Major: Psychology
Minor: Business, LER
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I learned about this opportunity with the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program through the Liberal Arts Newswire. I was trying to figure out career plans, and I thought having a mentor would be a great step in doing this!

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

The first year or so of my experience with my mentor was limited to phone and email communication. It can be hard to meet with a mentor in person when they do not live in the State College area, but making a lasting connection is not difficult! My mentor has always been so kind, candid, and willing to help. She gives me a sense of what it is like in the "real world," but has always taken the time to walk me through challenges. She has helped me with resumes, cover letters, internship/job search, and overall career advice. After over year a of email and phone conversations, we were finally able to meet in person in State College. We chatted like we were old friends, which I felt was a very unique experience. Knowing that I have my mentor as a resource and friend is really special. Having someone to help me navigate all of these things has been amazing and I cannot thank her and the College of the Liberal Arts enough for my experience!

How did this experience impact you academically?

My mentor has sent me or referred me to articles, books, websites, and other materials that have helped supplement my education. For example, she sent me a book written by a top executive in my career field just a few months ago. She's also forwarded me LinkedIn articles that are relevant to my goals. My mentor works not only to give me career advice, but also strives to help me learn outside of my classes, which is wonderful.

My mentor works not only to give me career advice, but also strives to help me learn outside of my classes, which is wonderful.

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

In the fall, I will be starting a position in Human Resources at PNC Financial Services. I knew I wanted to be in HR before I was connected with my mentor, and she helped me achieve this goal. By editing my resume and cover letter, I had stellar application materials to send to employers. She also helped me learn how to draft professional emails and materials. This has been so helpful! Additionally, I want to pursue an MBA or some other type of graduate degree while working. My mentor has an MBA, and her experience has impacted me in such a positive way. She has given me insight into what it is like to be in an MBA program, how to search for schools, how to apply, etc. Her advice on this topic has been extremely helpful and has put into perspective to me just how important graduate school is to me!

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

Absolutely! This experience is truly unique! The mentor program exceeded all of my expectations and connected me with a mentor and friend that I feel I will have for life.