The following Penn State Berks alumni were interviewed at a recent college career fair. They returned to Penn State Berks as representatives of their employers to recruit current students for internship and permanent positions with their companies.
This commitment of alumni to returning to their alma mater to recruit students for the companies in which they work is a testament to the quality of a Penn State Berks education and the knowledge and skills of its students.
Elizabeth Kemmerer '17
First Party Medical Claim Professional, Travelers Insurance
Major: Professional Writing
“My time at Penn State Berks prepared me for success in my career by teaching me effective written and verbal communication skills. I use the techniques and skills that brought me success in my classes every day at work.
These skills have allowed me to form professional relationships with not only my colleagues and management, but also with our customers, which is a vital part of my job. I also learned the importance of having a drive to succeed during my time at Berks. I hope to continue to utilize that drive as I advance in my career.”
Nicholas Marriott ’14
Manager of Cybersecurity Business Solutions, Pfizer, Inc.
Major: Security and Risk Analysis
Minor: Information Sciences & Technology
“Penn State Berks prepared me to do the job I’m doing today. My education was focused on not only learning the fundamentals but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes.
One of the most significant experiences I enjoyed in college was the opportunity to co-lead a student-run TEDx event on campus. Through this, I developed an understanding of teamwork and how to adapt to when things don’t go according to plan.”
Andrew Burkholder ’16
Mechanical Design Engineer, Reading Bakery Systems
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“If I would not have attended Penn State Berks, I would not have had access to all the companies they are associated with through the job fairs they have on campus as well as the job fairs at State College. For that I owe Penn State my gratitude for helping me get a job immediately after graduating.
Penn State laid the ground work for how to approach problems that I use every day at my job. I have learned that college is less about taking what you learn and specifically applying it to your career and more about taking concepts and thought processes from your different courses and applying that to your career. Penn State helped me focus on the why and less on memorization, which I find extremely useful.”
Kaitlyn O’Neill ’11
Human Resources Business Partner, Mack Trucks, Inc.
Major: Business
At Berks, my professors allowed me to think creatively, using the background that I had, and helping me discover things so that I could be successful where I am today. Another way that Berks helped me was through the Career Services Office. If it wasn’t for them working with local companies and offering the on-site interviews for both internships and careers, I’m not sure I would have ever found my HR internship that I had with the VF Outlets.
I still connect with some of my old professors and I love knowing that even eight years later, I can still count on them to support me, offer guidance, or just listen to me.
G. Kirby Powell ’80
Vice President of Operations, Kline Process Systems
Major: Electrical Engineering Technology
“The technical material covered in the engineering classes covered a wide range of subjects from motors and generators to microprocessors and programming. I have applied all of that knowledge on a regular basis during my career in control systems engineering.”