Liberal Arts Majors: History and Political Science
Hometown: State College, PA and Cheltenham, PA
Current Location: Los Altos, CA
What enrichment activities did you participate in as a student?
I interned for a summer in Seoul, Korea, at the Korea Life Insurance Company. I spent another summer at the Adept Group, an energy consulting firm in Los Angeles. I also spent one summer in Nairobi, Kenya, on a mission project with Cru.
What was your first job after graduating from Penn State?
I was accepted into the Management Development Program at MBNA America Bank (now Bank of America) after graduation.
What was your favorite class and/or who was your favorite faculty member?
My favorite class was a class on international relations with a former CIA officer as the professor.
How did your liberal arts education and skills prepare you for life after graduation?
One of the most important skills needed for working at any organization is the ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech. Another important skill is structured and analytical thinking. My liberal arts education allowed me to develop those skills.
What networking advice would you share with current students?
Meet lots of people, be nice to them, and don't post things you may regret on social media. You don't know where you will end up in five years.
What role have mentors played in your career progression?
Mentors had a big impact on my life, guiding me by giving career and personal advice, providing references, and introducing me to career opportunities.