Employee of the Month - May 2025
Andre Rishi,
Career Development Center
Career Development Center
Awarded Monday, May 12 at Friendship Walk. Andre was joined by President Jane Close Conoley, Career Development Center Director Erin Booth-Caro, and numerous campus colleagues.
Michelle Levy, Assistant Director of Graduate Business Career Services shared that Andre Rishi, Graduate Business Career Coordinator, “…is the epitome of a student-centered professional. With a deep commitment to supporting our diverse student body of over 850 graduate business students, he provides personalized career guidance that goes beyond the standard approach. Thoughtful, meticulous, and incredibly knowledgeable, Andre ensures that every student he works with feels empowered and prepared for their next steps.”
Levy noted that one student perfectly captured the impact of his work: "Andre was awesome! He gave great feedback, and I loved that he explained why it was worth considering. In the past, I've had people tell me to change things just because ‘that’s how it is.’ That kind of feedback isn’t helpful. However, Andre gave me exactly what I needed—breaking down how interviews can build off my answers, trends in resumes, possible assumptions employers might make, my past experience, and how to level up what I already have.”
“Andre’s dedication goes far beyond scheduled appointments—he regularly extends meetings when students need extra support, ensuring they leave with clarity and confidence. Recognizing the unique challenges MSIS graduating students—particularly international students—face in their job search, he took the initiative to collaborate with the faculty director, to ensure MSIS students were meeting with Graduate Business Career Services. This proactive approach ensures students are fully prepared for the competitive job market ahead.
“Andre embodies CSULB's strategic priority of engaging all students, equipping them with the skills to become professional leaders, problem solvers, and critical thinkers as they navigate their careers. His impact is felt every day, making a meaningful difference in the futures of our graduate business students,” added Levy.
Andre has dedicated over 15 years to education, with a deep passion for helping students succeed. He began his career at Los Angeles City College, working for seven years in the Job Readiness Program, before serving for five years at California State University, Fullerton. For the past three years, he has been “honored to be part of the caring and amazing team at the Career Development Center at California State University, Long Beach” and “finds true joy in supporting students’ growth and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a community that is dedicated to student success.”