Liberal Arts Major(s): English
Hometown: Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

There have been so many amazing experiences during my time abroad. However, the most rewarding part would be all of the amazing and interesting people that I have met. I haven't traveled much in my life; being in London, I get to meet people from so many different countries. They all have such incredible stories to share, and I feel grateful to have gotten the chance to learn from them.

I have gained inspiration from my surroundings, my experiences, and the people I have encountered, which makes me see the world in a vastly different light.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I was challenged academically from the moment I arrived at Queen Mary University. The way that the education system works in London is vastly different from what I am familiar with at Penn State, which forced me to work hard. I appreciate that I was able to learn so much and gain knew studying skills that I can bring home with me. My work ethic has improved and has given me a taste of a world outside of the one I know.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Through my study abroad experience I was able to challenge myself and develop skills that will give me an advantage with my career goals. I had to adapt in a new environment where I was completely on my own and figure out the best methods for me to succeed. I have gained inspiration from my surroundings, my experiences, and the people I have encountered, which makes me see the world in a vastly different light.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Psychology
Other Major: Human Resources and Employment Relations
Hometown: Newtown, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of studying abroad was experiencing the new culture. Spain is a lot different than America, and it was very interesting and exciting to explore Barcelona. I enjoyed meeting new people and trying new things/new foods.

This experience made me realize that you can learn a lot more outside of a classroom and that lectures are not the only way to learn new things.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience allowed me to see things from multiple perspectives. Studying abroad has changed the way that I think about things, which has affected my critical thinking skills. This experience made me realize that you can learn a lot more outside of a classroom and that lectures are not the only way to learn new things.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

My career goals involve working with other people and understanding the needs/mental processes of other people. Being in a new country has allowed me to meet a ton of different kinds of people which allowed me to practice understanding other people's perspectives and thoughts. This experience has also caused my career goals to shift and has caused me to want to travel the world more instead of staying in America.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Psychology, Spanish
Hometown: Elysburg, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of working as a research assistant in Dr. Levy's lab is working with research participants. I conduct clinical interviews in the lab and then evaluate the data and information collected in these interviews.

The organization and professionalism I must display in lab help me to be a better student

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience has enhanced my interpersonal communication skills and data processing skills. The organization and professionalism I must display in lab help me to be a better student. I work as a lab manager and help other students to complete various projects in the lab. I believe this leadership role positively affects my schoolwork as well.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

In the future, I hope to pursue a career as a psychiatrist. Working with clinical populations and research participants now will help me to stand out as a medical school applicant.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

Paterno Fellows requires a senior thesis. I knew I wanted to do research in the area of psychology. This is the reason I joined Dr. Levy's lab, and I am really excited to write my thesis.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Labor and Employment Relations
Hometown: York, PA

What was the best part of your experience?

Having the opportunity to visit Silicon Valley and see the hustle and bustle of all those in the tech industry was so inspiring. The companies were so open to answering our questions and showing us around the offices to see their work spaces and layout. Having never been to Northern California, this was such an eye opening trip. I don't believe I would have ever been able to experience this trip without the help of Liberal Arts Enrichment Funding.

Having the opportunity to visit Silicon Valley and see the hustle and bustle of all those in the tech industry was so inspiring

How did this experience impact you academically?

Having the opportunity to see the techniques that you've been taught throughout your courses being physically used in the real world was so exciting. The companies we visited were of various sizes and ages, and there was a visible progress and diversity among the company types. Seeing the changes in the companies and how they handle situations based on their size was really interesting. While on this trip, I discovered I really enjoy human resources, especially in the tech industry, and many of the successful professionals in the company have a master's degree in Human Resources. Penn State offers a 4+1 year integrated master's degree in Human Resources, and this trip introduced me to the idea of applying for this opportunity.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

As mentioned previously, this experience encouraged my interest in continuing my education to obtain a master's degree in Human Resources through Penn State. Before this course, I didn't think receiving a master's degree was of that much importance in this field, but the professionals we met with all discussed their graduate programs and how this extra schooling really advanced them professionally. I would not have even thought of applying for a master's program if it weren't for this specific trip and course.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science
Minor: French, History
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part would have to be meeting the locals and going to Funditut, an organization that assists juveniles, including gang members. I loved seeing the rich culture Curaçao had to offer. It was truly amazing seeing how the people knew how to speak four languages so naturally and how lively the people were. I was able to use my Spanish to speak to different groups, especially those who came from Spanish countries, and figure out why they left. Funditut is also a type of rehabilitation for juveniles, meant to give them work skills to prevent them from going back to prison. It was interesting meeting the men and seeing how this organization recognized that this is a lifelong journey, especially since there are circumstances that cause bad actions. Many times these juveniles grow up with a single parent or in poverty. They do not have a support system, so they join gangs. Funditut tríes to offer opportunities while recognizing that a person can not stop a habit in two months.

In the end, [this experience] broadened my understanding of the different experiences of people and made me more interested in crime

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience showed the importance of diversity and languages. It showed crime in Curaçao. We got to learn the history of Curaçao, which was a colonized island. Nowadays, people are very diverse and speak a lot of languages, which makes Curaçao different from other countries nearby. They have a mixture of cultures and have to work with different languages. This emphasized the importance of languages because they are able to experience different cultures because of their knowledge. These languages are learned from a young age. It really pushed me to keep learning different languages. In addition, I was able to see crime in Curaçao. We visited the police and coast guards who told us of difficulties they have with gangs and immigration. I was able to see how Venezuela is impacting the small island, since Curaçao is right next to it. People are fleeing Venezuela in large numbers for opportunities.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience definitely impacted my career goals. I am looking at careers outside of the United States. The course exposed me to different careers that were truly interesting like being a coast guard or starting an organization like Funditut. In the end, it broadened my understanding of the different experiences of people and made me more interested in crime. The reasons why people choose to do illegal activities are to join criminal organizations are really complex. I am really interested in why people do certain things or join groups like gangs.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Global and International Studies
Other Major: Supply Chain and Information Systems
Minor: International Business, Engineering Design
Hometown: Export, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience so far has been encountering people from all over the world. I was surprised by how many other international students I was able to meet at Masaryk University; even within the first week I had met students from Italy, Poland, the UK, Australia, China, and many other countries. Interacting with so many people experiencing a new culture and lifestyle, who all came from different cultures already, has been amazingly impactful on my understanding of this experience as a whole. Specifically, I had an incredibly meaningful interaction recently with a girl named Karina from Russia. After hanging out at a coffee shop, we ended up spending the whole day together laughing and realizing how similar we are despite all the differences between the countries we come from. Such experiences have helped me to cultivate a greater empathy toward people from different cultures and opened my eyes to the ways in which we can all connect in spite of the distance between us.

Such experiences have helped me to cultivate a greater empathy toward people from different cultures and opened my eyes to the ways in which we can all connect in spite of the distance between us

How did this experience impact you academically?

Living and learning in another country has taught me a lot about communicating in a multicultural environment and how to effectively adapt in order to continue my education. Interacting with classmates from around the world has shown me a wider array of personalities and opinions and helped me to deepen my understanding of many of the issues we are presented with in class and how they relate to my major of Global and International Studies. This has taught me the value of and ability to learn from people of different cultures in virtually every subject and has influenced me to want to look for more opportunities to interact with international students in my studies back home.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Working at IBM this semester has taught me greatly about corporate culture, and specifically, corporate culture in my area of interest of a large company driving business innovation on an international scale. The concepts I have learned about project management and other business disciplines have helped me prepare for my future in business, and working in an office with over 90 nationalities represented has taught me how to most effectively exist in a multicultural workplace. Overall, my time here has most impacted my career goals by reinforcing my passion for intercultural issues and my desire to work globally.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

Paterno Fellows' continual support of Scholars helped encourage me to pursue my options in studying abroad, and the diligent work of Liberal Arts advisers and staff (s/o to Chelsea Keen!) greatly affected my ability to find the best program for me. Furthermore, Paterno Fellows' funding made a huge difference in allowing me to partake in this life changing experience. The enrichment funding I received significantly lessened the financial burden of study abroad and allowed me to focus on financing other aspects of my study abroad, such as traveling to other destinations while there. Overall, the support of Paterno Fellows has been immensely instrumental in creating an opportunity for me to travel outside of my comfort zone, meet and learn from new people all over the world, and engage in personal growth that will affect the rest of my life.

To learn more about Faith's study abroad experience, check out her blog: https://justczechingin.weebly.com/

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics, Political Science
Hometown: Medford, New Jersey

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience abroad has been seeing how much I've grown. From studying abroad, I feel as if I have gained a new sense of confidence and independence that I hadn't had before. I have a new sense of what the world is like and how different it is from what I had previously known. I also have made so many new friends that it makes traveling Europe that much better.

From studying abroad, I feel as if I have gained a new sense of confidence and independence that I hadn't had before

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this experience has challenged me to look at certain things in a different way. The classes that I have taken abroad have taught me how to handle different teaching styles, along with a different perspective on subject matters that I had learned about in the States. For example, I have taken international economics at Penn State, but here in my economics course we are able to look at the global economies in a different light, from a non-US view. My professors at IES also challenge me to think outside the box from a more world-view basis.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I believe that this opportunity of studying abroad has given me a great advantage in my future career endeavors. Studying abroad has taught me a lot about myself and my strengths, as well as my weaknesses. As I continue to travel and learn about myself and the world, it has enabled me to be able to discover what can see myself doing with my life.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program has enabled me to live my dream of studying abroad in Europe. They have done way more than just financially help me; the program helped me to figure out a bit more about myself, mature, and find my place within this world. With their help and their trust in my potential, I have made the best of my time here and believe I have grown more confidence in myself and my abilities, as well as gained a sense of independence that I did not have before. This was one of the most incredible times in my life, one I will never forget, and I cannot thank the Paterno Fellows Program enough for giving me the memories, experiences, and lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Sociology
Hometown: Medford Lakes, New Jersey

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience is the amazing people I met. I will go back home with lifelong friends. I got to experience traveling abroad not only to places in Ireland, but also to places all over Europe.

I learned so much outside of the classroom, which will benefit me in any career path that I choose

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, I was able to sit in a classroom with international students from all over the world. I learned among Irish students and Irish professors. I experienced a new way of learning and studying. The education system is different in many ways from Penn State. I was able to experience what it is like to go to a university in Ireland, and I learned about their culture.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I believe this experience will help me with my future career in many ways. To start with, I have seen so many places, and I learned about different cultures. Also, I was introduced to new people from all over the world. I learned so much outside of the classroom, which will benefit me in any career path that I choose.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being able to meet people all over Europe. I love to meet new people and that is a reason for me to study abroad in the first place. Europe is a continent with so many different histories, countries, and ethnicities. In Barcelona alone there were so many different cultures and people. I was also able to travel to other countries in Europe and talk to natives from there. While studying abroad I loved talking and connecting with new people all over the world and being able to understand where they came from. It was an unbelievable experience.

While studying abroad I loved talking and connecting with new people all over the world and being able to understand where they came from

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this experience was amazing. I was able to really dive into research more focused on Spain and Europe specifically. While there are Penn State courses that discuss some of the things I learned, they don't have classes that completely focus on it. For example, I took a class on Spain's economic development and the EU. I found this class very interesting, and it was one of my favorite courses. I also took a crime course that focused on European crime and punishment. I learned so much about how different the law systems are in Europe than in the United States.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience was unbelievable for my career goals. I was able to travel Europe and see so much. I was able to experience cultures and pick up some language. This trip helped me see that starting a career and living in one of these cities I visited would be amazing. This trip also helped me become more comfortable in uncomfortable situations. This will help me in the future when during my career I must succeed in an awkward situation.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics, History
Minor: French, Jewish Studies
Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being able to see the different places that we've been talking about in class throughout the semester. I think that being able to visit places with historical significance can greatly enhance learning about the topic in class, and I was really excited to see various memorial sites about the Holocaust and speak to different people about them. I also thought speaking to Holocaust survivors was a really meaningful experience, especially because we've been talking about witnessing and transmission of stories from the Holocaust a lot in our class. Many of the survivors made a point to tell us that we're all witnessing their stories, and we have to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive even as it becomes further back in history. It was really impactful to be able to hear their stories and was an unforgettable experience.

The best part of my experience was being able to see the different places that we've been talking about in class throughout the semester

How did this experience impact you academically?

After this experience, I felt like I was challenged to analyze the ways that people remember the Holocaust, and it gave me more background for our class. I am able to draw upon our experiences in Paris in the remainder of our class, as well as in some of my other history classes. Additionally, this trip made me want to study abroad in France and change my French minor to a major. It was my first trip to a Francophone country, and I really appreciated being able to use the language. However, it also inspired me to challenge myself with French more and learn the language to the best of my ability.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience impacted my career goals by opening my eyes to different careers involving history and memory. We spoke to historians, employees at museums, and various other people who had careers in fields that, as a history major, I have been considering. Additionally, this experience also made me more aware of careers and other professional experiences in France in general because my professor talked to me a lot about teaching programs in France for Americans after they graduate. I would have never heard about this experience if I had never gone on this trip and spoken to my professor about these types of programs, and now I'm really considering applying to some of them after I graduate.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows program affected this experience by helping me recognize the significance of this trip as part of my broader education.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Psychology
Minor: English, Rhetoric, Human Development and Family Studies
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was meeting other students from the PEPY NGO. I had the opportunity to speak with them through World in Conversation before the trip, so meeting them in person was like meeting an old friend. Smaly, one of the students, taught me a few phrases in Khmer and taught me how to do the traditional Cambodian Royal Court Dance. I taught them a few western dances like the Drake #InMyFeelingsChallenge and the Macarena dance. It was so much fun. I was there for a short time, but I gained long-term friendships!

I value my trip to Cambodia because I know how important global competence is

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience impacted me academically by bringing the textbooks to life. We spoke of child development and social learning in the classroom so it was interesting to see that play out in real life. In Cambodia, a lot of parents don't view education in a good light as a result of the traumatic events of Khmer Rouge, so subsequently a lot of children end up farming instead of going to school. I learned that child development doesn't necessarily start with the children, but with the parents.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I value my trip to Cambodia because I know how important global competence is. With the rise of social media and technology, humans are more interconnected than ever. What happens in Paris, France can affect what happens in Ferguson, Missouri. It is imperative to understand the cultures, beliefs, and general lifestyles of others in order to decrease the likelihood of using an imposed etic on others. The decrease will not only improve my day-to-day interactions, but it will also improve my success in my future career as a child advocacy lawyer.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics, International Politics
Hometown: Emmaus, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of studying at Oxford was the exposure to a completely different system of education -- the tutorial system -- and the boundless opportunities I received as part of it. I was able to study two subjects I love (poetry and economics) under esteemed faculty members of the University. Being immersed in a new university was exhilarating, and I'm so grateful I was able to participate in this program.

Being immersed in a new university was exhilarating, and I'm so grateful I was able to participate in this program.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience was very academic in nature, as I primarily studied for the duration of my trip abroad. The opportunity to work directly with my tutors in a one-on-one setting challenged me academically and exposed me to a multitude of new ideas and readings. The tutorial system of Oxford is very self-driven, and I felt I flourished as a student under the freedom it provided. As I end my study abroad experience, I have a deeper understanding of my major. I am also greatly appreciative for the opportunity to study poetry, as I am not an English major or minor and wouldn't normally have room in my schedule for additional literature courses.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I aspire to work in international economics -- potentially in political economy or developmental economics -- and I believe an understanding of cultural differences is critical to success in these fields. From partaking in student life in another country to traveling around Europe, I feel I have acquired a heightened awareness of what it means to be a global citizen. After I graduate and begin working, I will carry with me the lessons I learned from experiencing life in another country for a semester.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

I am so grateful to have received enrichment funding from Paterno Fellows for my study abroad experience. Because my program was not offered by Penn State, I was ineligible to receive my normal merit scholarships. Being awarded enrichment funds was so valuable as I used it to fund the costs of my Oxford education.

Liberal Arts Major(s): English, French and Francophone Studies
Hometown: Grove City, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience is living here. I have experienced so much during my short time here, and traveling is so easy! The best part of my experience, though, is the simplicity of life now. When I first got here, everything was significantly more difficult. Even going to a restaurant made me nervous and stressed. Now, I have a routine with the bakery closest to me, and the people at my favorite lunch spot know my order. Being able to live here independently and feel comfortable in this environment is the best feeling that I've had over here.

