Hiring Spotlight – Joseph Cozar

August 14, 2020

Joe Cozar was hired as an Account Assistant at the Yale Shared Services department in January 2020. Before securing a permanent position, Joe worked as a New Haven Promise Intern in the same department.

Tell us about your career journey?
My employment journey has been an emotional rollercoaster, but thanks to those around me, I managed to keep a steady pace. New Haven Promise and the New Haven Hiring Initiative were a tremendous help before I even finished college. Through their collaborative efforts, I secured internships that led to this incredible opportunity. New Haven Works also helped me to take my experience to the next level.

What else did you find helpful?
There were employment events that I found helpful, and in a way, made me who I am today. The New Haven Promise career fair was one of the most valuable events, not just because I was able to acquire an internship, but it also allowed me to truly network and understand how those connections impact our careers. Other events that I found helpful where the New Haven Works and NHHI Meet and Greet, and Yale Ready session. These events helped me hone my networking skills and gave me a firsthand look at how the connections that I made were helping me along the way.

What are your tips for success?
In a world that is continually changing, the most important tip is to stay true to yourself and understand that having a strong work ethic is really what can set you apart in our current society. Another tip would be to enjoy the process. I know it’s hard and may seem never-ending, but you will make great connections, which will help to build a strong employment foundation. So, don’t forget to respect, thank, and appreciate them.

What is your message to other job seekers and New Haven Promise Scholars?
The final message that I would like to share is: DON’T GIVE UP! It’s a beautiful and harsh world out there, but if you don’t give up, you will continue to move forward. Sometimes it may seem that all is lost, but believe me, it is not. You just need to take a deep breath and remember that there are always people out there that can help. So, hold onto your priorities tightly and follow your path as you strive to achieve the New Haven Promise motto - “TO. THROUGH. AND BACK.”