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Meet York’s TMCF Ambassador and Learn of His Experiences

York College’s Career Services would like to introduce Shaquille Profitt as York's Thurgood Marshall College Fund Student Ambassador.

Mr. Profitt is a rising junior, majoring in English with a minor in Pre-Law Studies. He also serves as chair, Community Service for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). His role is to raise awareness and introduce York students to TMCF programs and opportunities.  

Earlier this year, Profitt was one of three students at York College to accept an internship at the New York State Assembly, an extensive academic program for five months where students worked, learned, and connected with 150 students from across the state for the Spring 2020 semester. The program awards 15 college credits to students for time lost at school. Profitt was one of ten students whose final research paper on The Fair and Timely Parole Act (A-4346A) was selected for publication in a collection of 2020 award-winning papers by the Assembly Intern Committee faculty and staff. The judges noted that his paper was “exceptional, worthy of emulation by future Assembly interns in years to come.” 

Upon learning his paper was selected among 150 students, Profitt said “My heart [skipped a beat] and after that, it was a blur.” He was “Stunned by the news and felt a deep sense of profound gratitude” because he believes that he is “forever in debt by a cohort of educators, teachers, and most importantly, family, who have helped me and have been supportive throughout his undergraduate experience. He added that the program was “an impressive experience and opportunity to get into the crux of public policy. 

The scholar is urging his peers “to apply to internships because when you intern, anything can happen—that's the magic of putting yourself out into the world,” he said. 

Profitt also had the opportunity to attend the October 13-17, 2020 virtual TMCF Leadership Institute with four other York College students.  

“I had a wonderful time at the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute,” said Profitt. “Leadership Institute (LI) was such an informative event and experience, and I learned a great deal about team-building, leadership, and professionalism.” 

Profitt wasn’t the only York student in attendance nor the only student who found value in their attendance. 

“I was speaking to York student attendees about their experience and they, too, loved and marveled at the experience,” he said. “The fact that the event was virtual and accessible was even more enjoyable. In our group chat, we discussed how it was a breathtaking experience and how the five days went by so quickly. During the recruitment fair, I spoke to about twenty companies ranging from Walmart to JPMorgan and Chase & Co and three graduate school programs (including Emory and Columbia Graduate schools) and the information I received was immensely helpful.” 

Profitt made time to interview with Kellogg, one of the companies represented at the event.  

“I interviewed for a Sales Internship program for the summer of 2022,” he explained. “The interview went well, and I was told that they are considering my application and will contact me with options. On the other hand, I applied to other internship opportunities through Kellogg's and the NAACP Foundation. I also spoke with representatives from the Fulbright Scholarship Program (a study abroad intensive) and although applications are no longer being accepted, I do intend on applying in my senior year.”  

Assertive scholar that he is, Profitt is also applying to the Paul A. Volcker Careers in Government essay contest, whose information he recently received. In general, he says the TMCF opportunity was highly valuable. 

“This experience was one I will never forget, and I would love to bring some of what I have learned to students at York College in hopes that they will apply next year,” he says. “Of course, we all had anticipated it to be in-person but because of the COVID restrictions, we had a [reimagined] experience and it worked out just fine.” 

The other York students who participated in the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute were 

Nafisa Tabassum, a senior studying computer science. Her goals are to get into product management and software engineering.  

Alamin Hossain completed his Associates degree at Kingsborough Community College in Engineering Science. He is a senior studying Computer Science at York and will graduate in fall 2020. Alamin’s career goal is to become a front end/full stack developer & software Engineer.  

“I am so happy to become part of this team & looking forward to all of those amazing opportunities at TMCF,” he said going in. 

Adedayo Epemolu, a junior and Business major with and Economics and Computer Science focus; and  

Jessica Guzman, also a Business major, but with a focus on Marketing and Computer Technology, rounded out the cohort. 

Ms. Linda Chesney, director of Career Services is always proud of the students who earn internships through her office. 

“I am so proud of the students, who attended this year’s event virtually,” said Chesney.

“It was absolutely amazing to see how everyone pivoted to a totally virtual conference as complex and engaging as Leadership Institute. The resilience of the students, TMCF staff and the employers was a model of true professionalism.”  


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