Having to use French every time I go somewhere has also helped me with fluency, and I believe that living in France has helped me more than any class could.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I was able to find courses over here that easily transfer to my Penn State degree, which is really helpful as I will be graduating next year. My knowledge of French has also increased dramatically. I'm in the integrated program, so I take courses with regular French students. I am expected to understand the professor and do the same work that students who have been speaking French their whole lives are doing. This idea was very intimidating, but now I can understand nearly all of my professors' lectures. Having to use French every time I go somewhere has also helped me with fluency, and I believe that living in France has helped me more than any class could.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I am now considering participating in the TAPIF program which would allow me to teach English at a French school. I hadn't considered living in France before I studied abroad, but now I think that I would really enjoy teaching English in a different environment than the one I am used to at home.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program requires you to study abroad or participate in an internship in order to graduate. Because I am majoring in both English and French, it made sense for me to study abroad in France, which is something I always wanted to do. The Paterno Fellows Program requirement gave me the push to make it happen.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science, French
Minor: Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Sewickley, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being able to talk to professional researchers within my field and meeting other undergraduates researching women in politics. The conference is one of the biggest within the political science field, and I was able to meet researchers whose work I had included in my thesis. During my poster presentation, many people were very appreciative of and impressed by the work I had done and gave me great advice for its continuation.

Attending this conference gave me confidence in myself and in my work

How did this experience impact you academically?

Before being accepted into this conference, I had never done anything this academically prestigious. Attending this conference gave me confidence in myself and in my work that my hard work had paid off and that I deserved to be there. As said before, researchers attending the conference gave me great advice on how to best continue my project while encouraging me that the work I had already completed was great.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Many researchers I talked to during my presentation offered advice on my post-graduate plans. I am planning on taking a year or two to work (most likely for a non-profit organization and/or a presidential campaign) and then attending graduate or law school. Some people I talked to said this was a good idea and that they regretted not doing the same because a lot of higher education schools like to see students working in their interested field of study before attending school. Additionally, this experience further motivated me to devote my time fighting for and researching women's issues such as abortion within the political field because legislators really do impact our everyday lives, and it is so important to be able to understand them.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

Without being encouraged to join Paterno Fellows my freshman year, I never would have been given the opportunity to write a senior thesis and therefore attend the MPSA conference. Paterno Fellows gave me confidence in myself as an academic and pushed me to challenge myself within and outside of my courses. I feel that I truly belong in this category of Paterno Fellows/Schreyer Scholars because the program has improved my academic confidence so much.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Political Science
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Orange County, California

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience has been getting to know the officers in the department and learning about how a police department really functions. I have gotten to attend a lot of interesting events, and I have had experiences I never would have had without this internship. Through this internship, I went on ride alongs with police officers, learned how to shoot a gun, and attended community building events. From going to bomb trainings with the K-9s and K-9 officers to scooping ice-cream with police officers, no day was ever the same. The internship has truly been a great learning experience and a lot of fun, and one of the best parts was definitely getting to know and work with the police officers in the department.

I think this internship has really supplemented my education in Criminology well and has given me a much greater understanding of the criminal justice system

How did this experience impact you academically?

As a Criminology major, this experience gave me a more holistic understanding of law enforcement. Being able to have this hands-on experience is truly an incredible opportunity. I have been able to see how a case progresses, from the time that the crime occurs to when the judge sentences the defendant. I think this internship has really supplemented my education in Criminology well and has given me a much greater understanding of the criminal justice system.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

As someone exploring multiple career paths, this internship has given me a wonderful glimpse into a life in law enforcement. Being able to meet and network with different officers from a wide array of backgrounds has been enlightening. I feel like I have a much better understanding of the criminal justice system than I did before, which will help me no matter what career path I end up taking. I have always wanted to be a prosecutor, so I believe having a background and a better understanding of the police side of a case will be really beneficial. However, this internship has also sparked my interest in a career as a law enforcement officer. No matter which field I pursue, this internship has given me a wide set of skills and contacts that will be incredibly useful.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

I think Paterno Fellows is a wonderful program that has helped me get to where I am today. Paterno Fellows has pushed me to challenge myself academically by pursuing a double major and minor. It has also inspired me to attain leadership roles in my organizations and focus on ethical leadership through Leadership Jumpstart. I think that the Paterno Fellows program set me on a path that helped me gain new skills, build my resume, and find opportunities to get involved.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Spanish
Other Major: Finance
Minor: International Business
Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

During my study abroad experience here in Alicante, Spain, I've had the incredible opportunity to live with a host family. I live with a single woman, Mandi, who I've gotten to know extremely well. She only knows Spanish, and she has a heart of gold. She lives a very simple life, yet I've never seen her without a smile. She teaches me something new every single day and loves me like her own child. When I first arrived at her home, I felt very uncomfortable speaking Spanish and expressing my outgoing personality. It’s difficult to be yourself when there’s a language barrier and you don’t know the rules of a new home. However, Mandi has taught me the power of having courage to speak up, that being outside of your comfort zone is the best place you can be, and that embracing an entirely new culture is difficult yet unequivocally rewarding. She is the best part of my experience.

Living in a Spanish immersive area like Alicante has exercised my brain and has really challenged me academically

How did this experience impact you academically?

Learning a new language is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. It takes a significant amount of thought at all hours of the day. And most importantly, it takes patience. Learning a language has no boundaries; you can never be satisfied. From formal language to colloquial language to body language, a language is always evolving, even for people who speak fluently. Living in a Spanish immersive area like Alicante has exercised my brain and has really challenged me academically.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

In terms of goals, I strive to work in an area that is very accepting and welcoming of many different cultures. I want to work with people, and I know I will be patient and understanding. Also, before coming to Alicante, I wanted to work in an area close to my home in Pennsylvania. However, after traveling every single weekend and learning to be very confident on trains, planes, boats, and buses, I am not going to put a constraint on distance when it comes to my career. If an opportunity presents itself that is outside of my comfort zone in terms of location, I will strive to take it. I think my study abroad experience has merely stretched my career goals beyond boundaries.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics, Political Science
Hometown: Cape May, New Jersey

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience with the Schreyer Honors College was being able to complete and compile profiles on various Penn State alumni. It is inspiring to see alumni of all ages from all over the globe invest in the same thing – the betterment of Penn State, and specifically, the Schreyer Honors College. The people of Penn State are truly what makes our institution as great as it is, and I am proud to be able to work with our University’s alumni and friends.

This experience was crucial for assisting me in better understanding some of the career paths that are available for me post-graduation

How did this experience impact you academically?

Being housed in the Schreyer Honors College was transformative due to the emphasis that is placed on scholarship within the office. The office’s mission is to support Schreyer Scholars, and as a Schreyer Scholar myself, the office always empowered me in my academic endeavors. I wouldn’t have completed my honors thesis without them!

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience was crucial for assisting me in better understanding some of the career paths that are available for me post-graduation. Further, with the many different projects that I have worked on throughout the year, I have realized that I would love a career in consulting where I am not doing the same thing month after month or year after year. I want a career that is always evolving and challenging me with a multitude of different projects, and this led me to pursue an opportunity at Deloitte that I accepted for post-graduation.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program played a major role in making this experience as rewarding as it was. Because of the enrichment funds from the program, I was able to focus on my internship and grades, and not have to get another job on the side to provide housing or my weekly groceries. Further, the Paterno Fellows Programs has challenged me to perform better academically and to achieve my true overall potential.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology
Minor: Italian, Psychology
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was having the ability to step out of my comfort zone in every experience - traveling, going into Uni, buying groceries, and taking the bus, among other things.

The best part of my experience was having the ability to step out of my comfort zone in every experience

How did this experience impact you academically?

In order to succeed academically in the UK, I had to challenge myself and learn a whole new educational system. The class structures, assignments and grading system were all new and were what impacted my academic experience the most.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience has taught me that I want to continue learning about different cultures and how they are affected by law enforcement and the law itself. Because of this, I have realized that my passion for law can be made into a future career.

Liberal Arts Major(s): German, Political Science, Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Hometown: York, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was learning about history in the place it happened. It's one thing to see pictures of incredible monuments, sites, and places of historical importance, but actually being able to be in those places while learning about it takes the education to a whole new level.

This experience will give me a competitive edge that other candidates do not have

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience impacted me by inspiring me to add CAMS as a major. Before this experience, I was planning on minoring in CAMS, but I instantly fell in love and immediately wanted to major.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will give me a competitive edge that other candidates do not have. Majoring in CAMS already gives the German and Political Science aspects of me a major edge, but being able to say that I studied these things in the very place they happened puts my experience level far above any other candidates' experiences.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

I am required to do a study abroad or internship for Paterno Fellows so I was motivated to study abroad during my time at Penn State.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Psychology
Minor: Business in the Liberal Arts
Hometown: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was interacting with the people that I met in Tanzania and Kenya. The knowledge that I gained through conversation provided me with a cultural outlook that I had not previously had. By interacting with locals in the communities that I visited, I was able to have a deeper understanding of communal values and local ways of life.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience impacted me academically by expanding my horizons on cultural awareness and cultural values. As a psychology major, these topics enabled me to look at the communities that I was in through a different set of senses, as I had a greater understanding of what it meant to be a member of the given communities. Thanks to this experience, I will go back to school with a greater understanding of different cultures, and a broader comprehension of why different communities act certain ways.

This experience impacted me academically by expanding my horizons on cultural awareness and cultural values.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

For the majority of my life I have known that I have wanted to have a career where I help people; this trip has solidified this belief. By going abroad to two developing countries, I have been able to learn about how not all well-intended actions produce good outcomes, and how to ensure that one can be helpful while attempting to do so. With this knowledge, I go can dive further into discovering my career path with extended knowledge on what it means to truly help another person.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

Part of the the Paterno Fellows Program is to challenge oneself, and this trip definitely fulfilled that aspect. Not only was I challenged with the task of deeply understanding cultures and communities different than my own, but I also had some of my own beliefs challenged. Through meaningful conversation and actions, I was able to learn more about other cultures, myself, and the world around me. The Paterno Fellow Program has taught me that challenging myself personally can allow for meaningful growth, which this trip has definitely produced.

Liberal Arts Major(s): International Politics, Latin American Studies
Minor: German
Hometown: Ephrata, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

I loved the mutual exchange of cultures that occurred between Penn State students and the students at SEGA and Hekima Place, the two girls' homes that we visited. Each side was so curious to learn about the other, and I loved building personal connections with the girls. It was a humbling honor to witness the messages of female empowerment and the importance of education being played out at these locations, and I have full confidence that these girls will change their society and world for the better.

How did this experience impact you academically?

As an International Politics major, I'm fascinated by the interactions between cultures and countries, and I loved learning about these African societies. I was especially interested in our discussions of tribalism, corruption, and other factors that may be preventing development in these countries, and I was able to apply information that I had learned in my courses at Penn State, such as the natural resources course and studies associating religion and terrorism.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I engaged in many fascinating discussions about the dangers of "voluntourism" and the white savior complex with the director of Hekima Place, and she taught me a great deal about the differences between good, successful, sustainable development and detrimental foreign aid practices. I will certainly consider these ideas carefully when I travel or examine foreign policy. I was very inspired by her life story and the fresh changes she is bringing to Hekima Place.

Without the generous financial support from the College of the Liberal Arts, I never would have been able to partake in this life-changing opportunity...

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

Without the generous financial support from the College of the Liberal Arts, I never would have been able to partake in this life-changing opportunity, so I could not be more grateful to the generous alumni and donors who made this experience possible. Additionally, I referenced ideas that I learned in the various Lunch with Honors series during my time in Africa; for example, I remembered how the speaker from Benin criticized the intrusion of Western culture in his country, so I asked Kenyan and Tanzanian citizens if they could relate to these sentiments. Paterno Fellows prepared me to be inquisitive and analytical about other cultures and lifestyles.

Liberal Arts Major: Spanish
Other Major: Public Relations
Hometown: South Brunswick, New Jersey

What was the best part of your experience?

The people I met in Granada, and all around Spain, were by far the greatest part of my experience. Spaniards and Americans alike. I was surrounded by friends, students, host family, and staff that simultaneously welcomed and challenged me throughout my semester. I surprised myself in my ability to connect with people, even with cultural and linguistic barriers. It's one thing to see a city through a tourist's lens, but to meet the people that call it home gives you a look into almost an entirely different, and even more enchanting city.

"After a semester working internationally, I can definitely see myself pursuing opportunities to work abroad in the future."

How did this experience impact you academically?

I was challenged academically in a different capacity this semester, taking all of my classes in Spanish. They went beyond just vocabulary and grammar and pushed me to gain a deep understanding of the European Union, Spanish theater, and the art and history of Flamenco all in a second language. I gained a new appreciation for the constant challenge of deciphering both the meaning of words and deeper value of the content in each of my classes. I'm looking forward to continuing Spanish classes at Penn State, as well as finding more opportunities out of the classroom to practice my language skills.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

During my semester in Granada I had an internship with Anera Travel, a local travel agency in the city. This was a great opportunity to gain experience in the communications field, practice my Spanish, and get a glimpse at a very different work culture than that of the United States. After a semester working internationally, I can definitely see myself pursuing opportunities to work abroad in the future. It was a unique opportunity to see my background as an American and English-speaker as a tangible asset professionally, being able to provide a different perspective on lots of projects and issues at the office. I'm also extremely grateful to have improved my Spanish to a level in which I can communicate in the workplace. Through translating print and website content to communicating with colleagues, I saw a great jump in my language skills. In my future career I hope to be able to use my Spanish to communicate with colleagues and clients to make diverse and meaningful connections.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

My education as a Paterno Fellow broadened my perspective and prepared me to go abroad with an open mind and appreciation for differences. Throughout a semester of discussing Spanish politics, analyzing literature in a different historical context, experiencing cultural differences with students in Morocco, hearing foreign perspectives on the United States and every social context in between, my abilities to navigate and learn from each unique situation this semester were connected to the values of the Paterno Fellows Program; especially through intercultural awareness and excellence in communication.

Liberal Arts Majors: Economics and Spanish
Hometown: Holland, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

I most enjoyed building a relationship with Madrid. The greenery of Retiro park and Casa de Campo, the painting lined halls of the Museo del Prado, Metro interchanges at la Estación de Sol, cafe card games, homestay conversations, and a group of curious, thoughtful, and caring friends made Spain’s capital feel like home. Studying abroad offers an incredible opportunity for travel. Striking a balance between weekends at home and away allowed me to leave and return, and in those instances, recognize how happy and comfortable I had become in this city.

How did this experience impact you academically?

My biggest academic takeaway has been the increased confidence in my Spanish language skills. A homestay, full course load, and internship all done in Spanish have given me the chance to truly practice and immerse myself in the language. While I have taken Spanish classes since middle school, this opportunity truly allowed me to apply my knowledge and grow my skills. Going forward, I know that my speaking, listening, reading, and writing have all improved.

"A homestay, full course load, and internship all done in Spanish have given me the chance to truly practice and immerse myself in the language"

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience may not have directly changed my career goals, but it has changed the way that I view my own abilities, approach new challenges, and pursue future employment. By meeting uncertainty with optimism, I was able to convert trials and failures into valuable learning lessons. As a second language learner in a foreign country, there are a million ways to feel unsure, hesitant, and even embarrassed. Becoming comfortable in this discomfort allowed me to be less insecure and to value my efforts and talents. This will go a long way when entering the job market post college.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

As a liberal arts student and Paterno Fellow, my student experience has always been marked by curiosity and a dedication to learning. My time spent abroad has given me an unparalleled opportunity to employ these aspects of my personality and education. In Madrid and Spain, I was given a new world in which to explore, observe, compare, question, converse and build relationships. In studying abroad, I have been able to experience and take part in a society distinct from my own. In essence, this form of personal and cultural exchange stands so near to the Liberal Arts and the Paterno Fellows Program.

Liberal Arts Majors: Communication Arts and Sciences, Labor and Employment Relations
Other Major: Human Resources & Employment Relations (M.S.)
Minor: Business & the Liberal Arts, English, Leadership & Ethics (Certificate)
Hometown: Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience involved studying the institutional and operational realities of mission-based non-profits in each region. These organizations maximize resources in incredibly nuanced ways, and operate with the discipline of their for-profit counterparts - all the while furthering the lives of those they service. Learning the trade is an art, combining the best practices of international governance, child psychology, and operational effectiveness in business.

