Nicholas (‘Nick’) Amador

Employer Relations Associate, Career Center
Start Date: August 29, 2022

Like so many students, Nick Amador “had no idea” what he wanted to do when he began his college career. Four years and a Business Management degree later, he saw an opportunity that appealed to him: a chance to stay in the college environment where he felt so comfortable and help others make their best career decisions.

“I loved college and I loved the whole idea and process of being responsible for something good happening in someone else’s life. It seemed so rewarding. And so I threw my hat in the ring,” says Nick.

Nine years after working as a career counselor for students at SUNY Farmingdale, where he went to school, SBU is delighted that Nick decided to continue his own career in our Career Center, where he’s helping local employers recruit top-notch Stony Brook students.

Nick’s involved in “really well-attended” job fairs for his sector of the business – technology and engineering. He says the last fair in spring 2023 garnered 1,300 students and 96 employers. He works with student groups across campus. And, as employer relations associate, he coaches area businesses on how to most effectively recruit students. “I help them develop their ‘brand’. And I stress the importance of making sure students know who they are. The employer experience we’re trying to facilitate is that they see students, they meet students and they ultimately hire them.”

Stony Brook’s Career Center, says Nick, operates at a size and scale that excites and inspires him. “Some career centers might just offer resume assistance. The center here is an entirely self-sustaining operation with so many partnerships, programs and services for both students and employers. I knew that before I came and it was so appealing to me. I wanted to be part of that.” He cites ‘Practice Your Pitch’ sessions for employers, the Partnership Council (made up of recruiting partners invested in hiring Stony Brook University students for top internships and full-time jobs) and a Diversity Professional Leadership Network (DPLN), which focuses on career development and preparation for traditionally underrepresented and underserved students.

Nick loves the campus feel here too: “You’re surrounded by so many passionate young people living their lives. And you’re part of some of their biggest moments – like when they get that email saying they got the job they wanted.”

Besides enjoying a supportive, fun but hardworking environment here, Nick loves the fact that he gets to “make things happen. We’re also always looking for how we can make things better. We develop strong relationships with employers who have a local presence, like Estee Lauder. We help connect them with students through information sessions, job fairs and promoting their openings on Handshake. They love it and it’s a springboard for more partnership opportunities in the future.” 

Nick’s wife Casey Borchick Amador, social media specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communications, came to Stony Brook just about two years before Nick. They also worked together at Farmingdale. When he’s not helping employers build their future workforce, and students forge their future career path, Nick enjoys time at home in Islip Terrace with Casey, their seven-month old son Jerry Joseph (“J.J”) and three-year-old Giant Schnoodle (Schnauzer/poodle mix) Dusty.