Liberal Arts Major(s): International Politics
Other Major: Security and Risk Analysis
Hometown: Hanover, Pennsylvania
Experience Time: Spring 2020

Give us a brief summary of your experience?

The Alumni Mentor Program was a very significant part of my Liberal Arts experience. I was first paired with my mentor, Kevin, during my sophomore year. I had recently changed my major and was unsure what type of career I wanted to pursue. Kevin helped me weigh out my options and was extremely pivotal in helping me secure an internship in the Intelligence Community. He was always willing to help me prepare for interviews, review my resume, and very often provided me with recommendations to excel throughout my time at Penn State.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I switched to the College of Liberal Arts during the second semester of my sophomore year, so I had not yet taken all of the necessary prerequisite classes like my peers. Kevin helped me choose classes that would help me excel in the Intelligence Community and even discussed some of the classes that he took during his time at Penn State. I knew that if I had any questions about what classes would benefit me the best that I could talk to Kevin.

"The Alumni Mentor Program had an extremely positive impact on my future career."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

The Alumni Mentor Program, especially my mentor Kevin, had an extremely positive impact on my future career. As a sophomore, I was not quite sure what specific career I wanted to pursue, but Kevin helped me narrow down my options and choose the best career for my strengths and interests. As an intelligence professional, Kevin had real experiences in the career field that I wanted to go into, and he was able to share his experiences with me. Even though I recently graduated, Kevin and I still stay in contact and I have been relying on him for career advice. I am extremely grateful for Kevin and all the help he has given me to help me find my dream job.

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.)?

I heard about the Alumni Mentor Program through a friend who had had a great experience with their mentor. The staff in the College of the Liberal Arts helped me sign up for the program and matched me with the perfect mentor.