Liberal Arts Major(s): Anthropology, History, Jewish Studies
Minor: Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Hometown: Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Experience Time: Fall 2019
Give us a brief summary of your experience?
I applied for the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program during my first year of college because I was interested in making connections in my field of interest and learning more about my desired career path. I have since changed my career interest from Archaeology to Museum Studies; however, my mentor has helped me along the way by reviewing my resumes and cover letters and putting me into contact with other professionals when she is no longer in her area of expertise. My mentor has been an amazing help to me, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone.
The Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program has allowed me to interact with a neutral experienced professional that wants to help me achieve my career aspirations
How did this experience impact you academically?
The Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program has allowed me to consider the classes and future education I might need in order to obtain my desired career goals. Speaking with my mentor has allowed me to think about programs or classes that would make me more marketable for certain internships or future educational opportunities. It is always great to have a second opinion on programs, and she is also able to tell me about programs she knows about and thinks I might be interested in.
How will this experience impact your career goals?
The Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program has allowed me to interact with a neutral experienced professional that wants to help me achieve my career aspirations. It can be difficult to speak to family, friends, and faculty about your future career aspirations because they can sometimes feel as though they know what is best for you. While my mentor also wants the best for me, she is usually more open to hearing about what I want to achieve professionally and helps me work toward achieving those goals.
How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?
The staff of the College of the Liberal Arts has gone above and beyond to make opportunities for mentors and mentees in the program to meet in-person through luncheons and other events. While talking on the phone or on Skype is a great way to interact with a mentor, being able to meet them in person is also an amazing opportunity. My mentor is not always available to meet in person, but I have been able to meet other students and mentors in the program that I might not have been able to meet otherwise through some of these events.