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Career Development

Student Career Ambassadors

A coed talking to a company representative during the 2024 fall networking reception held by the Eberly College of Science.

Walk-In Hours

Drop In Hours to get your Resume Reviewed with Leanne in the lower level of Ritenour Building:

  • Tuesday's from 11:30 - 12:30 PM

 

Ritenour Building

Meet Our Student Career Ambassadors

Leanne Ulmer

Leanne Ulmer.

Major, degree pursued: Biology (Ecology option)
Minor: Marine Science, Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Internship and research experiences?

  • Internship experience: Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Aide (Anadromous Fish Restoration Unit), PA Fish and Boat Commission; General Animal Care, Centre Wildlife Care Wildlife Rescue
  • Research experience: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Medina Lab (Penn State); Student Researcher, Center for Marine Resource Studies (South Caicos)
  • Professional experience: Sales Representative, Nittany Beverage; Frame Shop Manager, Uncle Eli’s Artist Marketplace

Why did you choose Penn State?

College 1.0: I wasn’t sure what degree path I wanted to follow, and Penn State was a large school with lots of opportunities! I also really wanted to join the Blue Band Silks and perform in Beaver Stadium (mission accomplished). College 2.0: All the credits from my previous Penn State Psychology degree transferred to the Biology program, so I wasn’t starting over from scratch. This allowed me to accelerate my biology degree focus and take classes that truly interested me (and pick up two minors), in turn making this academic journey extremely engaging.

How have internships helped you develop professionally?

Acquiring hands-on experience: a classroom setting establishes a great foundation, but nothing truly prepared me for my first experience with the controlled (or not-so-controlled) chaos of doing fieldwork. Communicating effectively: customer service was instrumental in gaining experience speaking with a diverse audience. Flexibility: no workday ever truly goes to plan, and developing the ability to adapt to changing circumstances was an essential skill.

Advice for students seeking to participate in career enrichment activities (internship, co-op, etc.):

  1. Meet with your adviser and professors and get to know them as people (be memorable, work hard). They hear about opportunities and will pass them on to students they know and trust.
  2. Do your research!
  3. There is no “perfect” path and it’s not always linear. Don’t get discouraged and always keep your eyes open for opportunities.
  4. Write that cold email.
  5. Take advantage of the resources offered by the Office of Science Engagement!