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this experience helped me realize the importance of peer-reviewed approaches to localized issues. Often-times, organizations or entities will impose a set of norms onto the populations they service. Our time at Hekima Place especially taught me these collective stereotypes and implicit biases have major impacts in both the organization and the community. You have to engage local partners, thinkers, and change-makers.

"The best part of my experience involved studying the institutional and operational realities of mission-based non-profits in each region."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience grounded me in what's important. The reality is, most of the girls we visited - and many of their community members - won't have near the opportunity to effect meaningful change in issues that affect our entire society: climate change, geopolitics, or international trade. As leaders in a global community, it's up to us to find solutions with cataclysmic externalities and effects on these girls and their communities.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program, through its program and course offerings, instilled a curiosity in me to even want to pursue this opportunity. Without the institutional and financial support of the program, I would never have been able to afford to - nor even have had the desire to - explore the world and everything it has to teach me.

Liberal Arts Major: French and Francophone Studies
Other Major: Journalism
Hometown: Altoona, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was meeting so many people who were passionate about helping me find a job. Because this internship was my last "class" at Penn State, I was actively job searching while with USA Football, and my coworkers contributed by sending me job listings, offering to reach out to their contacts at different organizations, and checking my professional materials. The internship was a great transition between university and full-time employment because the people I worked with genuinely cared about helping me line up a job.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience greatly impacted my researching abilities because it was a research-heavy position. Rather than completing specific projects, one of my main tasks was to keep up with day-to-day publications and research regarding physical literacy, concussions, heat & hydration, and policy of not only American football leagues but rugby, soccer, and basketball leagues. Anytime I came across something worth translating into our football curriculum, I then began a project that dove deeply into a specific area, such as bio-banding or CTE prevention. Although I never had to write a research paper for USA Football, my general researching abilities greatly improved.

"The internship was a great transition between university and full-time employment because the people I worked with genuinely cared about helping me line up a job."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This internship most impacted by career goals by showing me that I am not the kind of person who can work a 9-5 in a cubicle. My previous internship experiences were very hands-on; being in the field was my office. My internship was USA Football was located in a high-rise in downtown Indianapolis. The building was shared with a local bank, so we were on the 7th and 8th floors with very few windows and natural light. These are factors that are important to me as I move towards a full-time job because they certainly impact my productivity.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Spanish
Minor: History
Hometown: Downingtown, PA

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was living in home with a Chilean family. By doing so I learned so much about the culture and what daily life looks like. I found that some of my favorite days were comprised of doing ordinary activities such as homework at a coffee shop, class, lunch with my family, and watching a television series all together. But moments like these always feel like an adventure when you are in another country, practicing another language, and being immersed in the culture. I really enjoyed going on excursions with my family around the city, and I especially enjoyed when they taught me how to cook a typical Chilean dish including empanadas and humitas. It was also exciting to share some of my favorite foods with them (french toast!). It truly was special to be welcomed into a home and live with a family.

"...my experience taught me about diversity and cross-culture interactions. This is something that I believe will be extremely important coming back to the United States. I have a far broader perspective and understanding after my time in Chile."

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience impacted me academically in tangible and intangible ways. My Spanish skills have improved tremendously. Although I may now have a bit of a Chilean accent, I am far more comfortable speaking Spanish--I am not afraid to mess up! I understand far more as well when it comes to listening. It was more challenging than I expected because I have studied Spanish for years, but I truly believe you have to go to a country to speak the language to truly learn it. Furthermore, my experience taught me about diversity and cross-culture interactions. This is something that I believe will be extremely important coming back to the United States. I have a far broader perspective and understanding after my time in Chile.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

My time abroad will impact my career goals because I have gained and enhanced so many skills that will be useful in any career. Also, I volunteered in an English class as a native speaker. With this I learned more about the difficulties for Spanish speakers when learning English and also how to create fun activities that encourage speaking. If I decide to teach abroad, this will certainly be an experience I reflect on to help me.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

Paterno Fellows Program affected this experience from the beginning by including a study abroad experience as one of the options to fill the requirements to graduate. I had always wanted to study abroad, but this gave me solid motivation to do so. Not only motivation, but also financial aid made it possible for me to come on this exchange. I did not have to worry about how I would pay for the tuition to come to study abroad, and I was able to full enjoy my experience.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science
Minor: Global Security
Hometown: Carlsbad, CA

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience as an intern so far has been learning about a field that I didn’t know much about and working large and private events. I have been fully immersed in a new field with a leading fashion public relations agency. I have been able to observe different aspects of the company, such as creative, event production, styling, pr, and digital pr. The company has a range of worldwide clients. Working events has shown me that I love the production side of PR.

"Even though my major does not directly reflect digital PR, I have been able to gain experience in the field that I feel is valuable and unique."

How did this experience impact you academically?

This has impacted me academically because I am taking an online course at the same time that is allowing me to reflect and grow while being an intern. Keeping up with assignments and having supervisor evaluations has allowed me to understand my strengths and weaknesses in various roles. Academically I have always been a driven and focused student. Working on a digital PR team has broadened my communicative skills that will help me as a student.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience is impacting the career I want to pursue once I graduate. I wanted to understand Public Relations, and more specifically digital PR. Now that I have this experience, I am able to better equip myself for applying to similar entry roles in the future. Even though my major does not directly reflect digital PR, I have been able to gain experience in the field that I feel is valuable and unique.

Liberal Arts Major: Psychology
Hometown: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey

What was the best part of your experience?

My favorite part about interning at iHeartMedia is learning how such a large company operates. There are so many different departments that overlap and must work together to get each job done efficiently. I also really enjoy how we get to experience mentoring a member of a different department each week. While I was assigned to mainly work with the Total Traffic and Weather Network, I have also experienced what it would be like to be a part of the Premiere Network and the Multi Market Sales team. In the upcoming weeks I will be mentoring other employees on the Connections, Events, and Digital Marketing team. We have also had multiple presentations from other departments that have been very interesting. For me, the most intriguing department at iHeart has been the Artist Relations team. Overall, I would have to say the most exciting part of each week is when there is a live session, this is when a new and upcoming singer performs for all the employees in the office.

"I now know that I would really enjoy being a part of a large company, working in a lively atmosphere, and communicating with different people and businesses everyday."

How did this experience impact you academically?

Before this internship, I was very confused if I made the right choice academic choices at Penn State. I knew that I loved learning about psychology but I did not know what I wanted to do with it in the future. I was extremely overwhelmed with all of the options and choices that I was going to have to make in the future. After only a few weeks at this internship, I am glad that I followed my heart with psychology and I now know what I am going to do with it. This upcoming semester, I am going to use some of my electives to take marketing and media courses. Hopefully, with my combined knowledge in all of these areas I will be academically prepared for a job that I would like to have in the future.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Overall, these past few weeks have majorly impacted my career goals. Before this internship, I did not know what I wanted to do with my psychology degree. After speaking with many people who did not major in marketing in college, I now understand that I can use my knowledge in psychology to better understand people in the business world. I have learned so much more about the creative aspects of marketing and I would love to further develop my skills and eventually work for a company like iHeart in the future. Before this internship I was unsure if I would work better individually or as part of a team. I now know that I would really enjoy being a part of a large company, working in a lively atmosphere, and communicating with different people and businesses everyday.

Liberal Arts Major: Economics
Hometown: Haddonfield, New Jersey

What was the best part of your experience?

Beyond getting to see the biggest shows of the summer from the best locations, the best part of the experience thus far has been the countless people within the industry who I have met. I have made connections with professionals from a variety of departments, so I have been able to widen my horizon in terms of opportunities out there while also building relationships and connections within the company itself.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This internship has added to the skills I have already learned through my academic courses. I have learned a lot about business and the economy in my classes at Penn State, but nothing can really prepare you or teach you quite like having hands-on experiences and interactions in the field. As opposed to simply replacing what I know, I feel as though I have become a better student drawing from both my academics and the skills I have learned on site."I have made connections with professionals from a variety of departments, so I have been able to widen my horizon in terms of opportunities out there while also building relationships and connections within the company itself."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Through the experience I expect I will have a better idea of what I would like to do in my career. This is mainly due to the networking opportunities I have had, as well as all I have learned in the internship. I now have a clear idea of the departments in which I am interested, along with a deeper understanding of how they function and how I could make an impact in them.

Liberal Arts Major: Economics
Hometown: Downingtown, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of interning at Aramark throughout my summer was the ability to learn from experienced and tenured leaders across the organization, including Supply Chain Management and Procurement. In addition, it positions me for a long-term career opportunity in Aramark's Step-Up to Leadership Program. I am fortunate enough to report to a Director of Distribution who also runs Aramark's ToastMARKer's organization which is its version of Toastmasters International Program.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience has given me hands-on, and real-life learning opportunities that reinforce what I've learned so far in my core curriculum. As an Economics Major, I've learned about more about the role it plays in Supply Chain Management and Procurement. Also during this journey, it has made me come to the realization that I also want to pursue a minor in Business. In addition, I am able to bring a fresh perspective to my internship by applying what I've recently learned at Penn State. This gives my co-workers an up-to-date point of view of trends I've learned at school.

"This experience has given me hands-on, and real-life learning opportunities that reinforce what I've learned so far in my core curriculum."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Before working at Aramark, I was unsure if I wanted to work for a small or large organization. This experience helped me to decide that I want to pursue a career in a large, global company. I have many mentors who are helping me explore a variety of leadership roles at Aramark. I consider myself fortunate to have been selected for the Step-Up to Leadership Program because of the competitive candidate pool. The coaching and feedback I have received so far has been invaluable in my pursuit of a senior leadership position. Now I am sure that one of my future career goals is to lead others.

Liberal Arts Major: English
Minor: Entrepreneurship and Innovation with a cluster in the arts
Hometown: Dix Hills, New York

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience so far has been learning the many different aspects of the entertainment industry and all it has to offer. I went into this internship with an open mind trying to learn as much as I could about the different departments E7 music embodies and so far I haven't been disappointed. I did not know much about the touring position I took at the company because I hadn't done anything like this yet. I have already learned so many useful skills and met so many interesting people who are always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Being able to learn so many different things in a short period of time and form connections that I can use later on in my career, in my opinion, is invaluable and the best part of my experience so far.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience has worked very well with my minor. I have concentrated on the business side of the music industry in school so this is the real life experience I was looking for. I am applying the things I learned in my classes to my internship and I already see how helpful it has been. I also am learning many useful skills that I can being applied to my upcoming classes as well. This internship is giving me a competitive edge against my peers and people I will be competing with in the job market.

"I plan on focusing on entertainment law so this internship is helping me get a better understanding of the industry in which I want to work."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This internship is just one of the many stepping stones I plan to take on my path in the entertainment industry. I plan on going into the entertainment industry after attending law school. I plan on focusing on entertainment law so this internship is helping me get a better understanding of the industry in which I want to work. It is also allowing me to meet the people I will be working with and understand the kinds of jobs they do. I am learning about many aspects of the industry which will allow me to focus on specific aspects of entertainment law.

Liberal Arts Major: Economics
Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

What was the best part of your experience?

So far, the best part of this internship experience has been the contacts I have gained. As a result of working in such an influential city in regards to the healthcare industry, I know some well-established executives. Also, this internship has helped me to understand real-world data better. Dealing with raw data now rather than provided-for data has shown me how messy analysis can get in the real world. I have a better understanding of the progression that data analysis goes through.

"I like the feeling of being around decision makers and supporting my suggestions with the data that I have gathered and analyzed."

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this experience has sharpened my Microsoft Excel skills. I can now create basic models and build assignments within the application. I will also be able to leverage MS Excel for my final year at Penn State. It will save me a lot of time as I hope to take several quantitative courses before heading off to work in data analysis for a firm after graduation.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Before this internship experience, I did not have an industry preference for my career. However, I am now leaning towards healthcare. The industry is exciting and changing more than I had realized. There are a lot of new insights and data is far more important to the accuracy of diagnoses these days. I like the feeling of being around decision makers and supporting my suggestions with the data that I have gathered and analyzed.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics, French and Francophone Studies
Hometown: Media, Pennsylania

What was the best part of your experience?

I enjoyed experiencing a different culture both during and outside of work. Working in an international company allows you to see the different ways different parts of the world work. Perhaps the most satisfying part of my internship was realizing how well the Penn State FR 409 class prepared me both culturally and vocabulary-wise for this experience and my responsibilities. This experience has been a lot more enjoyable because I was prepared through that course to succeed in a French workplace.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I have yet to return to classes after my internship, but I can predict the positive impact my internship will have on my academics. Firstly, completing the LA 495 course allows me to have a more manageable schedule during the fall semester, which can be difficult as I am a double major. I predict, though, that I will return this fall semester able to do my academic work much more efficiently. After getting used to being at work all day, focused on completing a certain task, I will have a better mindset when it comes to doing school work and studying; I've realized I much prefer setting aside a block of time to do specified tasks, giving those tasks my complete focus, completing them, and then allowing myself free time. This will improve my efficiency, focus, and time management skills during the school year.

"I enjoyed experiencing a different culture both during and outside of work. Working in an international company allows you to see the different ways different parts of the world work."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

As of now, it is my goal to work in the finance realm of a foreign and/or international company. My internship this summer checked all of those boxes, and further confirmed to me this is what I want to do post-grad. I have made many connections within the company, both from this job site and others. I have become more educated on different jobs and tasks within the finance department, so I now have a more diverse field experience.

Liberal Arts Major: Psychology
Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of this experience is getting real-world experience that prepares me for entering the workforce. No class can replicate the things that I learned from this internship. I learned how to build a professional network and genuine relationships with coworkers. I also learned all about Human Resources and how HR collaborates with other departments.

How did this experience impact you academically?

My internship has helped reinforce many of the workplace related psychology and communication theories that I have learned in previous coursework. Specifically, there was a lot of focus on motivation and efficiency. It was interesting to be able to apply what I have learned in class to real world experience.

"I learned how to build a professional network and genuine relationships with coworkers. I also learned all about Human Resources and how HR collaborates with other departments."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This internship has helped narrow down my future career path. By learning what I liked/did not like, I will be able to make better decisions when I enter the workforce upon graduation. For example, I learned that I do not want to work in a traditional office setting, I.e., sitting at a desk for most of my day--I feel like I am less productive. Thus, I’ll need to pursue a more hands-on career.

Liberal Arts Major: Economics
Minor: French and Francophone Studies
Hometown: Herndon, Virginia

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my internship was being able to see the realities of working in a professional environment. I have learned so much that cannot be taught inside of a classroom, and having this perspective on things really impacted the way I see Financial Planning and Analysis. Also, working so closely with the Chief Financial Officer of Carey International has given me insight into how much hard work and dedication is really required to be successful in a career.

"This experience benefited my academics because I was finally able to apply the data analytics I have been practicing throughout my time studying economics."

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience benefited my academics because I was finally able to apply the data analytics I have been practicing throughout my time studying economics. It also showed me how important practicing a good work ethic is in and out of the workplace. I’ve drastically improved my Tableau and Excel skills, because they are now tools that I use every day at work. I also think my intellectual curiosity has peaked. I’m learning to anticipate questions before they are asked and also how to prepare for collaborative efforts with others.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience gave me insight on what I would like to do with my economics degree after graduating. I now know the importance of experience in the workplace, and how to effectively apply what I learn to how I problem solve. I’m hoping this internship will give me an advantage when finding a job because I won’t have as much of a learning curve as others since I am so immersed in the Financial Planning and Analysis experience. From the insights I have gained through this internship, I hope to be able to work for other companies helping them in similar ways.

Liberal Arts Majors: Philosophy, Political Science
Minor: Ethics and Women's, Gender, and Sexual Studies
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of this experience has been being involved in various Pro Bono Programs. These programs have given me the opportunity to see first-hand how collaborations between various organizations and non-profits can positively impact a community. The work the firm has done with different Philadelphia non-profit organizations is truly special, and it is very encouraging to see attorneys and people in the legal field give back to society and aid others in their community.

"[This internship] has given me a great deal of insight in the field of law and how my current studies will impact the way I will hopefully approach work as an attorney in the future."

