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Virtual speaker series to focus on career development and leadership skills

Monthly conversations will feature faculty from the School of Public Policy

Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s School of Public Policy is hosting a virtual professional development series, “Strategies for Career and Leadership Success,” once each month beginning June 24.

The series will provide career and leadership skills for students, recent graduates and current professionals. Viewers will have the opportunity to improve interview skills, develop an effective professional presence, maximize the internship experience, learn to build organizational relationships, and more. 

“Starting that first experience as an intern or new employee is always stressful. What to do? What questions to ask? What relationships to build? Knowing how to navigate an organization is a very important part of leadership development, and this series is designed exactly to help you to put your best foot forward from the very start,” said Catherine Baumgardner, director of professional development and student engagement.

Each session will be held via Zoom and will consist of a brief interview followed by questions from the audience. Participants will have the option to ask questions during the live discussion or in advance of the presentation by submitting questions to publicpolicy@psu.edu.

“Events such as these give us the opportunity not only to provide support, but also to share insights about questions that you have related to real events happening in the world today. The opportunity to apply theory to practice in this format is invaluable," Baumgardner said.

Details on the series and information on joining the discussions via Zoom can be found on the School of Public Policy website.

Event schedule:

Maximizing Your Internship and Creating Career Networks

Wednesday, June 24, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

Building Your Professional Presence and Portfolio Online

Wednesday, July 15, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

Writing Cover Letters and Interviewing

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

The Public Policy program in the College of the Liberal Arts was created in 2018 in response to the priorities in the University’s strategic plan by positioning Penn State as a leader in embracing the vital role of the arts and humanities, utilizing them — along with the sciences and other disciplines — as agents of change in addressing complex global issues. To learn more about the School Public Policy, visit publicpolicy.psu.edu or email publicpolicy@psu.edu.

Last Updated June 18, 2020

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