Recent Graduate

Q: What are some of the thoughts you had going into the program?

My mentor, John, is in my career field so I was very excited about it. He was a little younger than I had expected, and I feel like we were able to become closer due to our ages.

Q: How has your mentoring experience benefitted your academic/professional life?

My mentor has helped me to choose particular classes that would be best tailored to my academic experience to prepare me for my professional future. Professionally, he’s given me great advice on which paths to take when I get into the work world, and he’s provided guidance, letters of recommendation, and just general advice, which has been extremely helpful.

Q: What would you say to students about why they should participate?

The best reason is that it will make your transition from the academic to the professional world a lot easier and more enjoyable. The most important thing is that the mentors are former Penn State students, so there is already something you share in common.

Q: What are your career goals and plans---and how has your mentorship influenced them?

My goals are to work for the Federal Government in some capacity, most likely in the State Department. I may also seek to serve in the military at some point. John has provided me with information on where to seek resources, where another office might serve as a better place to start, and he has given general advice as to how to contact these offices.