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience has taught me countless lessons already. It has given me a great deal of insight in the field of law and how my current studies will impact the way I will hopefully approach work as an attorney in the future. Furthermore, it has given me a sense of direction in regards to how I will continue my education beyond my undergraduate years.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience has shown me what a career in the law looks like on a day-to-day basis. It has given me a deeper understanding of how the career path of an attorney can be shaped. Furthermore, I have had the chance to speak with people in the field and hear their perspectives on the process of pursuing an education in law. In this internship, I have had the chance to see what all types of work in different areas of the law look like. From business, to financial, to non-profit work, I have had exposure to all the different manifestations of a legal career.

Liberal Arts Majors: Communication Arts and Sciences
Minor: Philosophy and Dispute Management & Resolution
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of interning with Altria was meeting the employees, the President and CEO Scott Myers, and the 100+ other interns at orientation in Richmond, Virginia. Orientation was filled with insightful discussions and key takeaways about Altria's culture, values, and history. This experience has stood out to me during my internship because throughout my time the positive energy, genuine connections, and life-long lessons have been continuous. The company does a great job of making sure each intern feels valuable and heard. Being able to experience this internship position at Altria Group Distribution Company (AGDC) has impacted me in ways I would have never expected. Each day has been filled with strong support and new lessons needed to have a successful experience.

"This experience has given me fundamental tools to drive business projects, create lasting relationships, utilize diverse ways of thinking, and apply my unique talents."

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience has given me fundamental tools to drive business projects, create lasting relationships, utilize diverse ways of thinking, and apply my unique talents. I have been able to grow professionally and align my Liberal Arts background with my work throughout this experience. After graduation, I plan on attending law school. This internship has helped me strengthen my skills and identify opportunities that will help me to further my academic goals. Since law school combines both academics and professional experiences, I am confident that the skills and connections I have built in my internship will allow me to make a smooth transition.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Although this experience was not in my desired field, it has made me want to be a part of a company that genuinely cares about its employees, provides an equal balance between personal and work-life, and includes opportunities to travel. This experience has given me all of those opportunities and more. Additionally, I am now able to identify my likes and dislikes for future career considerations.

Liberal Arts Majors: Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies, History
Minor: Anthropology
Hometown: Ridgway, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of the study abroad program was walking the streets of the ancient cities of Pompeii, Ostia, Herculaneum, and Paestum. It was an amazing experience to see how the cultures of the original inhabitants were still reflected in the ruins even after Rome gained control of these cities. Some of the buildings in these towns were in amazing condition and still had wall paintings.

"The trip has given me a greater appreciation for all the Roman monuments that I have learned about in my History and Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (CAMS) courses."

How did this experience impact you academically?

The study abroad program gave me a greater appreciation for the monuments of Rome. The level of detail that was used in the monuments and statues was breathtaking. The trip has given me a greater appreciation for all the Roman monuments that I have learned about in my History and Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (CAMS) courses.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience has definitely helped me in my career goals because I would like to be a Roman archaeologist. Traveling abroad has helped me learn more about Roman archaeology. The study abroad program also taught me that Rome was a city that was influenced by many different cultures.

Liberal Arts Major: Economics
Minor: Security Risk Analysis
Hometown: New Delhi, India

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience has been working on stockbooks, mergers, and acquisitions with coworkers and clients. As an intern in an investment bank, I work with a team of other interns who each have certain responsibilities. In my role, my specific duties may include financial analysis and modeling, industry research, and the preparation of slides and other written materials. Working in a diverse team is the best part of my internship.

How did this experience impact you academically?

Through my internship, I have become more disciplined and have had the the opportunity to develop strong technical skills. The projects on which I have worked have taught me a lot. I have learned how to finish critical tasks before their deadlines, juggle multiple projects, and present a stock pitch to clients.

"Through my internship, I have become more disciplined and have had the the opportunity to develop strong technical skills."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Internships are amazing opportunities to develop technical and financial skills in addition to soft skills like teamwork and communication. They also help you to understand yourself and learn more about your strengths and weaknesses. The feedback/review process is very useful in helping you to improve your skills and to see how people value your work. Finally, an internship in investment banking is the best opportunity to discover the career path for which you are best suited. Your efforts may even be rewarded with a full-time job offer at the conclusion of your internship experience. It is the most exciting and challenging way of starting a career.

Liberal Arts Major: Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Other Major: Secondary Education in Social Sciences
Minor: History
Hometown: Holyoke, Colorado

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience on this program was the professors who ran it, Dr. Laura Marshall and Dr. Mathias Hanses. These professors made Roman history engaging, informative, and relatable. What makes them the best part of my experience is their passion and dedication for not only the content of the course but for each student's understanding. It is because of Dr. Marshall and Dr. Hanses that I was able to grow academically and personally on this trip. They pushed me to think more critically about the information and take my understanding to a new level.

"The knowledge I gained from this program is helping me prepare for future courses by providing me with an invaluable experience to see the objects firsthand that I will be studying later."

How did this experience impact you academically?

This program has helped me complete credits for my Classic and Ancient Mediterranean Studies major. Without this summer abroad course, I am not sure I would be able to pursue my double major in CAMS and Education. Beyond the credit requirements, this experience helped me build an understanding of Roman history and civilization. As I begin my junior year, I am taking more challenging courses. The knowledge I gained from this program is helping me prepare for future courses by providing me with an invaluable experience to see the objects firsthand that I will be studying later.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

In the future, I hope to use my double major in the Classics and Education to provide a quality education in the social sciences to high school students in underprivileged areas. This experience has provided me with firsthand knowledge on the Classics and given me valuable insight into the relevance of the Classics to modern-day issues. While in Rome, I was able to see how similar Ancient issues are to contemporary issues. Through this program, I have been inspired to use my Classics education in high schools as an avenue to discuss social justice in our society.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program helped me immensely in my pursuit of this program. Without the funding I received from the Paterno Fellows Program donors, I would not have been able to afford this life-changing experience. The opportunities the Paterno Fellows Program gave me for funding and support during this study abroad program were beyond helpful.

Liberal Arts Major: Letters, Arts and Sciences
Hometown: Ligonier, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my internship experience, as a superintendent for a construction company, would have to be getting to meet with property owners and hearing everything they would like included in their building. I am able to be involved in the development of ideas and am able to see the projects from beginning to end. I have also appreciated the opportunity to work with the architects and engineers to make someone's dream building come to fruition. When my first project was completed the owners invited me to a house warming party and seeing the joy in their eyes solidified that I knew I was doing what I was meant to do.

"...I believe that having to work hard to focus on what is most important during this internship has helped me become a more productive and successful student."

How did this experience impact you academically?

While it has been hard to manage my time between being a full time student and also having a full time internship, I believe that having to work hard to focus on what is most important during this internship has helped me become a more productive and successful student. With my time management skills being honed throughout my internship I have noticed that I am able to finish my assignments for school before the due dates instead of rushing through them at the last minute like I had done in the past.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

My plan after I graduate is to become a superintendent for a construction firm while enrolling in design and computer aided design classes. Therefore, in the future I will be given the opportunity to manage the job sites, subcontractors, and relationships between building owners and the construction company while also having the opportunity to design the buildings themselves. My internship has been a huge help in teaching me how to be the best superintendent I can be, while also providing me with opportunities to help design residential and commercial properties. My internship has helped to solidify my plans for the future.

Liberal Arts Majors: Sociology, Psychology
Hometown: State College, PA

What was the best part of your experience?

During part of my internship, I got the opportunity to mentor kids in the facility. I listened to their life stories, their mistakes and struggles, and what kind of future they are working towards. In connecting my experience to theirs, I feel all the more compelled to seek out a career which fights for disadvantaged communities and people who do not have the privilege I do.

How did this experience impact you academically?

My internship has given me a better sense of what I need to pursue academically in order to play a part in fixing our broken criminal justice system. Hearing the stories and experiences of kids transitioning back to their homes helps me to truly understand where and how our system is flawed. In class I hope to learn where all these shared problems are sourced in our government and in our country.

"My internship has given me a better sense of what I need to pursue academically in order to play a part in fixing our broken criminal justice system."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

My experience has made it all the more necessary to try and create big picture changes within the field of criminal justice. Further, I feel more inspired to get a law degree so that I can dig away at the current damaging structures and systems.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program enabled me to have this opportunity by providing funding for housing. Without the support, I would simply not have been able to make it down to South Carolina this summer.

Liberal Arts Major: Spanish
Other Major: Hospitality Management
Hometown: Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of the experience was living with a Mexican family. It was not only useful to practice speaking Spanish everyday, but they were able to share different colloquial sayings that are not taught in university courses. They also introduced me to poblano culture, especially gastronomy and music. By having this immersive cultural experience, I was able to interact with different people rather than just in an academic setting. I met extended family, including children and teenagers, during weekly family dinners and saw the importance of family in Mexican households as I have learned in my classes.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I took 3 courses including Visual Cultures, Translation and Mexican History. They count for 9 credits which is very helpful for counting towards the major. They not only improved my Spanish comprehension skills, but also allowed me to analyze cultural aspects of Mexico. We took several field trips to prehispanic ruins, had a cooking class, learned how to salsa, and went on a gastronomy tour. A local professor taught the Mexican history course, and he was able to tell us the history of Mexico and what life is like in Puebla today. This immersive way of learning helped me learn more in a short amount of time.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

My main goal that I achieved through this experience is to become a global thinker. In a world as diverse as ours, it is necessary to be inclusive and understanding of all people and cultures. My ultimate career goal is to work in a Spanish-speaking country. Through this program, I have developed strong communication skills and cultural knowledge. This experience paired with my continued education to receive a Spanish major will give me the confidence and skills I need to make this happen. I have lived in a Spanish-speaking setting and was able to communicate in a conversational manner, and my next goal is to speak Spanish in a professional setting.

Liberal Arts Major: Political Science
Minors: Arabic, Business and the Liberal Arts
Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

During my first week, Convergence held their annual Leadership Council meeting. At the meeting, I met with Leadership Council and Board members and learned more about the organization, it's plans and goals for the future, as well as updates on the current and future projects. It was an awesome experience to have during my first few days and a great opportunity to network with different people in the policy world and other related fields.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience impacted me academically by allowing me to utilize my experience and expand on my knowledge of both politics and communication. Through the projects on economic mobility, criminal justice reform, healthcare, and congressional budget reform, I learned more about policy work and different issues facing our nation. Additionally, Convergence's problem-solving approach and promotion of bipartisanship through its projects was especially valuable to me given the current political climate.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This internship experience gave me insight into the policy world of DC, and I gained valuable experience of what it's like to work at a non-profit organization. Because I'm graduating next spring, I'm thinking about what will be next, and my internship with Convergence has helped me understand I want to work in policy while also working with others to promote bipartisanship and find common ground.

Liberal Arts Major: Economics
Hometown: Wuxi, China

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience has been the new understandings I have formed as a result of living in Korea, eating Korean food, participating in cultural events, and visiting historical sites. Studying abroad has allowed me to experience the Korean culture in person.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I took three classes during the study abroad program, including: Contemporary Korean Culture & The Korean Culture Wave, Korean Cinema, and Intermediate Korean Language II. The contemporary Korean culture class focused more on the recent history of South Korea and the development of the Korean film industry. The Korean Cinema class focused on analyzing both contemporary and older Korean films, which elevated my understanding of what Korean films express and the methods they use. What's more, I have learned a lot about Korean language both through classes and through everyday life.

"My study abroad experience has confirmed my interest in living and even working in South Korea in the future."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

My study abroad experience has confirmed my interest in living and even working in South Korea in the future. Because two of my classes are related to Korean Cinema, they increased my interest in media studies and Korean studies, which I have never formally studied.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

Both the Paterno Fellows Program and Schreyer Honors College recommend studying abroad in order to gain a better understanding of global issues and develop global awareness. This was the initial motivation for me to apply for this study abroad experience. The funds provided by the Paterno Fellow Program helped me spend more time exploring South Korea and take advantage of every opportunity that I was offered.

Liberal Arts Major: English
Other Major: Secondary English Education
Minor: World Literature
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

In Ecuador, I had the unique opportunity to teach an English language class at the University of Cuenca. We followed a sheltered instruction model that involved teaching English language skills through the content theme of refugees. After the rigor and long hours of work that went into planning lessons and teaching my students, their final project presentations were the best part of the entire experience for me. The creativity and dedication they exhibited in their projects showed me how far they had come in both their English skills and new knowledge of the content theme. Seeing the fruits of the hard work that went into my classes was so gratifying, and it really made me exited for when I will get to work as a teacher in my future career.

How did this experience impact you academically?

Besides the hands-on experience of teaching that we were able to participate in, we were also engaged in three other Penn State courses during our time in the program. During our language theory class, I was able to make many connections between TESL theories of teaching English Language Learners and my work in Penn State Learning's Writing Center. A topic that I took particular interest in is a newer theory called "translanguaging." I am interesting in doing research regarding translanguaging, and one of my professors from the course asked me if I would like to co-author a piece with him about it. This experience heightened my understanding of and interest in the topic, and I think that this might be something that I am interested in pursuing as my Schreyer Honors College thesis topic.

"Seeing the fruits of the hard work that went into my classes was so gratifying, and it really made me exited for when I will get to work as a teacher in my future career."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Once I have received my degree in Secondary English Education, I will be able to apply the Teaching ESL certification that I earned from this program to it. Before the program, I was not sure that ESL was my end-goal for my teaching career, but the program has helped me to understand that ESL is about so much more than teaching grammar. The field of TESL encompasses many of the things that I am passionate about including teaching, advocacy, and current events. The Ecuador immersion program has definitely inspired me to go into TESL and maybe even teach abroad.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

Without the support of the Paterno Fellows Program, this experience would not have been possible for me. Because the program includes so many credited Penn State classes, the overall cost of the experience is very high. Without the Paterno Fellows Program, I would not have been able to participate. I could not be more grateful for the support and the chance to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Liberal Arts Major: Communication Arts and Sciences
Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was definitely getting to network with professionals in the company and get to know more people in the industry. I have not only had the opportunity to meet new people, but I have also made many new friends in my internship program which makes it even more enjoyable to go to work.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This internship has allowed me to grow so much. I have had the opportunity to apply the skills that I have learned in the classroom to the 'real world', which helped me feel good about myself. I have realized that all the hard work you put into your academics definitely pays off in the future.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience has allowed me to realize what I really want to do with my career. This internship has shown me that it may be challenging to transition to a new environment, but after you get the hang of things you can accomplish anything you want in life. I started my internship without much knowledge of the field. But after 2 months of working, I am more confident in my abilities and I understand that I can go for more than I originally wanted in life.

Liberal Arts Major: Criminology
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Smithtown, New York

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was the ability to go to each place we were learning about and hearing directly from professionals who work there. Visiting the facilities and hearing stories first-hand created a more personal environment. The Dutch were very straightforward and answered any type of question we had, so it was a great learning experience.

How did this experience impact you academically?

Studying in the Netherlands this summer and visiting many important sites will stay with me for my lifetime. I met many new people and listened to their stories and learned from them. I strengthened my writing skills through note taking as well as writing discussion posts about some of these experiences. I will also carry this research with me for the rest of my time here at Penn State which will hopefully strengthen my academic credibility.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience impacted my career goals by helping me learn about another country's criminal justice system and how it is different from my own. It helped me think critically about how our system could be better. I hope to become a police officer one day. As a future participant in the criminal justice system, gaining knowledge of more than one type of system could be beneficial in my line of work. Finally, I hope that this experience will inspire me to invoke change based on the research and knowledge I experienced first-hand.

Liberal Arts Major: Political Science
Other Major: Statistics
Hometown: Wuhan, China
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of this internship was the opportunity to have hands-on experience with actual customer data in my daily work. With this opportunity, I have gained a stronger sense of understanding of real world data from a quantitative perspective.

"...I have a new understanding of what my career path might look like and how I can start to plan for that."

How did this experience impact you academically?

The experience helped me to see the significance of the subjects I have learned in school. It also enabled me to integrate different content into a system that can deal with real-world problems. After having a close look at the business world, I have a clearer academic plan and I am confident I can arrange the rest of my time at Penn State more efficiently.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This internship experience provided me with the opportunity to learn the industry and to see a variety of career paths. As a result, I have a new understanding of what my career path might look like and how I can start to plan for that.

Liberal Arts Major: Psychology
Minor: Labor and Employment Relations
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was learning how to interact with people from different lines of business in a professional setting. The program was very enriching for me to learn how to apply soft skills, like business etiquette and ways of effective communication in a real life situation.

"The program was very enriching for me to learn how to apply soft skills, like business etiquette and ways of effective communication in a real life situation."

