ABINGTON, Pa. — When Matthew Sulpizio transferred to Penn State Abington, he said he discovered a knowledgeable admissions team that eased the process and a campus community invested in his success. One year later, he's building professional skills through on-campus jobs and internships, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that are preparing him for his future career.
The transfer admissions staff helped Sulpizio, a Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations major, sort through his credits from the Community College of Philadelphia.
"They made getting acclimated more manageable by reaching out to me consistently to ensure all of my needs were met," he said, adding that they continue to check in with him.
After arriving at Abington, Sulpizio quickly found himself immersed in the Abington Experience – the campus-to-career initiative that helps students apply classroom concepts to real-world situations, work with faculty mentors and explore career options.
Sulpizio holds two positions on campus, troubleshooting technology issues for students and employees and serving as the Abington College Faculty Senate tech support intern. He also gained valuable experience through a summer internship in the Office of Information Technology (OIT), where he installed computers and monitors in the campus' new Academic Building.
Along the way, mentors like Kim Hemmings-Jarrett, assistant teaching professor of business and Faculty Senate chair, and IT consultant Jamie Davidson have helped him expand his technical knowledge and gain experience with industry-standard tools and systems, he said.
"My job in OIT has helped me to prepare for my career by allowing me to work with the physical aspects of IT that I was unfamiliar with," said Sulpizio, who wants to work as a cybersecurity analyst or network engineer.
For students considering transferring to Abington, Sulpizio encouraged them to take advantage of campus resources and build relationships.
"Abington wants you to get involved, and there are many different opportunities. Find a home within the campus, which will allow you to make friends or even meet other transfer students," he said.
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington, home to nearly 3,000 students in Greater Philadelphia, offers four-year degrees, the first two years of any Penn State degree, and NCAA Division III athletics. The Abington Experience launches students from campus to career through internships, leadership development, academic travel, and faculty-led research and creative work. Penn State Abington — where the city's energy meets the best of the suburbs.