salary. “Let's say the offer is $5,000 short. OK. Here's my counter offer. Bump up my title,” said Casey. “You can trade a better title for a slightly lower salary.”
Other panel members offered bargaining suggestions such as trading for more paid time off, more remote work, or professional development stipends.
Throughout the evening, the chat was filled with enthusiastic comments from the participants, thanking the event’s organizers for the informative evening and sharing LinkedIn profile information.
After the panel discussion, CUNY SPS Manager of Career Services Shannon Gallo facilitated breakout rooms to give alumni a chance to connect with each other. Before the groups were launched, Gallo reminded everybody about the importance of social media as a networking tool. “I think everybody knows Linkedin is a really good way to…use this as a springboard, so I encourage all of you to share your Linkedin profiles with one another in the breakout rooms as well,” she said.
Reflecting back on the event later, Cordova shared that she was thrilled with the webinar’s outcome. "I'm so grateful to everyone who participated in the planning process and our amazing panel,” said Cordova. “I was excited to see that so many graduates were still logged in until the very end of the discussion. It is clear to me that these types of programs are essential in supporting the success of our alumni.”
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu