Liberal Arts Majors: Labor and Employment Relations, Psychology
Hometown: Ramsey, NJ
Current Location: Hoboken, NJ
What enrichment activities did you participate in as a student?
I served as an undergraduate research assistant in the Leadership and Innovation Lab for two years. I studied abroad in Maastricht, The Netherlands during the spring of my junior year and returned to the United States that summer for an internship at UBS Financial Services as an HR change intern.
What was your first job after graduating from Penn State?
After completing my internship at UBS, I received and accepted an offer to return to UBS in their rotational HR Graduate Talent Program upon graduation. This program was just under two years, with rotations through five areas of HR located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
What was your favorite class and who was your favorite faculty member?
My favorite class was Employment Law with Professor Whitehead. He was so animated and passionate about the material that it was hard to not share the same interest. The class actually made me consider if employment law could be a good career path for me. While I ultimately went in another direction, I still love keeping up with developments in this area.
How did your liberal arts education and skills prepare you for life after graduation?
A liberal arts education has taught me to consider multiple approaches to finding the best solution. Rarely are there situations where there is only one correct way forward, and liberal arts has taught me consider those options before acting. It has also taught me to be resourceful! There are so many amazing benefits and resources available to liberal arts students. You just need to take the time to find them.
What networking advice would you share with current students?
Networking does not come naturally to me but is something I have practiced and improved over time. One tip I would share is when you’re starting a new job, ask you manager or team for a list of individuals for you to connect with. This is a great way to establish a foundational network that you can continue to build over time.
What role have mentors played in your career progression?
My mentor served as a sounding board for me as I weighed different opportunities to progress my career. While never telling me exactly what I should do, my mentor has asked the questions to help me come to the best decision on my own.