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience put into action things I have learned in classroom settings, like motivation practices and diversity hiring. I feel that my professional experience in conjunction with my education has given me a more well rounded scope on my field of study."The program was very enriching for me to learn how to apply soft skills, like business etiquette and ways of effective communication in a real life situation."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience has taught me that there are many parts to human resources that can be impacted by one person, such as compensation; employee relations; talent acquisition, etc. and it has solidified my passion for working with people.

Liberal Arts Major: Political Science
Minors: French and Business
Hometown: Yardley, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience this summer was working on my key project. I did not know in the beginning that I would be able to work on a project wherein I could actually see how my work affects the company. My project was Small Format Mix Management with a focus on unsaleables. Essentially, I audited and analyzed over 20 accounts with a focus on stores with a high rate of unsaleables and low sales. I then went into these stores on my own to document and identify the problem. Then, I worked with fellow sales representatives to come up to solutions to the unsaleables problem. I decided to create an algorithm that could be used by my district in the future to identify accounts that would be contenders for inventory control units. These units are essential in tackling the problem of unsaleables. I was able to then talk about my project and summer to both regional and national leaders at the end of my internship.

"This internship gave me hands-on experience that I will be able to use wherever I go after graduation."

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience helped me grow exponentially. I learned all about the way a large corporation functions at a district level. We were able to swap with the supply chain interns for a couple days so I also got to see different sides of the business. I shadowed district sales leaders so I received a summers worth of education on sales. Most importantly, I believe I greatly improved my public speaking skills by delivering my final presentation to both regional and national leaders. I was questioned after these presentations about my work which was an awesome experience. On top of this, I improved my networking skills through intern events wherein I got to speak with regional and national leaders.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will be one that greatly impacts my career. I observed what it looked like to work hard and to work in a team. On top of this, I got to see the ideas that a company comes up with to keep their employees engaged and motivated to do their best work every single day. This internship gave me hands-on experience that I will be able to use wherever I go after graduation.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program helped make this experience possible for me by encouraging me to apply for enrichment funding. I was fortunate to receive funding from the Chapel Executive Internship Program. I was placed away from home in upstate New York and the financial burden of this would have made things extremely tough were it not for the funding I received as a Chapel Executive Intern. With the aid of the funding, I did not have to worry about the driving and food expenses that came with working in an area far away from home. On top of this, it took a weight off my shoulders and allowed by to really dive into my work.

Liberal Arts Majors: Chinese and International Politics
Hometown: San Francisco, California

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being in a professional environment where I still felt like I could be myself. This internship program does an incredible job of teaching you how to be a young professional. I started to learn business acumen, how fast-paced the business world moves, what people's expectations are for you in business, and so much more. I have always enjoyed a fast-paced work environment but I had never been in a fast-paced business environment before. I felt like I was able to thrive in this type of environment, and even though I was nervous and still learning at first, I started to really get the hang of it. Being in the business world was something I was a little scared to be part of, but I came out on the other side absolutely loving it.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This internship taught me a lot of new skills that I believe will not only help me professionally but also academically and socially. It taught me a lot about being confident in what you know and how you approach a situation. It also taught me how important it is to be organized and pay attention to details. Being organized was always something I was good at, but paying attention to details is definitely something with which I struggled. Knowing that PE firms and Hedge Funds would be reading the reports I would be writing, put an extra emphasis on the importance of paying attention to details. I think this is how I improved the most and this skill will help me academically whether I am taking a test, writing a paper, or even reading over a textbook.

"The best part of my experience was being in a professional environment where I still felt like I could be myself."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Not only did I get to experience what an Associate role is like, but I got to see what managers and VP's do as well. Additionally, I got to see what a day looks like for our clients (PE firms, consultancies, hedge funds, etc.). I learned about so many different jobs and it really taught me what I like and what I don't like. I think I would really enjoy being a manager, part of a PE firm, or a consultant in my future career.

Liberal Arts Majors: Economics and German
Minor: Global and International Studies
Hometown: Heidelberg, Germany
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of this experience was getting exposure to a foreign country while also being able to complete an international internship. Along with other interns I was able to explore the country, but also we were able to reflect on each of our very different internships at the end day when we would come home.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I was able to utilize skills learned in my previous courses, such as econometrics and statistics, while performing research for my boss. I have taken courses in sustainability in the past, but did not realize how useful classes like that can be until this summer. The company had a lot to do with reducing food waste and packaging, and I was able to draw from my sustainability knowledge from those past courses.

"The best part of this experience was getting exposure to a foreign country while also being able to complete an international internship."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience opened my eyes to the fact that I do not want to work in business in the future. However it awakened my love for research and working independently on my own initiative. It has also affirmed that I would like to work in Europe long-term. My boss even offered to hire me if I am looking for employment after graduation!

Liberal Arts Major(s): Chinese
Other Major: Security and Risk Analysis
Minor: Asian Studies
Hometown: Apollo, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The most valuable aspect of this internship was the firsthand knowledge that I gained working as a cybersecurity consultant. Prior to this, I had little experience in the industry, let alone working on a team supporting Global 1000 and Fortune 1000 companies. Nevertheless, SRA not only provided an incredibly welcoming environment, but also supplied a litany of training opportunities to further supplement my technical skills.

In areas where I had previously struggled to connect concepts and abstractions to the real world I now feel much more competent.

How did this experience impact you academically?

Working in the field of consulting has been the true assessment of my capabilities with regard to my degree in Security and Risk Analysis (Information and Cyber Security option). In areas where I had previously struggled to connect concepts and abstractions to the real world I now feel much more competent.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Having had the chance to interact with a wide variety of clients, I was fortunate enough to gain a glimpse of many different working environments. Undoubtedly, this insight will prove useful as I plan for my future post-graduation.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program's emphasis on interdisciplinary studies has allowed me to pursue both my interest in cybersecurity and my passion for language study. This support has had a substantial impact on my academic and professional achievements.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Global and International Studies
Minor: Supply Chain and Information Sciences and Technology
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was getting to interact so closely with the other interns. As it was a leadership development program, we spent a lot of time together. We were given the opportunity to participate in case studies as teams of eight interns. This was enjoyable because many of the people I interned with I was friends with, but did not work directly with. This gave me the opportunity to experience working alongside people I did not previously have that relationship with. It also gave me the opportunity to work on my leadership and team-building skills, which are very important to being successful.

I was able to grow my leadership, team-building, and corporate skills. Just experiencing the corporate world teaches you a lot, from e-mail etiquette to participating in meetings.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I was able to learn a lot throughout my time at JPMC. I had never experienced a role in Business Management before. I also have never worked at a financial institution or taken a finance class. Working at JPMC allowed me to learn about the financial industry, which is something I would not learn about in my coursework at Penn State. By the end of the summer, I felt comfortable speaking with financial terms and discussing money and products that banks provide to their customers. I also had the opportunity to learn how to run a business as my team was in charge of all of the Chase banks. This was a very valuable learning experience as I saw how much goes into the day-to-day running of a business, especially a bank.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience impacted my career goals greatly. I was able to do an immense amount of networking throughout my time at JPMC, and I now have connections with a wide array of people, including senior leadership at one of the largest banks in the world. The opportunity to work directly with senior leaders is something that is unparalleled to anything else. I also was able to grow my leadership, team-building, and corporate skills. Just experiencing the corporate world teaches you a lot, from e-mail etiquette to participating in meetings. What I learned during my time at JPMC will definitely help me greatly in my future career. Furthermore, we are given the opportunity to receive a full-time offer at the end of the summer which will impact my career goals greatly as I would enter my senior year with a job offer.

The Career Enrichment Network helped me greatly during this experience. The cost of living in New York is very high. Had I not received aid from this program, I may not have been able to accept the internship as the logistics would not be possible. I am extremely grateful for this aid and because of this program, I was able to make extreme progress in my academic and career development. The chance to live in New York and work for JPMC is something that I am eternally thankful for.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science, Psychology
Minor: Statistics
Hometown: Wayne, PA
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being able to contribute to my case on a daily basis. Bates White utilizes a horizontal structure on each case, and, while there are managers supervising the project's progress, my ideas as a summer intern were valued.

This experience opened my eyes to the excitement of data analysis, particularly in anti-trust litigation cases

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience taught me new quantitative research methods. We often found our own datasets and had to identify variables that added value to our case. This skill will help me in my classes and writing my senior thesis.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience opened my eyes to the excitement of data analysis, particularly in anti-trust litigation cases. Using data analysis to illustrate a defendant's behavior was both exciting and interesting. I'm looking forward to exploring other applications of data analysis in the future.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program pushed me to take courses that laid the foundation for my interest in data analysis. Had it not been for PFP, I would have never taken PLSC 309H, quantitative political analysis. This course was my first exposure to data analysis and truly altered my career path.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics
Minor: Business Law, Business and the Liberal Arts
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being able to attend market appointments with my team. These provided me with a hands-on perspective on how assortments of purchases are selected and allocated. They also allowed me to see the effects and application of my analytic work in making strategic decisions and purchases.

This experience allowed me to sharpen my analytic skills

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience allowed me to sharpen my analytic skills and enhance my understanding of Microsoft Excel. It also allowed me to learn new skills and approaches I can apply to my academic and professional work.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience helped me to learn about a previously unfamiliar industry and role in depth. It exposed me to new ways to apply my skills and learning.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics
Other Major: Mathematics
Hometown: Elverson, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

I got to meet a lot of unique people and hear about their very diverse experiences. This helped teach me more about what I want to do in life. It was interesting to hear what different jobs could entail. It was also amazing to experience a whole new city with a completely different culture than anything I was used to.

This experience made me finally take a leap of faith and change my whole career path going into senior year

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience probably impacted me academically the most. It made me finally decide to go back toward the actuarial science path. I spent the entire summer studying for the first actuarial science exam, and at the end of July I took and passed it. I also changed my entire schedule for next semester. Doing this internship made me realize I wanted to do less finance and more math.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

As previously mentioned, this experience helped me narrow in a bit more on what I want to do in life. It made me finally take a leap of faith and change my whole career path going into senior year. I learned a lot about the business world and how to interact with clients and my superiors. I also learned that I do enjoy the retirement business even though this specific path wasn't for me, so I think I will try to go into an actuarial job within the retirement industry.

Liberal Arts Major(s): International Politics
Minor: Security and Risk Analysis, Global Security, Homeland Security
Hometown: Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience has been the ability to see, in one summer, the issues that matter most to me from both a public and private perspective. The issue of public vs. private has been a pervasive one for me; I felt that I couldn't make a sound decision to enter one side right out of college without having experienced the other. Seeing the same issues of national security and defense from both perspectives has allowed me to gain the valuable insight needed to make the right choice for me.

Being able to interact in real time with people established in the field that I've been interested in for so long has been monumental to understanding exactly where it is that I fit in

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this experience has allowed me to apply all of the abstracts of my learning to reality, which has greatly expanded and solidified my learning. I feel that, with this heightened understanding of the concepts I learn in school, I am better prepared to take on new subject areas and classes that I previously would have been wary to attempt.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience has been the defining point for my career goals. Being able to interact in real time with people established in the field that I've been interested in for so long has been monumental to understanding exactly where it is that I fit in. Identifying where my skills can best contribute to the mission of national security has reignited a passion for the field that will carry me through the search for a full-time job after I graduate.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program (PFP) has been an invaluable source of inspiration and guidance for getting myself to this point of success. My mentor, who I matched with through the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program, was ecstatic to see I was a part of the PFP, as he had played football under Coach Paterno and owed much of his own success to such wonderful guidance. When I detailed my need to find a suitable internship as required by PFP, my mentor jumped into action and found me these two amazing opportunities I've had the privilege of experiencing this summer.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science
Minor: History
Hometown: York, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being able to apply my abilities and skills from my liberal arts degree to a private sector internship. Being able to utilize my knowledge and background in the business world was both challenging and rewarding. I was able to expand my capabilities as I honed my analytical thinking skills while gaining more technical, business-related skills. It was a rewarding experience to see my transferable skills be put to use during my internship.

The best part of my experience was being able to apply my abilities and skills from my liberal arts degree to a private sector internship

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience has impacted me academically because it has increased my interest in business as well as the intersection between business and the public sector. This has led me to consider taking more business-oriented classes and possibly even some classes that teach technical skills. This experience has taught me that students who come from a liberal arts background are qualified to work in the private sector and capable of working in the private sector. This has increased my confidence in myself and my liberal arts degree!

How will this experience impact your career goals?

In terms of career goals, this internship has started me down a different path. Before this internship, my goal was to go straight into law school. Now, I have decided to work in public sector consulting for a few years before going to law school. While law school is still my end goal, this internship has opened my eyes to other career directions.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Social Data Analytics
Minor: Political Science
Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

For me, the best part of my time working at Boeing was touring the factory and seeing what it takes to construct a plane. It was very encouraging to see that what my team does has an effect on society and the end product of what Boeing does. During my time in the factory, I was told stories and the history of my team's contribution to the Boeing mission statement. It really put our goal into perspective and showed how we fit into the larger picture. I was able to see how many different teams and their efforts come together to create something amazing, which was really rewarding.

This experience greatly impacted me and changed the way I thought of my major and the classes I have taken in the past

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience greatly impacted me and changed the way I thought of my major and the classes I have taken in the past. I was able to implement what I learned in a classroom setting into the real world and produce meaningful results. I was able to use data analytics methods and predictive analytics to find patterns and trends. I then had the opportunity to present my findings and talk about the course of action to take as a result. I learned so much by using real world data, and, more importantly, I learned how to conduct data analysis for certain sectors and have it tailored for specific goals. It taught me the many dimensions of analytics and how to adapt to address the problem or question at hand.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Being a security and protection intern with Boeing has given me the opportunity to use data analytics in a security context. This in turn has opened my eyes to the possibilities and the many different applications of data analytics. It has also inclined me to go toward security- and maybe even national security-driven data analytics professions.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics, Political Science
Hometown: Medford, New Jersey

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience at GSA was learning about the behind the scenes, business side of the government in greater depth. GSA works with other federal agencies to provide services that will help them function properly and efficiently, which was cool to be able to experience firsthand. Also, living and working in Washington, D.C. was an amazing experience.

The best part of my experience at GSA was learning about the behind the scenes, business side of the government in greater depth

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this internship helped me further develop my study of economics by working for the federal acquisition service in GSA. This also gave me political exposure and the ability to use my political science background to further my understanding of the government and its functions through real life situations.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Working at GSA helped my career goals by giving me acquisition, political exposure, and experience that I hope to use as I further my career within the business (public or private) industries. This experience helped me narrow down what I hope to involve myself with later in life and in my career. It also opened me to new possibilities and things I would enjoy doing as my career after graduation.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science
Minor: Music
Hometown: New Freedom, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

It was an honor to assist the Energy and Commerce staff as they advanced legislation through the policy process. During my internship, the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act passed through the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, full Energy and Commerce Committee, and the House of Representatives. Playing a small part in advancing this bipartisan bill was a privilege.

As an aspiring policymaker, I cherished this opportunity to better understand how congressional committees shape public policy

How did this experience impact you academically?

Throughout the internship, I utilized information from various courses at Penn State, particularly PLSC 419 (The Bureaucratic State) and PLSC 471 (American Constitutional Law). These courses provided the policy fundamentals and understanding of government nomenclature necessary to perform research and assist committee staff. The experience enabled me to refine my writing and proofing abilities, skills that will be useful for my remaining college courses and beyond.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

As an aspiring policymaker, I cherished this opportunity to better understand how congressional committees shape public policy. Through my work with the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, I deepened my understanding of the legislative process and became better versed in telecommunications policy. I was particularly fascinated by the work of committee counsels, who hold a unique role as subject matter experts for the House of Representatives and key advisors to lawmakers.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Philosophy
Other Major: Mathematics
Minor: Statistics
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my summer internship was the people I met and the exposure to senior management I had. I was able to have breakfast with the Goldman Sachs Global Treasurer and have several round tables with Treasury Managing Directors. Through these experiences, I was able to see and experience the Goldman Sachs work culture.

This internship has allowed me to solidify my interests in the finance industry and begin developing my network

How did this experience impact you academically?

In the beginning of my summer I sat on a fixed income trading desk. I was able to learn financial technical knowledge from experts in the finance field. This has aided my education at Penn State and allowed me to develop the skills I will need going into the finance industry.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This internship has allowed me to solidify my interests in the finance industry and begin developing my network. Through this internship I was offered a full-time position which will allow me to continue to network throughout the school year and start my career at a firm I have experience with and that I know I want to be at.

