Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science
Other Major: Advertising, Master of International Affairs (integrated undergraduate-graduate program)
Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania
Chapel Executive Intern
Experience Time: Fall 2019
Give us a brief summary of your experience?
By interning at Sumo, I had the opportunity to join a company that is “shaping the internet.” AppSumo is a leading company at the forefront of software development, internet services, and email marketing. Working in a small team of 26 people, I had the opportunity to hit the ground running from the start, surrounded by an environment of leaders and entrepreneurs in the field. As an intern, I co-managed email marketing accounts for the two highest-grossing revenue customers and was part of the Growth Team for a new app titled FAM, standing for Fully Automated Marketing.
Throughout the internship, I built upon my skill set of strict attention to detail, creatively, collaboration, and dedication - all facets I relied on for success in my academics.
How did this experience impact you academically?
Throughout the internship, I built upon my skill set of strict attention to detail, creatively, collaboration, and dedication - all facets I relied on for success in my academics. Utilizing the work effort I fostered during my time at Penn State, I was able to see how my dedication to school transitioned to my dedication and commitment to my career. Heading into this next semester, I have developed a more detailed expertise in time management, handling expectations, and delivering results for myself, my academics, and the start of my career.
How will this experience impact your career goals?
This internship greatly impacted my career goals as the company hired me remotely while I complete my final semester of coursework to finish my degrees. Without pursuing this experience, I would be applying to jobs during my last semester of school. Looking forward to graduation, I will have a full year of work experience in my background. My career goals are further supported by my ability and background from this internship.
How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?
The College of the Liberal Arts had a direct impact on my success because without the enrichment funding, I would have financially struggled throughout the internship. Due to the generous gift and support from the Chapel Executive Internship Program, I felt uninhibited, shedding the stress of financial burdens from this experience. For the first time in my life, I did not have financial stress over my head. Arriving at my final semester, I am proud and grateful to say that I was able to experience an internship in the private sector while maintaining enrollment in the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Program and completing my time at Penn State with a master’s degree in international affairs, a bachelor's degree in political science, and a bachelor's degree in advertising. Due to the amazing and supportive enrichment funds staff, my advisors, support from professors, and Penn State as a community, I have found success greater than anything I could have imagined in my freshman year.