Major: Criminology
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: State College, PA

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I learned of the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program when a Career Enrichment Network adviser came to speak to my Criminology class. I asked the adviser more about the program after class and then went to a information session.

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

I went to the information session and then applied for a mentor. I was surprised that my mentor was an English major since I was not. We talked on the phone and over email, she was especially helpful with my resume. She worked in D.C. which was one of my goal locations at the time, so her insight on the area was helpful. When I eventually got my internship with the Department of State working on the Secretary of State's protective detail, her knowledge of the D.C. area was invaluable. We also got to have dinner together while I was there, which was an extra treat.

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

We set a plan for me to get an internship the summer going into my senior year. My mentor really helped me keep my focus on this goal. She would ask me what I was doing to reach this goal and would send me resources for internships and other opportunities. After completing my internship, our goal was to get me a job. She was also helpful in this regard, and was helpful when I made my final decision to start my career with Liberty Mutual. My mentor really helped push me to see what my priorities should be at certain points of my college career. Sometimes it is difficult to focus on getting an internship or a job when you are focused on school. Having a mentor really helps to keep everything in perspective, and gives you a 3rd party person (someone who isn't your relative or close friend) who you can go to for neutral advice.

My mentor really helped push me to see what my priorities should be at certain points of my college career.

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

Yes. It is extremely important to get the perspective of those who have gone through all the same things you are currently going through. If there are any resources you could use to help you get ahead for internships or careers you should definitely be using them. The Career Enrichment Network offers so many free opportunities for students to get ahead, and everyone should be taking advantage of that if they can.