Liberal Arts Major(s): English
Other Major: Secondary English Education
Hometown: Ephrata, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience in London had to be the amount of museums, tours, and in-city classes we had during our study abroad experience. I was thrilled by the amount of information absorbed through both personal exploration and our English classes. It is one thing to visit a foreign country, but it is another thing to truly live in a foreign country. Living implies knowledge of the country, its people, its history, and the like. I felt - after four weeks - as though I had lived in London. Upon coming back home to the States, I feel confident speaking about London and all that entails: historical context, architectural significance, political climate, literary influences, rhetorical strategies used in public atmospheres, etc.

Upon coming back home to the States, I feel confident speaking about London and all that entails: historical context, architectural significance, political climate, literary influences, rhetorical strategies used in public atmospheres, etc.

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, I was pleasantly pushed outside my comfort zone. The courses I completed were ENGL 473: Reading Material and Memorial Sites in London and ENGL 455: Mysticism, Magic, and the Occult in Literary Modernism. I felt as though I learned a plethora of knowledge through curriculum that I personally would not have chosen if scheduling my courses on Penn State's campus. Having the opportunity to learn from the well-educated professors teaching these courses allowed me to open my eyes to both a new city and a unique curriculum incorporated in said city. Very quickly, London - in my eyes - became a city with much more than red telephone booths and a giant Ferris wheel. The city became deeper with meaning, revealing to me the people and culture that changed and adapted based on the times and the world's involvement.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Literary London will forever impact my future career. As I aspire to be a Secondary English educator, first-hand experiences such as standing for a Shakespearean play in the Globe Theatre or free-writing one's stream of consciousness in the expansive Kew Gardens are worth more than any textbook to future students. Being able to stand in front of a class and explain how the curriculum they are learning is actively used in everyday life around the world reveals a reason for learning. A reason for learning is the one nibble of food-for-thought the majority of students need to be motivated to learn a particular topic. That one nibble can gradually transform into a bite, a meal, and a feast of academia -- all because their teacher can show them even a dallop of the world outside their classroom.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows program affected this experience before the experience even began, in all honesty. With the financial help of the PF program, the cost of the program became that much more affordable. While studying abroad (in this case) is a requirement for the program, being nudged to travel and learn overseas was a once-in-a-lifetime honor. Having the founder of the program as a professor allowed me to learn - from the foundation of the program - the awareness one needs to understand, or even accurately observe, a culture. With Professor Jack Selzer teaching rhetorical application and analysis, I was able to conceive the many factors of London purposefully demonstrated in the city's spaces flooded with meaning from their respective creators.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics, International Politics
Hometown: Emmaus, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of interning at Bank of America was the ability to meet a variety of people and learn about different areas of the company. Everyone was so friendly, so it was really easy to get to know other employees and better understand the divisions of the bank.

I feel better equipped to challenge myself and take risks in my future career

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience was interesting because it was a great opportunity to see how the topics I learn about in my classes impact financial markets. I worked in Global Transaction Services within the Global Banking and Markets division, and seeing the impacts of U.S. monetary policy on international corporations was really interesting. It was a particularly intriguing summer to work in banking because of the changes in interest rates and the policies of the Federal Reserve.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I have a much better sense of how banks and other large corporations operate, and I feel better equipped to challenge myself and take risks in my future career. I have established a great network of people who supported me throughout my internship, which has also helped as I get ready to start a job. Interning also made me realize that there is a lot of room to change careers within your life; a lot of people I met have worked for a variety of companies. This has made me more interested in pursuing several interests within economics and gaining various insights from different sectors of the industry.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program instilled in me the value of seeking out opportunities to enrich my academic experience at Penn State. From my first year, I was impressed by the things older Paterno Fellows were doing, whether it was studying abroad, co-oping, or interning. This impressed upon me the importance of pursuing these types of programs.

Liberal Arts Major: International Politics
Other Major: Management Information Systems
Minor: French
Hometown: Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was having the opportunity to participate in the D2i Program, which is a social impact initiative at Deloitte for junior practitioners. Through this program, I was able to work with a nonprofit foundation called Fundacion Juan Felipe Gomez Escobar, or "La Juanfe," throughout the summer, helping to identify their biggest business problems and produce deliverables to address these challenges. The experience culminated with an in-country solution delivery trip to Cartagena, Colombia where we were able to meet and work with the foundation in person. This was an incredible experience as it allowed me to lead a team, gain client-facing experience, and build cross-cultural communication skills as an intern.

"I got exposure to clients and cutting-edge technologies, and now have a significantly larger network that can catapult my career."

How did this experience impact you academically?

The past two months have been full of learning opportunities. During this experience, I learned about various technologies that are used in the business world and identified skills that I want to develop in my final year at Penn State before returning to Deloitte. I was able to work on analytics skills that will be applicable in my MIS classes and beyond, and I also learned a lot about visualization, design, and UX. I now have a stronger sense of the skills and interests I want to pursue academically and in my career. I also improved my ability to network and work on a team, which I will be able to bring back to my group-based classes at Penn State and will be a useful skill as I progress in my academics and professional career.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Working in technology consulting with public sector clients has been a goal of mine for some time, as it is the perfect intersection of my MIS and International Politics majors. I was able to see first-hand what this career is like and was able to network with countless Deloitte practitioners and leaders to learn about different types of projects and roles. I got exposure to clients and cutting-edge technologies, and now have a significantly larger network that can catapult my career. I am excited to say that I have received an offer to come back full-time after graduation.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Chinese, Philosophy
Hometown: Loretto, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

Talking with Beijing locals, like my roommate or taxi drivers -- these conversations illustrated my language growth and how, if I lacked a language ability, some connections would have been impossible.

This experience enabled me to not only increase my control of the language but also develop an awareness of the opportunities available for Americans capable of speaking Chinese

How did this experience impact you academically?

Being in China elicited a personal realization: I'd prefer to not be just a "书呆子" （bookworm, lacks street smarts), but rather someone who has a heightened ability to connect with others using Chinese due to an understanding of the colloquial language and Chinese culture.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience enabled me to not only increase my control of the language but also develop an awareness of the opportunities available for Americans capable of speaking Chinese. In the future, I would love to return to China -- especially if there's a job opportunity there.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program's emphasis on the mastery of multiple fields transformed my China experience. I often found myself having conversations about topics that pertained to my other academic interests, particularly philosophy and environmental justice. These conversations allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and society -- and learn some more niche vocabulary words!

Liberal Arts Major(s): International Politics
Minor: Civic and Community Engagement
Hometown: Martinsburg, West Virginia

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was not one specific event but how quickly the International Programs office brought me into the fold. On day one, I was already knee deep in a grant proposal and briefing myself on the latest projects. Part of this was because the busyness of the summer demanded my help as soon as I was brought on, which made it incredibly important for me to be able to learn on the job. This quick start in combination with the friendliness of the faculty and staff made me feel welcome, needed, and part of the team.

Working at the College of Agricultural Sciences afforded me the opportunity to use my academic research skills in a professional setting

How did this experience impact you academically?

Working at the College of Agricultural Sciences afforded me the opportunity to use my academic research skills in a professional setting. Throughout my schooling, my analytical, resource compilation, and data visualization skills have almost exclusively been utilized for personal projects and class assignments. This internship allowed me to put these skills to the test, as I was part of a large team of researchers, each with our own focus areas and objectives. The feedback I received from that element of my internship will be incredibly helpful moving forward in my last year of school, as well as for my jobs to come.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This internship was invaluable for its diverse offering of projects and responsibilities. The fast-paced work environment tested my adaptability and efficiency, while also lending clarity to what my developed and underdeveloped skill sets are. Operating in a support role for various ongoing projects in the International Programs office, I learned that academia can extend well beyond teaching classes and individual professor research. With projects ranging from food security development projects to gender equality initiatives to capacity building partnerships, my eyes were opened to the breadth of my intended career field of development work.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Labor and Employment Relations
Minor: Business and the Liberal Arts
Hometown: Doylestown, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

My internship as a talent acquisition specialist at Spectra was a pivotal step for me. Through this internship, I was exposed to many aspects of the employee recruitment process. The best part of my experience has been the interaction with people at every level of the organization. The management within my department never once treated me like an intern. They gave me meaningful projects and responsibilities that I was accountable for and had to complete by specific deadlines. My last task this summer was to recruit, interview, and recommend the hiring of my replacement for the fall semester.

With the experience I have acquired, I will be able to directly relate and more effectively comprehend what the coursework is trying to convey

How did this experience impact you academically?

I feel that the experience gained through my summer internship at Spectra, a Comcast Spectacor Company, is going to provide me with a different outlook on my coursework when I return to school this fall. With the experience I have acquired, I will be able to directly relate and more effectively comprehend what the coursework is trying to convey. I am confident that I am in a position to be able to apply what I have learned from this summer and excel academically this fall.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I believe that my 2019 summer internship experience will be the catalyst for my future career opportunities. I am confident that the experience I have gained in the area of talent acquisition will make me a more attractive candidate to HR organizations when being compared to my peers. I have truly enjoyed the projects and responsibilities assigned to me this summer and can definitely see myself considering a permanent role in talent acquisition in the future. By working in the Navy Yard, I could not have chosen a more ideal way to ease into working in a city setting. The taste of a real-life commute into Philadelphia has presented me with ideas of what is to come after I graduate and has made me eager to see what is ahead as I weave these dreams of living in the city into my career goals.

Liberal Arts Major(s): International Politics, English
Minor: Art History
Hometown: Downingtown, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience abroad was being able to meet other students, like myself, who have a passionate interest in literature and culture. While the English major is relatively small at Penn State in comparison to other majors, I found that I met people I had never met before and probably would not have met without the Literary London program. Additionally, it was incredible to be able to study closely with two professors who were incredibly passionate about the subjects they were teaching us.

I found myself thinking about everything much more acutely and analyzing every situation or object I encountered with a more critical lens than I had before studying abroad

How did this experience impact you academically?

I feel that the Literary London abroad experience impacted me academically by making me a much better student. Not only was I focused on the material of my classes while I was abroad, but I was also acutely aware of the environment I was living in. As such, I feel that I have become a much better critical thinker. One of the classes I took abroad was a class regarding rhetorical approaches to discourse. I found myself thinking about everything much more acutely and analyzing every situation or object I encountered with a more critical lens than I had before studying abroad. This practice has stuck with me even after I have returned, making me a much better thinker and student.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will impact my career goals in a series of ways. For one, after graduation I hope to work for a company that has headquarters in several different countries so that the opportunity to travel for work will be available to me. International travel experience is a very important factor for consideration in companies whose employees may have to travel frequently; these employees will be more adjusted to and aware of the world around them. Additionally, this experience will impact my career goals because I have become more aware of the world around me as a result of participating in this program. I have learned about cultures other than my own, I have met people unlike the people who live in areas surrounding my home, and, as a result, I have become a more developed and well-rounded person and future employee.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science
Minor: Business and the Liberal Arts, Women's Studies
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being the first intern to compile data for National Center for State Court. In the past five years, no other intern had been able to make our information fit in with their requested data. The Supreme Judicial Court in Massachusetts does not label cases the same way as other states. For instance, Massachusetts does not label a case as a felony or a misdemeanor, yet they requested that information, so I had to code each case myself. I was proud of my persistence to finally produce the data.

I was given the privilege to see how law is truly a helping profession

How did this experience impact you academically?

I had very limited knowledge about the appellate level, so I was able to immerse myself in the language and terms, the civil procedures, and motions that needed to be filed. Now that I'm in an American Judicial Behavior class, I am able to apply my knowledge of the structure of Supreme Courts at the state and federal level in class. At my internship, I also analyzed the main database program provided to me and realized I could use my Political Science background to create a project that would give people a broader look at the data.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Before my engagement experience, I had my mind set on law school right after graduation. However, after working with people in low-income communities this summer and realizing how beneficial work experience can be before law school, I've become more open to taking a gap year before law school. I've been using all my resources in my social network to determine what experience during a gap year would interest me and be the most impactful to my growth. The Clerk and his team treated everyone who walked into the office equally and respectfully. They were patient when people were confused, they were helpful in explaining steps to take and giving advice on a case, and they were compassionate when cases became emotional. This work environment is rare. I was given the privilege to see how law is truly a helping profession.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program gave me the confidence to pursue an internship that other students don't normally have the opportunity to get, rather than just settling for a traditional summer job. I wanted to explore an area of law that I had yet to see, and receiving the financial award to do that was something that I am very grateful for.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Psychology
Hometown: Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience abroad was just learning about the different cultures and social systems of the Netherlands. Being immersed within the culture for an entire month had me in awe most of the time. It is amazing to see how other countries' systems work and how they all fit together. The Netherlands is also quite different from the United States, so the contrast was incredible to see. It was also amazing to see the similarities of the two countries.

Every day in class, I think of something that I learned in the Netherlands or about the Netherlands that is relevant to the class topic

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, I believe this experience impacted me in a huge way. Every day in class, I think of something that I learned in the Netherlands or about the Netherlands that is relevant to the class topic. It's incredible to be able to connect the two so cohesively as I have been doing. It also helped me to understand what different cultures are like and really expanded my knowledge about myself and my majors.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will have a large impact on my career goals. I believe that seeing and exploring the Netherlands in the way that I did will help me as I continue on with my potential career. I believe that learning about other cultures is extremely important for criminology, and crime in general, to know and understand how different countries handle crime and criminals.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Master of Public Policy
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Douglas, Massachusetts

What was the best part of your experience?

While the whole program was amazing, and we visited amazing cities all over central Mexico, the best part of my experience was living with a local host family. Living with a Mexican family truly allowed me to immerse myself in the language and culture. My host mom cooked authentic Mexican dishes, helped me practice my Spanish, and made me feel at home in Puebla.

Living with a Mexican family truly allowed me to immerse myself in the language and culture

How did this experience impact you academically?

I learned more Spanish in six weeks in Mexico than I have since I started taking Spanish classes in middle school. All the students in our program signed a pledge to use Spanish the whole time we were in the program which allowed us to be immersed in the language, make mistakes, and learn how to fix them. Again, living with a host family helped my Spanish tremendously. While the classes were not easy, being able to constantly practice my Spanish outside the classroom helped inside the classroom as well.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

The improvements to my Spanish speaking skills will absolutely help me find a job. More generally than that, living in a foreign country (even for just six weeks), immersing yourself in the culture, and learning about the people and history of the country is always beneficial and helps to become more well-rounded, educated, and cultured, which will certainly help me in the field of Public Policy.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science
Minor: African American Studies
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of the experience was hearing the stories of people whose relatives were victims of racial violence in the Jim Crow south. Black people in the Jim Crow south were victims of different kinds of racial violence and never received any type of justice because of white supremacy. The victims' families were typically afraid to go to the authorities because they would receive backlash from the perpetrators, or, in some cases, the police were the perpetrators. Many of the families would sweep the racially-motivated crime under the rug, leave town, and move north. But because of the CRRJ, their stories are being brought to light and their trauma is just now being recognized.

I want to show the marginalized people in this country how the law can be a vehicle for change rather than a hindrance on their lives

How did this experience impact you academically?

Because this clinic is a part of a law school, I had the opportunity to audit law classes. This really helped me because I want to go to law school, and it was a good experience to discuss law school with the professors and the law school students. This experience helped shape my future academic trajectory. The class I took was on reproductive rights and law. This class was different than many of the courses I have taken at Penn State because the professor did not lecture at all, and the class led discussion on the case for the day. The class showed the legal loopholes that prevent women from having full access to reproductive facilities.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Prior to this experience, I was unsure what kind of law I want to study. However, now I am interested in pursuing civil rights law. The work of the CRRJ with communities across America shows how impactful civil rights law can be for families. I want to show the marginalized people in this country how the law can be a vehicle for change rather than a hindrance on their lives.                 

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

Because of the Paterno Fellows Program, I was told about the College of the Liberal Arts enrichment funds which helped support me throughout the summer. Additionally, the writing skills I have learned in my honors classes gave me the confidence in my ability to communicate precisely when writing letters, essays, or presentations for my internship. 

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Sociology
Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

I’ve never been abroad before, so learning about the different customs other countries have was so interesting to me. I loved that we were able to explore Amsterdam and talk to the locals. My favorite experience was visiting the Anne Frank house because I had never read the book, and it was so insightful to learn about her story. I also bought a copy of her diary since and have read it since I’ve been back.

