“When I first told people about my plan to relocate, I got discouraged,” she says. “With the troubled economy, everyone told me it was a terrible time to move and search for a new job.”
Cautionary advice notwithstanding, Chalumyan was determined to be closer to her family on the West Coast. After working in the Boston area for eight years, most recently as a financial analyst for Optos, she had wide-ranging experience in accounting and finance and an extended network of contacts. Equally important, she knew how to maximize her resources, thanks in part to a long association with Bentley’s Career Services office.
“I remember, as a student, seeing alumni of all ages participating in Career Services events – and they were such an inspiration to me,” says the former Corporate Finance and Accounting major. “I wanted to stay involved, even while I was happily working, to help encourage people starting out in their careers.”
The positive payback for Chalumyan: a group of fellow alumni and Career Services staff who were eager to support her own career move. They offered personal insights and practical tips on developing a résumé that captured her skill set. From the reader-friendly design to the qualifications highlighting her professional achievements, every element on the page was pitch perfect.
“Narine was enthusiastic about soliciting advice. I think more than 100 people reviewed her résumé,” says Barbara Hyle, director of alumni career services. “She took all the right steps to make a successful transition to a new job on the West Coast.”
Chalumyan relocated before securing a new position, but quickly found herself juggling a steady stream of interviews. Before long, she accepted a post as senior financial adviser at Ernst & Young, where she applies strong analytical and communication skills on behalf of clients that include publicly traded large corporations and real estate companies.
“My advice for Bentley alumni who are looking to make a career or job transition – big or small – is to keep an open mind and stay involved with Career Services,” says the alumna, who credits a top-notch résumé for her own success. “They can be an invaluable resource.”
