Guiding Students, Building Futures: A Conversation with Lamark Shaw of Daemen University
By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo
In this special episode of the Pain Points Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Lamark Shaw, Director of Career Services at Daemen University—and someone who played a pivotal role in my own career journey. From retail management to teaching to mentoring thousands of students, Lamark’s career path shows the power of passion, perseverance, and paying it forward.
Lamark’s story is one of reinvention. After earning a degree in graphic design, he initially pursued a career in retail operations, eventually managing a successful clothing company. While he thrived in leadership, something felt missing. Networking and curiosity led him to teaching—and ultimately to higher education.
“I stumbled onto teaching and loved it,” he recalled. “It was all about communication, connection, and helping people grow. Everything I’ve done, from retail to higher ed, has always been about people.”
That passion eventually brought him to Daemen University, where he advanced from career advisor to Director of Career Services, while continuing to teach as an adjunct professor.
Mentorship That Lasts
As a career advisor, Lamark sees his role as guiding, not prescribing. “I don’t want to write resumes for students,” he explained. “I want to guide them, so they understand the process and can use those skills throughout their career.”
Mentorship, for him, is about helping students discover their own strengths and align them with careers that fit their passions and abilities. “If I do my job well, it has a positive impact on you—not just today, but for years to come.”
Preparing Students for the Workforce
At Daemen, Lamark and his team have built a robust set of programs to connect students with employers:
Recruiters on Campus (ROC): Weekly networking events where companies table in the student center.
Career & Internship Expo: A spring event that brings more than 50 employers to campus.
Professional workshops: Sessions on interviewing, professionalism, and industry-specific networking.
These initiatives provide students with direct access to opportunities—just as one of those events first connected me with StaffBuffalo.
Proud Moments and Lasting Impact
For Lamark, success is measured in two ways:
Growing a retail operation into a multimillion-dollar business earlier in his career.
Watching students return to say, “You made an impact on my life.”
“Those are the proudest moments,” he shared. “When a student comes back years later and says I helped them, that’s compensation you can’t put a dollar amount on.”
Advice for Students and Young Professionals
Lamark’s advice to students still exploring their careers is simple but powerful:
Don’t panic if your path isn’t clear.
Be flexible and patient with the process.
Network, ask questions, and pursue internships or shadowing opportunities.
Focus on learning who you are and how your skills align with industries.
“Careers are rarely a straight line,” he reminded us. “Experiment, stay curious, and don’t give up. That’s how you’ll find your way.”
To learn about StaffBuffalo’s Talent Optimization services and how we can help your organization thrive, reach out to us for a free call today!