[This] was the most interesting and educational course I’ve taken

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, I feel as if this entire course impacted me the most through my criminology major. It was the most interesting and educational course I’ve taken, and the fact that we got to see the impact deviance has in other countries (such as the Netherlands) made it much easier to learn and talk about.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience helped me get my foot out the door and travel to another country. I want to travel abroad and join the Peace Corps when I graduate. This has been an all-time dream of mine, so I’m glad I got to experience another country and culture before I graduated.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Political Science
Hometown: San Francisco, California

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was the team I was working with. My bosses did a great job of pairing us all together and making sure that we could not only work together, but also bond together. My fellow interns were from all around the world -- some came from England, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and more. There were also interns from all over the country (some from Texas and Florida)! As a group we had a great friendship that helped us to work together as well. If we disagreed as colleagues, we always had the friendship to fall back on as a way to keep the peace. The environment was very collaborative, so being able to bring up cases with your fellow interns was a great way to see it from other angles and figure out where to go from there.

I now know more about the appeals process than I think I could ever learn in a classroom

How did this experience impact you academically?

I think that the post-conviction process, as well as the issue of wrongful convictions itself, is not discussed a lot in undergrad. I took a CRIM class based on wrongful convictions which is where I first learned about the issue. I have wanted to work for CIP ever since. I now know more about the appeals process than I think I could ever learn in a classroom.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

My goal is now to be an attorney for the California Innocence Project and also work in the policy sector. In the policy sector I would hope to enact policy that would make it easier to overturn wrongful convictions as well as make it harder for people to be wrongfully convicted.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Italian, Psychology
Hometown: Point Pleasant, New Jersey

What was the best part of your experience?

The best parts of my experience were the unlimited opportunities I had to challenge myself throughout the trip and the connections I was able to make during my time in Italy. Everyday I was challenged to speak only Italian, something that became easier day by day. Trying new things everywhere I went was also a personal challenge I set for myself, which I conquered everywhere thanks to the encouragement and company of some friends I made along the way.

The best parts of my experience were the unlimited opportunities I had to challenge myself throughout the trip

How did this experience impact you academically?

Being a triple major, I don't usually have to explain why my schedule is so busy. By studying abroad this summer, I was able to concentrate solely on one of my majors for an extended amount of time without feeling as if I was falling behind in one of my other majors. The Todi, Italy trip also allowed me to learn the Italian language in the best way -- continuous use of the language all day, every day.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience gave me more than just course credits. It taught me diligence and autonomy, as well as deepening my respect and understanding of other cultures -- things that I will be able to utilize in my future career and personal life. Studying abroad puts everyone out of their comfort zone, but by giving me the opportunity to overcome all challenges associated with this, it also gave me the confidence to overcome any and all other challenges that may present themselves in the future.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Psychology
Minor: Information Sciences and Technology for Labor Studies and Employment Relations
Hometown: Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was the immense responsibility and trust that the company placed upon me. I was able to engage in tasks that made a real impact on the company and also contributed to my professional growth. One of these tasks included sourcing, interviewing, and hiring a candidate, from the beginning of the process to the end, for a Service Desk Analyst II position that the company could not fill for four months, prior to hiring me. Another amazing aspect of this experience was creating a business solution proposal for employee engagement and presenting it to upper management.

The network of connections that I have made at this company are ones that I will take with me throughout my professional career

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience impacted me academically because Labor Studies and Employment Relations is part of my minor, so it gave me a great background in what I would be learning in my studies. A lot of the concepts that I have come across can be directly connected to what I did this summer during my internship; there was a large impact on my education that certainly made it more interesting. This experience has made me even more excited about the opportunities that I will continue to come across in my academics.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will impact my career goals in many ways. Firstly, it allowed me to have a first-hand view of what the world of Human Resources is like. Being a Psychology major, I was not entirely sure if this was the career path I wanted to take; after being in this internship I am very sure of my decision and extremely excited to continue in this field. Additionally, I gained some lifelong skills that I feel I could not have gained without this internship and the responsibilities that they gave me. Almost every single thing I did during my internship had a real impact on the company. Along with that, my company, Superior Group of Companies, was very impressed with my work that summer; although it was not expected, they decided to keep me on as an intern working remotely throughout the year. The network of connections that I have made at this company are ones that I will take with me throughout my professional career.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Anthropology, Communication Arts and Sciences
Minor(s): French
Hometown: Brewster, New York

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my study abroad experience was being able to connect with the students from the University of Vienna. Since we took a class at the University, we really got to know our Austrian counterparts and learned a lot about Austrian culture from them. Every day we got the chance to explore the city of Vienna through their eyes and learn so much about the history, culture, food, music, diversity, etc.

Not only have the classes themselves enhanced my understanding of communication and culture, but also the experiences of connecting with people from a different culture and living in a country that was completely new to me have been incredibly enriching.

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this program helped to fulfill some credits I need for my major, but more importantly, it opened my eyes to different ways of thinking about how we communicate. One of the classes was taught by an Austrian professor, and we discussed the theories behind communication and media. They were complex and deeply theoretical concepts, but it gave me the opportunity to see things from a new and different perspective. The in-class discussions were paired with out-of-the-classroom trips to major Austrian media stations, and it was really interesting to see what we were talking about in action.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience has impacted my career goals in that it has opened my eyes to so many new possibilities. Not only have the classes themselves enhanced my understanding of communication and culture, but also the experiences of connecting with people from a different culture and living in a country that was completely new to me have been incredibly enriching.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program was essential to my study abroad experience. If not for the financial support I received from the Paterno Fellows program and the help I got in planning this study abroad, the trip would not have been possible. If not for this program, I would not have had this incredible experience.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Sociology
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience with the FBI Honors Internship was getting a feel for what it's like to work in the public sector and be part of the FBI family. My experience this past summer really solidified what I want to do after graduation.

My experience this past summer really solidified what I want to do after graduation

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience informed me of the things that I need to do in my senior year to stay on track and better my chances of receiving an offer of full-time employment after graduation. My internship experience made me realize how large a variety of career paths and areas of expertise the FBI offers, which reassured me that both my two majors and my minor will benefit me in the public sector.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

In terms of my career goals, this internship could not have been more useful. I was able to network and get advice from many people, including people in senior/executive-level positions, about my career goals and trajectory. Toward the end of my internship, I had the opportunity to apply for several entry-level positions and seek guidance as to what these positions entail from people who are currently in them.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Psychology
Hometown: Collegeville, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The friendships and connections I made throughout the trip, both with the other Penn State students and with the Dutch people I got to meet through class excursions, were the best part of my experience. Finding other Penn State students with the same passions and drive to see the world was so awesome and has translated back to my time at University Park. Meeting and connecting with Dutch people was so amazing because, despite cultural differences, we had so much in common.

This experience has given my career goals more focus

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience has invigorated a new passion for change. After seeing how differently the Dutch handle criminal justice and run their prisons, I want to bring that back to the United States in criminal justice reform. To be able to do that, I have to work very hard so that I'll be able to continue my education after undergrad and be capable of working on change.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience has given my career goals more focus. I know I want a career where I can effect change in the criminal justice system. I want to bring back some the more progressive aspects of the Dutch criminal justice system, specifically prison reform to lower recidivism rates here at home.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Anthropology, Jewish Studies
Hometown: Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was having the opportunity to excavate at an Archaeological site. It has always been a dream of mine to participate in an Archaeological dig, and this experience allowed me to see if Archaeology is a possible career path for me. While the days were long and tiring, I was excited to wake up and work in my square every day. I never knew what I would find while digging each day, and it was amazing to uncover the remnants of past peoples and civilizations. It was fascinating to see the traces of peoples that have lived thousands of years before us. It made me wonder what we will leave behind when we are gone and how those remains might be interpreted.

How did this experience impact you academically?

As an Anthropology major, I have heard about my professors’ experiences at Archaeological sites, and I have previously learned about the practices and methods that occur onsite. Being on an Archaeological site, however, is totally different. While we are doing much of what we learn about in class, being able to learn about Archaeology in the field is incomparable to learning about Archaeology in a textbook or in class. Being a part of a dig allowed me to fully grasp concepts and methods through hands-on experience and trial and error. It allowed me to better understand the field of Archaeology and Archaeological practices that I have and will continue to learn about in class.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

While I truly loved my experience at the dig, it made me realize that Archaeology may no longer be my desired career path. Working in the square was an amazing experience, but I realized during our Open House with community members that I would have preferred to be interacting with members of the community and educating them on our findings. Through my time at the dig and other work I did in Community Archaeology and Conservation in Israel, I realized that I have a passion for education and disseminating historical information to the public. My experiences onsite made me realize that I might want to pursue a career in museum studies or a career that would allow me to work more closely with the public.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program allowed me to pursue such an amazing study abroad experience. Through the generous donations from the Paterno Fellows Program and the College of the Liberal Arts, I was able to obtain field experience and learn more about my desired career goals and aspirations. I am so grateful for the academic and financial support that the Paterno Fellows Program gave me. I am so fortunate to be in a program that helps students reach their goals and ultimately creates more well-rounded students and global citizens.

Liberal Arts Major(s): English, History
Minor: Violin Performance
Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

It's hard to pick a single experience. I treasured the opportunities to explore museums bursting with centuries' worth of history (especially the British Museum), to experience a Shakespeare production at the Globe Theater and another at Stratford-Upon-Avon, and also to find amazing places to eat! In essence, I loved the chance to live in London, if only for weeks, because it afforded me the chance to culturally immerse myself somewhere so similar, yet so different to home.

I loved the chance to live in London, if only for weeks, because it afforded me the chance to culturally immerse myself somewhere so similar, yet so different to home

How did this experience impact you academically?

Before this experience, I had taken History 444, which focused on how the United States memorializes and remembers the Civil War and placed these memorials in their historical and rhetorical context. The course on Reading Material and Memorial Sites in London (English 473) provided an opportunity for me to engage in this kind of critical rhetorical and historical analysis firsthand, which I loved. The other course, Mysticism, Magic, and the Occult in Literary Modernism (English 455), was decidedly outside of my comfort zone in terms of topic. Nevertheless, I was able to draw parallels between the themes of this course and several of my other English courses, primarily in the ways that literature can articulate the limits of language in expressing human experiences. London provided a rich setting replete with history (mystical and otherwise) which enhanced the learning experience by making it concrete (sometimes literally), instead of studying it distantly from a classroom.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Prior to Literary London, I had been seriously considering applying to a UK university for graduate school. The experience of studying abroad furthered my convictions, and I am now in the process of applying to several English universities. More broadly, it confirmed that I chose my field well: I thrived in a city abounding with history, and I drank in as much history as I could in each place that we traveled. My long-term career goal is to work in Constitutional law in some capacity, and history serves as an integral part of understanding and interpreting the U.S. Constitution. History forms the backbone of any discipline. It must be studied, learned from, and respected. I am wholly convinced that people must understand the history of a place in order to understand the present moment; studying it on site further intensifies a connection between history and the scholar, in turn deepening understanding.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

One of the ways, if not the first way, I heard about this study abroad opportunity was through the Paterno Fellows emails. Were it not for the study abroad/internship requirements for Paterno Fellows, I might not have considered applying for Literary London. I am immensely grateful to have been a part of this program which encouraged and enabled me to take part in a phenomenal opportunity. Not only did they provide some of the incentive to apply, but they also generously financially contributed to make the program more affordable.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology
Minor: Economics, Labor and Employment Relations, Business and the Liberal Arts
Hometown: West Haven, Connecticut

What was the best part of your experience?

I enjoyed the experiences of traveling throughout Europe. With studying abroad, everyone tells you that you will be traveling a lot because it is easy to travel in Europe. Well, they were right. I travelled to Split, Croatia. I also travelled throughout Italy to Venice, Cinque Terre, Rome, Genova, Arrezo, and the Amalfi Coast. All these trips were amazing and helped me gain a stronger view of the world. It also allowed me to make long lasting friends from all different homes and schools.

This experience will impact my career goals by changing my view of the world

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, I learned so much. I learned all about the history of Italian design and the different villas and gardens throughout the city of Florence. These classes were unlike those at Penn State because I could go to the sites and see what we were talking about in class.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will impact my career goals by changing my view of the world. I want to go into financial crime investigations. Through the experience of being in Italy, I realized that different countries look at money differently -- not only through the currency exchange, but also through use of money. In Italy they use a lot of cash, which makes it harder to trace through the national system.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics
Other Major: Finance
Hometown: Millersville, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was the opportunity to work closely with a team in a corporate setting every day and apply the interpersonal skills I have learned from being in a community such as Penn State. By the end of my experience, I was an integral part of the team and grew close to my fellow teammates.

My experience strengthened my passion for Economics and Finance and illustrated how my classroom knowledge can be applied in a productive and interesting way in the workforce

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, I was able to strengthen my problem solving skills by being challenged to implement multiple process improvements during my experience. My experience required strong logical reasoning which I have and will continue to pick up through my Economics courses.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

In terms of career goals, my experience strengthened my passion for Economics and Finance and illustrated how my classroom knowledge can be applied in a productive and interesting way in the workforce. I was also able to see the value of enjoying the work you are doing as well as the people you are working with. Because of my great experience, I plan to pursue a similar career to my internship and may, ultimately, be employed by Vanguard.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program ensured that I was a strong leader and took initiative during my experience. Because of this, I had the confidence and skills necessary to ask questions, lead team building exercises, give presentations in front of managers, and train other coworkers. Being a Paterno Fellow and having that initiative resulted in an even more rewarding internship experience than was originally planned.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science, Psychology
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

Over the summer I was given the opportunity to go on monitoring visits in several New York State maximum security prisons. While in the prisons, I was able to talk face to face with incarcerated individuals and obtain genuine responses about how they were being treated. I was faced with issues like officers withholding incarcerated individuals' medicine if they talked too loudly at night and people who were unable to get dentist appointments after upwards of six months. It was extremely eye-opening to see how a part of the population I did not have prior experience with was being neglected what I believe to be human rights.

I realized after hearing individuals' stories and hardships that I would like a career in advocacy and nonprofit work after college and law school

How did this experience impact you academically?

In my academic career thus far, the majority of my classes have been in political science, where I have learned about the gradual progression of equal rights among those of different races, ethnicities and genders. However, I realized over the summer that some populations, like incarcerated individuals, are being completely ignored because the group of people advocating on their behalf is nearly nonexistent. This taught me that while the United States is hopefully making progress toward a better world, there are people who need help that might not be given a voice.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

The Correctional Association of New York is the only independent and non-profit organization in New York that is able to go on monitoring visits and communicate directly with the incarcerated. I realized after hearing individuals' stories and hardships that I would like a career in advocacy and nonprofit work after college and law school. I have been given so many opportunities to succeed and prosper and would like to help minority groups that are not often discussed or helped politically.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science
Minor: Education Policy Studies
Hometown: Clarks Green, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was attending different hearings and events and getting to see the action of our nation's lawmakers up close and personal. It was surreal to see how things actually get done in our nation's capital and to see all of these people who you see on television in person. You are really able to tell a lot about a person's personality by seeing them up close. Being able to stand in congressional office buildings and take in the history and magic of those buildings is a truly fantastic experience.

The best part of my experience was attending different hearings and events and getting to see the action of our nation's lawmakers up close and personal

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience really refined my note taking skills. Attending congressional hearings is a trial by fire in terms of note taking. You do not have a powerpoint to read or the comfort of knowing that the powerpoint will be posted online after class. You need to jot down all the relevant information and are powerless to ask someone to slow down or go back like you could in class. I am a much better note taker now.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This job gave me some real world experience in the field of public policy which is something I would like to work on one day. I got to learn a lot and experience what some of those jobs would look like and feel like if I attain one someday. Moreover, I got to meet some fantastic people that are more than willing to give me advice or a helping hand down the road.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Economics
Other Major: Finance
Hometown: Quakertown, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my internship was the fact that I was able to do and learn something new each and every day. Nobody truly knows what a job entails until they actually do it for themselves, and it was incredible to be able to get such a hands on experience across the many facets of investment banking throughout my time as a summer intern. From morning client meetings to afternoon NDA discussions, as well as some late night financial modeling, the breadth of work I was able to accomplish in just ten weeks was astonishing.

The best part of my internship was the fact that I was able to do and learn something new each and every day

How did this experience impact you academically?

