GRUSD TAKES ON NEW JERSEY
After graduating in May with a degree in event management, Sydney Grusd chose to further her education at Lynn by pursuing her master’s degree in human resources.
During her undergraduate years,Grusd was heavily involved in hersorority Sigma Sigma Sigma and served as the recruitment director for two years. She graduated withinthree years and had an immediateurge to learn something new. Inspired by her time with Sigma Sigma Sigma, Grusd saw an opportunity to grow professionally while studying human resources.
“I found a true passion in finding strong and confident women who I felt would be perfect additions to lead and grow our chapter,” said Grusd. “I enjoyed it so much that
I am still actively involved through my master’s as the recruitment adviser. In that capacity, I oversee recruitment and am able to correspond with our national office on behalf of my chapter, while being a mentor to the members.”
Grusd was also heavily involved off campus. She completed three internships during her undergraduate years, with the first serving as an events intern for Kiss the Planner, a private wedding planner.
She then worked as an intern for 3-J Hospitality, a group that oversees three venues in Ft.Lauderdale as well as a restaurant in Lake Worth. This internship was beneficial to Grusd because she gained experience planning events, allowing her insight into what the industry is really like.
Most prominent, though, was Grusd’s recent internship over the summer with the governor of New Jersey’s office. There, she worked side-by-side with the governor’s wife, the first lady.
“I was asked to spend my summer planning the Foundation Gala for the governor, a 250-person event that happened this past October,” said Grusd. “My task involved consulting with directors regarding event strategy and goals, creating and establishing long-lasting vendor relationships as well as organizing previews and samples of vendor supplies.”
While her internship came to an end this summer, Grusd had the opportunity to return to New Jersey in October for the event. There, she saw the impact of her hard work and was personally thanked by the First Lady in her speech at the ceremony.
Now that her role with the governor’s office has come to a close, Grusd has chosen to reflection the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.
“The most important lesson I learned is how important your connections are,” said Grusd. “Every person you meet could one day be a potential connection; it is so important to treat everyone with kindness and respect.”
