A group of Pennsylvania College of Technology students put their lessons to work recently as they conceived, planned and managed an event that provided an opportunity for their peers to interact with regional employers.
Billed as “Professional Coffee & Conversation,” the event featured a panel discussion by eight employers, who answered students’ questions about job interviews and resumes, communication in the workplace, the top qualities they’re looking for in employees, and more. Following the panel discussion, nine employers staffed tables to interact with students, while coffee and other refreshments were available. Most were offering internships, part-time or summer jobs, or full-time work.
The eight students involved are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in business administration: sport and event management. The event was a class project for the course Event Management and Coordination, taught by Tammy M. Rich, assistant professor of business administration/management/event management.
Students targeted employers who are interested in hiring students from majors offered in the college’s School of Business & Hospitality. They include banking and finance, sport and event management, innovation and entrepreneurism, culinary and baking, accounting, and marketing.
“Our main goal was to make an opportunity for business students here on campus,” said Stevie A. Petrison, of Landenberg. “A lot of the businesses are local, so students can get an idea of what’s available in the industry in this area.”
Businesses responded positively to the students’ invitation to participate.
“A lot of them responded that they were super excited,” said Kayla M. Spotts, of Shamokin. “Some heard about it and reached out to us.”
Each of the class members took on a different job in pulling the event together.
“Without any one of us, we couldn’t have gotten the job done,” said Frank F. Tuason, of Stamford, Connecticut. “We’re a small class, so we know one another’s strengths.”
They assigned a project manager (Victoria A. Sosar, of Berwick), while others contacted businesses, publicized the event on campus, arranged for signage, facilities and food, and more.
“It was a very good team,” Tuason said. “We used all our skills and personalities to make it our event.”
The students also arranged for four mini events leading up to Professional Coffee & Conversation, each designed to help prepare students for the job search. Topics included “Soft Skills,” “Dress and Greetings,” “Innovate and Communicate,” and “Linked Up with LinkedIn.” Students recruited college employees to lead each session.
The students were excited to practice what they’ve been learning.
“We’re now able to showcase our skills and put everything into motion,” Petrison said.
Students said they are gaining skills that they could only develop through a hands-on project like this, including approaching professionals, practicing patience and being adaptable.
Rich applauded the students’ hard work.
“This class meets three hours a week, so there’s a lot of work that goes on outside the classroom,” Rich said.
“The sense of accomplishment, to know that we planned the event from nothing, and we’re setting the foundation for future students, is amazing,” Tuason said. “This sets up the framework for us to do this going out into industry.”
Class members are: Brett R. Bowersox, of Sunbury; Carson P. Garvis, of Taneytown, Md.; Crystal L. Harker, of Beaver Falls; Matthew E. Heller, of Nicholson; Stevie A. Petrison, of Landenberg; Victoria A. Sosar, of Berwick; Kayla M. Spotts, of Shamokin; and Frank F. Tuason, of Stanford, Conn.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
– Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer-magazine editor
Some of the eight employers participating an a panel that answered students’ question about the workplace and the job hunt. From left: Gabe Sinicropi Jr., of the Williamsport Crosscutters; Paul Schwarzer, of Horizon Federal Credit Union; and Carolyn Rheam, of The Hartman Agency.
Residential construction technology and management student John A. Gondy, of Glenmoore, asks a question of panelists.
Frank F. Tuason, of Stanford, Conn., who was among the event’s managers, serves as master of ceremonies.
Students meet with Sinicropi and Jerry Clark, of The Liberty Group.