It was intriguing to see how my course work and extracurricular involvements would help me throughout my internship. The most substantial relation between my time at Penn State and my summer internship was, by far, the work I've done within the Nittany Lion Fund. This organization was able to provide me not only with so many of the necessary technical skills required for an internship in investment banking, but also with networking skills, which helped me tremendously in the interpersonal aspect of the job. I'm excited to see how I can now use what I learned throughout the summer back at Penn State, both within my Economics and Finance classes, as well as through building upon the knowledge of those involved with the Nittany Lion Fund now.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

After completing my summer internship, I was thankful to be able to accept an offer to return to the bank full-time after graduation. I'm excited to see what two more years within Morgan Stanley Investment Banking will hold for me and how much further I will progress as an analyst at the bank. I look forward to further building upon my knowledge and will use that to better myself as an employee wherever I decide to go next, whether it be more time at Morgan Stanley or elsewhere. Additionally, I'm thankful for the network that my internship provided me with and am excited to continue expanding this network after graduation.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

I remember walking through the Sparks Building as a freshman, reading the posters on the walls of past Paterno Fellows, and being so impressed by the work that they did and the accomplishments that they had achieved. Reading the stories of these individuals so early on in my time at Penn State helped to instill in me a drive to push myself and to consider any opportunity that came my way. I aimed to be the best possible version of myself, just as each of these students did, and, so far, I think I have been successful in achieving that. I look forward to all that the future holds and hope that my future will be as exciting as what I've heard about from so many past Paterno Fellows.

Liberal Arts Major(s): English
Other Major: Mathematics
Minor: Computer Science
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA

What was the best part of your experience?

My most indelible experience abroad was watching a performance of Henry IV, Part 1 at Shakespeare’s Globe, for it revealed to me how such grand theatrical undertakings necessitate English scholarship -- how each line spoken onstage was delivered across centuries of cultural moments by those who work in the field to which I aspire.

Because of this study abroad program, I now feel more able to explore careers in the field of English

How did this experience impact you academically?

In London, our class found avenues to apply the English-based skills of rhetorical and literary analysis to the streets of London, unearthing new meaning and understanding how such scholarship contributes to the conception of society. In particular, how do memorials in the British Museum, Shakespeare's Globe, Westminster Abbey, and other British cultural touchstones argue for a specific view of history, and how does that view influence our world today?

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Because of this study abroad program, I now feel more able to explore careers in the field of English. Of course, English is an academic pursuit, but that does not mean it exists solely while sitting at one’s desk. Everything we did in London was underpinned by years of international scholarship, and I am currently looking to explore new opportunities to contribute to this scholarship myself.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Chinese
Other Major: Values-Driven Product Design
Hometown: Hershey, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

Throughout this past summer, enrichment funds from the College of the Liberal Arts allowed me to take a risk. Instead of pursuing an internship or taking classes, I launched a startup with my good friend Jack through Invent Penn State's Summer Founders Program. Together, our mobile app Loancrunch is simplifying the student loan process, empowering students and graduates with one platform to easily understand, manage, and repay their student debt. Getting time to actually pursue something I'm passionate about was by far the best part. So many times, we get caught up in classes and activities that we like, but we shelve that creative pursuit or project we love. This summer was an opportunity to take mine off the shelf, and the College of the Liberal Arts helped me do just that.

Getting time to actually pursue something I'm passionate about was by far the best part

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, starting my own company as a student has reinforced my decision to pursue my self-designed major, Values-Driven Product Design. Digital product design plays a key role in how we all live our daily lives. Getting to design a product this summer that is actually helping people showed me the endless possibilities within the field. Penn State didn't have an interdisciplinary product design major available, so I created my own through the Bachelor of Philosophy program. Alongside my study of Chinese, I couldn't be more excited to keep expanding the definition of what it means to be a student and lifelong learner.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

Through Penn State's Summer Founders Program, I've had the incredible opportunity to meet hundreds of successful entrepreneurs, student founders, and Penn State alumni who are all doing amazing work. We were able to meet with and learn from Penn State alumni at tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple. Actually exploring the work cultures of these innovative places is helping guide and inspire my own career path and helping me appreciate all the meaningful work still left to be done.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science, History
Hometown: Kittanning, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being able to do the work that I love, which is encouraging people to run for office and then supporting them throughout that journey. On a weekly basis I get to check in with my candidates and help them set up benchmarks and goals in addition to working on various projects with them or simply offering advice. My favorite part about these experiences is getting to learn someone's 'why' - their reason for running for office - which is incredibly enlightening and inspiring for me.

This fellowship has given me insight into which facets of campaigning I like the most, helping me narrow in on the field I'm interested in

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this experience has given me a newfound appreciation for my college experience. My path is a bit different from most because I opted to defer for the fall semester, meaning I had a long term fellowship with the same organization from June-December. This has given me a taste of post-graduate life, which has its own benefits and drawbacks like the college experience. As a fellow, I've learned a great deal about working, teaching, and leading in a group environment and communicating properly with high level professionals. One of my greatest takeaways, though not necessarily academic-related, is learning to pay more attention to details and listen more intently. In this way, I was able to predict or determine the needs of my boss, my fellow co-workers, and the office in general.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This has impacted my career goals drastically because I have been offered a full time position come May 2020 after I graduate. Aside from the job offer, this fellowship has given me insight into which facets of campaigning I like the most, helping me narrow in on the field I'm interested in. Overall, the connections I have been able to make through the various networking events and meetings have proven to be invaluable and have changed the course of my career in ways I could have never imagined. The opportunity to be mentored by the Executive Director of the SDCC not only enhanced my experience, but also expanded my own career goals and my perspective on what I believe that I am capable of achieving.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Communication Arts and Sciences, Labor and Employment Relations, Human Resources and Employment Relations
Minor: Business and the Liberal Arts, English
Hometown: Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being able to tap into Deloitte's vast network. As a professional services firm, we're engaged in virtually any work you can think of - Future of Work products, Change Management solutions, etc. Being able to network within the firm - and learn exactly what I want to do - was invaluable.

Being able to network within the firm - and learn exactly what I want to do - was invaluable

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this experience inspired me to become more interested in people analytics. One of the classes in my major, HRER 512, is largely a people analytics class and will allow me to explore my interests in data analytics and visualization. This experience also helped motivate some potential thesis topics for my Master's program in government human resources, post-merger culture integration, and organizational design.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience helped me realize what a career in consulting is actually like. Moreover, it helped me understand what questions to ask when trying to discover who (which company) sells which kinds of work - which is something hard to replicate without experience in the industry.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows program - inadvertently or intentionally - has taught me to think critically and communicate succinctly through its people, events, and academic requirements. I quickly discovered that the core consulting skills I needed to succeed at my internship were embedded in my educational experience, and I am indebted greatly to the program for my success over the summer and employment offer!

Liberal Arts Major(s): English, Spanish
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The people. My neighbors would always say hello to me at the park, and I started playing basketball with one of them every night. My host mother would invite me to go walk the dog with her after lunch every day. My tandem partner at the university took me around the city even though he was only required to meet with me for one hour a week. When you leave everything that's familiar to you, you need somebody to throw you a rope because sometimes things aren't so great. Sometimes you miss your family, who hopefully loves you like nobody else does, your friends who keep making plans without you, or even that amusement park you used to go to when you were a kid after some silly memory resurfaces. Often times you feel different from everyone else because you are, a thought which rarely comes to my mind at home because I usually look and talk like the people around me. As valuable as some of these feelings are, they can weigh you down. Other people can help, and I’m grateful to those who did.

Especially now as I apply for jobs, I am glad to have been able to supplement my undergraduate degree with better language proficiency and work experience

How did this experience impact you academically?

I learned how to teach -- or at least the fundamentals. Before leaving for Ecuador, we read several articles about second language learning theory, considered school models in the United States, and even studied some grammar, but no one can replicate a real classroom. When we were in Ecuador, we were learning while we were teaching - taking classes ourselves during the day and teaching three times a week in the afternoons. It's one thing to learn theory and another to have practice. Both are necessary for any professional, beginner or master. I walk away from the program with a basic knowledge of both for teaching and much, much more.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I have wanted to go live abroad and really see how far I can go with my Spanish for years now. Before Ecuador, I wondered whether I really could. After all, I don't want to be away from my family forever, and I've already written about some challenges which make life abroad difficult. I'm still a little hesitant, but I feel more confident after this program to meet those challenges, both professional and personal. I plan to apply for teaching programs abroad during the next few months.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program has allowed me to use savings which would have gone towards tuition for study abroad. Last year I went to Ronda, Spain with faculty from the Spanish Department, and now I have been to Ecuador with faculty from the Education Department. Without financial support from the Paterno Fellows Program, Schreyer, and the College of the Liberal Arts, I might not have ever gone away to boost my Spanish or learn how to teach. These were both opportunities I thought necessary for my own professional development. Especially now as I apply for jobs, I am glad to have been able to supplement my undergraduate degree with better language proficiency and work experience.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Psychology
Minor: Child Maltreatment and Advocacy Studies
Hometown: Butler, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The staff I had the pleasure of working with were my favorite part of my internship experience. Every week I got to participate in staff meetings where I learned about current patients and course of treatment. As time progressed, I grew more and more comfortable with the clinicians and really felt like I belonged at the clinic. Every week they allowed me to ask my own questions and offer input which I am so grateful for; I felt valued both as a young professional hoping to enter the field and as a friend.

Every day I was at the clinic I was able to connect my classroom knowledge with the real world exposure in the field I’m passionate about

How did this experience impact you academically?

I went into this internship after taking various courses in Child Maltreatment and Advocacy Studies, learning about trauma and its lasting effects, and being trained to recognize physical and behavioral signs of child abuse. My first day as an intern put me in my place, but not in a bad way. It’s one thing to discuss trauma in a classroom setting, but another to hear real cases from real families. Every day I was at the clinic I was able to connect my classroom knowledge with the real world exposure in the field I’m passionate about.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

After graduation I intend to earn my PhD in Child Clinical Psychology and wish to practice as a Psychologist while also conducting research. I hope to serve the maltreated population through research and development of treatment programs. This internship provided me with introductory experience observing and learning more about the type of work I plan on doing as a career. Going into this internship, I hoped to get a better vision of myself as a clinician and get a glimpse of where my career may take me. My internship allowed me the inside look I was seeking and affirmed my current career plans.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Communication Arts and Sciences
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: Ridgefield, Connecticut

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was seeing my research and recommendations result in action. I spent a portion of my summer internship researching and creating a marketing plan based on Instagram Stories, and the Foundation actually ended up implementing it! It was great to see my time and effort lead to something that will hopefully make a difference in the search for a cure for Parkinson's disease.

It was great to see my time and effort lead to something that will hopefully make a difference in the search for a cure for Parkinson's disease

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience helped me to further develop my writing skills. I've never had to write in a highly professional style before, and I'm glad that my internship forced me to practice this. I'm even more confident in my writing ability now, and I'm excited to apply these new skills to different papers and projects this academic year.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I'm now very confident that I want to go into non-profit marketing and that I have an experience that will help me when applying and interviewing for full-time jobs. Additionally, this internship helped to guide me to another internship I'm doing with Penn State Athletics this semester, which will provide me with even more experience and skills.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Criminology, Political Science
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Orange County, California

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was getting to see the different sides of prosecuting both local and federal cases. Every day was different; I got to attend closing arguments, help attorneys prepare for trial, watch forensic interviews, complete my own projects, and much more! I also loved being in D.C. and having the opportunity to network with professionals in the field.

This experience gave me the chance to learn what the day-to-day life of an attorney looks like

How did this experience impact you academically?

Interning at the U.S. Attorney's Office gave me a lot of insight into the criminal justice system, which has been super helpful in my Criminology courses. This experience has also given me insight for my thesis, which is about sentencing. Getting to watch sentencing hearings and speak to attorneys about sentencing gave me important information that has helped me with my thesis!

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience gave me the chance to learn what the day-to-day life of an attorney looks like. I learned a lot about what a career as a prosecutor at the local and federal level entails. I also had the chance to learn about different careers by interacting with analysts, federal agents, and police officers regularly. Gaining experience with the federal government has made me more confident applying for positions within the federal government.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

As this internship was unpaid, the funding that came from the Liberal Arts Enrichment Fund was extremely helpful. I could not have been able to participate in the internship without the help from Paterno Fellows and the College of the Liberal Arts.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Anthropology
Other Major: Art History
Minor: Latin
Hometown: Mystic, Connecticut

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of my experience was being totally immersed in a new culture. You develop a whole new perspective on your own livelihood and social norms when you're dropped into an environment that may have different ideas about these things. During the seventeen-day Study Tour of Roman History and Archaeology, we stayed at a hotel near the center of Rome rather than studying on a university campus. Our classroom was whichever ancient site we visited on a given day, and the program also allowed us a lot of free time to explore the city on our own. This unique learning environment was much more conducive to valuable learning than a traditional classroom could ever be.

The best part of my experience was being totally immersed in a new culture

How did this experience impact you academically?

My time in Rome was endlessly beneficial for helping me specialize my interests in anthropology and art history and for improving my understanding of the content in my other classes. I gained a deeper understanding of archaeological procedures through the sites we visited, which aids in my anthropology courses. As an aspiring Latin minor, it was rewarding to apply my knowledge of the language firsthand in the city where it developed. Even my Latin class has been easier due to my new knowledge of the culture and history of ancient Rome.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I've had my sights set on focusing my future career in Italy for a while, and getting a small glimpse of life there only strengthened my decision. I was able to identify certain professions that my degree could allow, such as museum curator, art conservator, or archaeological field worker at any of the thousand museums and archaeological sites throughout Italy. Through conversations with the amazing professors who led the program, I have a better understanding of the work my studies and potential careers might entail, and I have an assurance that I'm on the right path.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Psychology
Minor: Global Health, Biology
Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA

What was the best part of your experience?

The ability to become immersed in Tanzanian culture, within our clinic and site visits and weekend excursions, was something that made my experience abroad unforgettable. Interacting with local people, learning their customs and language, eating their food, and seeing their lives up-close will stick with me forever. Although my time abroad was nontraditional in that I did not take normal classes, my time in the field taught me more about Global Health than any textbook or classroom lecture ever could.

It was enlightening to see the things that I have read about and learned in State College come to life halfway across the world

How did this experience impact you academically?

The Global Health fieldwork experience is a requirement for completing the minor because it allows application of the big global health issues that are discussed within the coursework. In health clinics, schools, and villages I was able to see global and public health topics come to life and hear first-hand accounts of these issues and their solutions from the health workers and community members who encounter them on the ground every day. It was enlightening to see the things that I have read about and learned in State College come to life halfway across the world. To be able to bring that new knowledge home with me is something that has enhanced my education that I will never forget.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

The time that I spent in Tanzania changed my outlook on life and plans for the future. Before, I planned on going straight into graduate school to start my career in the field of epidemiology in the worlds of research and academia. Now, I have an interest in expanding my personal experience and volunteering in the Peace Corps before continuing in my education; I have seen the benefits of hands-on engagement abroad and wish to gain more of that for myself before embarking in a career in public health work and advocacy.

Liberal Arts Major(s): Communication Arts and Sciences, English, Philosophy
Minor: French, History, Linguistics, Jewish Studies, and Rhetoric
Hometown: Allentown, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

I loved being able to see such diverse theatre --in terms of content, production, style, and more. I also enjoyed being able to experience this theatre while immersing myself in the culture of the country through trips, historical scenes, and common interactions. Traveling with diverse and incredible fellow students allowed me to interpret the shows in different ways as I heard others' perspectives and inputs.

Moving forward, I feel I have a better way of connecting with people from different communities because I've been able to see and hear the stories on stage and the way it impacts the characters

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience allowed me to explore creative writing beyond the story and essay. I got to try out the medium of theatre after being given valuable seminars on play writing and a plethora of great examples of wonderful acting and writing.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

The London/Dublin Study Tour impacted my career goals by showing me the multiple ways diversity can be showcased and displayed. Moving forward, I feel I have a better way of connecting with people from different communities because I've been able to see and hear the stories on stage and the way it impacts the characters. This ability to connect with be highly useful in my field, and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows Program has influenced me to continue to push my boundaries and pounce on valuable opportunities. Without the support from the Program and the encouragement I got from fellow Paterno Fellows who are alumni of the London Study Tour, I never would have considering going on the trip. I'm so glad I went and so thankful to the Paterno Fellows Program.