“Shippensburg University has prepared me more than I could have imagined for the “real world.” During my undergraduate career I have had two internships, one for Clark Associates (my now full-time employer) and Volvo Construction Equipment, which both paid me well and gave me the business skills that I couldn’t fully learn in the classroom. These experiences would not have been possible without my mentors at SU. Additionally, I had the ability to serve on the Board of Directors of a 501c(3) nonprofit organization and plan, manage, and execute a $3.8 million budget for a year and a half during my time at SU. From serving as a Resident Assistant, Peer Anchor, Student Ambassador, and Slate Staff Columnist, I have honed the “soft skills” that employers are looking for. Although the John L. Grove College of Business faculty do provide a strong academic background, it is these other experiences that the university and its faculty, staff and administrators have provided me with that have prepared me for the workforce and allowed me to have a solid well-paying job post-graduation that I actually enjoy and am passionate about. The networking, leadership, internship and experiential learning opportunities at SU truly have helped prepare me for the workforce and allow me to stand out against other applicants and colleagues.”

- Chase Slenker, Staff Contributor

“Speaking for the department, and my department only — Communications/Journalism — I do feel prepared for the real world. However, this didn’t just happen. I had to put in the time and effort, and participate in extracurricular activities in order to feel as prepared as I am now. Classes are one side of the coin, actual experience is where you learn. I feel prepared because I dedicated myself to the department. I joined the newspaper, the radio station and SUTV. I had a year-long internship in my field in order to learn. My biggest piece of advice is that you can learn the facts in class, but you won’t understand how your career works until you’re experiencing it. Don’t solely depend on your degree, it’s not enough anymore. Go out of your way to expand yourself and be willing to experience different sides of the profession.”

- Paige Shope, Managing Editor

“Shippensburg University has prepared me for the real world in more ways than one. To start, as a CJM major, our student media program has allowed me to enhance my professional development and leadership skills in an environment that enables me to collaborate with my peers. I have also been able to network myself and create connections with so many passionate and talented individuals. Over the last four years, not only was I able to learn from others but I was also able to learn more about myself and who I want to be. My professors, directors, classmates and above all my family have motivated me to work hard and take advantage of my college career. I could not be more thankful and blessed for all of the experiences and opportunities I have been given. I know that SU will forever be my home away from home and will always hold a special place in my heart.”

- Olivia Faenza, Public Relations Director

“Ship has prepared me very well for life I feel. Every job interview I’ve had, they’ve been impressed by my writing and photography, which I’ve been able to improve through classes and involvement in The Slate.”

- Carmine Scicchitano, Multimedia Director

“As a transfer student and only being here for three years I feel like Ship has taught me a lot. Especially when it comes to personal growth. My three years here I feel like I have shifted into a new person the longer I stayed here. A lot of that growing had a lot to do with the professors within the political science department along with the many students I have met here. I feel well prepared for my next chapter beyond Shippensburg and will take the lessons I’ve learned here with me everywhere I go.” 

- Monika B. Lewis, Asst. Opinion Editor

“Ship has prepared me for the real world not only because of the variety of classes, but the organizations as well. I have been able to apply skills from the classroom to student media and vice versa.”

- Bailey Cassada, Staff Contributor

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