Maxelle Cohen

Class of 2026

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Currently Studying: BBA in Human Resource Management & Sports Marketing Minor

Member (Clubs): President & Co-Founder of the Undergraduate Human Resources Management Club & Member of American Marketing Association

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Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

When I first began applying to colleges, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take.

After visiting several campuses in the tri-state, Pace University’s Lubin School of Business stood out to me. Its strong business program, prime city location, and overall environment felt like the perfect fit for my academic and professional growth. As an HR major, I was especially drawn to all the on-campus and off-campus opportunities, including internships, clubs, and hands-on experiences.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

Serving as the President and Co-Founder of the Undergraduate Human Resources Management Club has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey. I still remember writing in my Pace Path presentation during UNV 101 that one of my goals was to start my own club, and seeing that vision come to life alongside my peers has been incredibly rewarding. This experience has allowed me to connect with fellow students who share my passion for HR and to create valuable opportunities, such as hosting guest speakers like Mehnaz Ladha from NBCUniversal, to help us all grow our networks and gain real-world insights.

How has the Pforzheimer Honors College benefitted you?

The Pforzheimer Honors College has benefitted me in many ways, which challenged me to go beyond the standard coursework and think more critically and creatively. In addition, the opportunity to do research and special projects have allowed me to explore my interests on a deeper level, which I am excited to work on this year with my thesis advisor. The Honors College also gave me access to unique academic opportunities, like priority advising and professional development resources that allow me to tailor my education toward my career goals.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

There are so many ways I could answer this question. From what I’ve learned in class to the incredible events I’ve attended, but my favorite opportunity at Pace has been finding friends who are just as driven and passionate about their goals as I am. Being surrounded by people who are motivated, ambitious, and genuinely supportive has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. For example, one of my friends is working at BBC Studios, and another is interning at Warner Bros. this summer. Seeing them achieve their goals inspires me every day. I truly don’t know where I’d be today without their constant encouragement and belief in me; they’ve helped me stay focused, take risks, and pursue every opportunity with confidence.

What has your experience been like interning with the New York Islanders' HR team?

Interning with the New York Islanders this past summer was truly an unforgettable experience. As the only HR intern in the department, I was lucky to receive one-on-one mentorship and hands-on opportunities every single day. From the moment I joined, the team made me feel welcomed and valued, encouraging me to take initiative and contribute in meaningful ways. During my time there, I assisted with the recruiting process, onboarding new employees, conducting compliance audits, and supporting employee engagement initiatives. Working so closely with experienced HR professionals gave me an inside look at how HR operates within a professional sports organization and solidified my passion for pursuing this career path. Overall, this internship allowed me to build practical skills, boost my confidence, and expand my network in the sports industry; it was an experience that truly shaped my goals for the future.

How did Lubin help prepare you for your internship in human resources?

Lubin prepared me well for my HR internship by providing a strong foundation in both the theory and practical aspects of HR Management. Through my HR class with Professor Coatman and other courses in my curriculum, I was able to learn essential topics that helped me understand the key functions of HR before starting my internship. Additionally, Lubin’s courses that are filled with case studies, group projects, and real-world applications taught me skills like communications and problem solving that were helpful with my team at the Islanders. The support from professors in both my human resources major and sports marketing minor gave me the confidence and preparation I needed to step into the professional world.

The support from professors in both my human resources major and sports marketing minor gave me the confidence and preparation I needed to step into the professional world.

What have you learned about the sports industry through your internship that surprised you?

As a Sports Marketing minor, I’ve taken classes like Sports Sponsorship and Special Events Marketing, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding what goes on behind the scenes in the sports world. But during my internship, I was surprised to see just how much work happens beyond the visible areas like marketing and game day operations. Departments that often stay behind the scenes, such as HR, strategy & analytics, and partnerships, play an equally, if not more, crucial role in building and maintaining a strong team culture. In an industry that’s always under public scrutiny, having a motivated and well-supported staff is essential for success, and the Islanders are an organization that truly invests in making this happen.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

My biggest piece of advice for other Lubin students is to really focus on building and maintaining a strong professional network. I know the word “networking” probably gets thrown around a lot during your four years at Pace, but it truly is the key to success. This is especially true in the sports industry, which is extremely competitive and can be tough to break into. The connections you make can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even posted online. Attend events, join clubs, and don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for informational interviews, even a simple LinkedIn message can go a long way. The relationships you build now can end up being the key to unlocking your future, whether it’s in sports or any other field you choose, so make sure you’re prioritizing that while exploring your career options at Pace.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife is more than just classes and assignments. It is a community that pushes you to be your best every day. It is about those moments when a professor goes beyond the textbook to share real industry insights, guest speakers who open doors, and clubs that turn ideas into action. When I think about what #LubinLife means, it is getting hands-on experience while building relationships that truly matter, all while discovering who you want to be in the business world.

Connect with Maxelle:

• Connect with Maxelle on LinkedIn