On Tuesday, Sept. 17, students from various majors gathered in B34 of the Stabley Library to attend the Tips for Securing Internships and Jobs panel, a part of the Professional Panel Series.
This week’s panel was available through Zoom, allowing students to meet in person in Room B34 of the Stabley Library for a live viewing or join via Zoom independently.
The panel consisted of three IUP graduates; Elena Kapp who graduated in 2016 with a degree in International Business and Marketing, Terri Emler who graduated in 1990 with a degree in Management and Marketing and in 1991 with her MBA and Courtney Baum who graduated in 2000 with a graduate degree of Student Affairs and Higher Education.
The panelists started the discussion offering career advice for upcoming college students, covering everything from internships to salary discussions.
Emler highlighted the importance of students remaining professional in all aspects of their lives, but especially when applying for a job.
In response to a question about interview preparation, Emler said, “Treat it seriously. When you’re looking for someone for a job, you want to make sure you’re looking at a professional.”
Baum added to the discussion the importance of networking and meeting new people while students are still in a college setting.
Networking can benefit students with their career growth, support and access to new opportunities.
“Be curious. The job I do now, I did not know existed,” Kapp said. She urges students to remain open to new experiences as they go through college.
The panelists encouraged students not to limit themselves to a few possibilities. “My theory is always go big,” said Baum. “Getting an interview is harder than getting the job itself.”
By the end of the presentation, students had received advice on using the resources of IUP, maintaining professionalism through the interview process, and finding jobs they would benefit from and enjoy.
As a final question, the panelists were asked about their favorite part of IUP.
Kapp pointed out the amount of groups and club opportunities and encouraged students to try new things and step out of their comfort zone.
Emler agreed and acknowledged that her favorite part of campus was getting involved and be able to look back on her time at IUP.
“IUP does a great job of being a larger campus, but still feeling like you’re in that family atmosphere,” said Baum.
Baum went on to talk about her experiences at IUP and her willingness to continue helping any IUP student in their career.
As a final piece of advice, Kapp relaxed students by adding that students don’t have to feel so pressured about finding jobs.
“You have so much time to figure it out,” said Kapp. “Don’t think about your career in isolation, but in terms of your life.”
The panel allowed students to ease their worries about the job process to come and gain meaningful insights from panelists who were once in their exact shoes and setting them up with a network of support for the future.