Penn State Liberal Arts students travel to Harrisburg for career exploration day

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Through a series of networking opportunities, panel discussions, and lightning-round talks, more than 60 students from Penn State's University Park and Harrisburg campuses explored what their futures could look like in public policy during a career exploration event in Harrisburg. The annual event aims to increase students’ career readiness while introducing them to opportunities in policy and government.

The trip was organized by the Penn State School of Public Policy and co-sponsored by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. Attendees included undergraduate students from across the College of the Liberal Arts, Master of Public Policy (MPP) students, undergraduates from the School of Public Affairs, and members of student organizations including the Next Generation Leadership Academy and Lion Caucus.

“Public policy offers career opportunities across a wide range of interests and fields,” said Lilliard Richardson, director of the Penn State School of Public Policy. “Bringing students to Harrisburg gives them the opportunity to see those possibilities firsthand, connect with professionals working in the field, and begin building the relationships and skills that can help them turn their interests into meaningful careers.”

The day began with a bipartisan legislative panel, which was moderated by Erin Wachter, director of state relations for Penn State’s Office of Government and Community Relations, featuring Pennsylvania Reps. David Madsen, Thomas Kutz, Carol Hill-Evans and Catherine Wallen. The panelists spoke about their journey to public service and provided students with insight on how to find and apply for legislative jobs.

To further demonstrate the impact of public policy education, students also heard from a panel of young policy professionals moderated by Judith Rojas, a current undergraduate student and member of the Next Generation Leadership Academy and Lion Caucus. Zachary Adams, executive director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania; Natalie Krak, manager of state government relations at The Hershey Co.; Tom Shark, of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania; and Natalie Brunner, legislative fellowship program coordinator for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, drew on their professional experiences to demonstrate the wide range of careers available in public policy.

"Days like Public Policy Career Exploration Day give students the chance to have conversations with alumni and professionals in public service, and those conversations often lead to valuable opportunities,” Rojas said. “My biggest takeaway from leading the young professionals panel is the importance of staying open, asking questions, and showing a genuine willingness to learn. That mindset is exactly what students need as they think about their own paths into public service.”

Undergraduate students then took part in small-group career exploration sessions with policy professionals from across state government, municipal associations and consulting firms, followed by a separate professional development panel for MPP students.

“Having the opportunity to hear from those who had once been in my shoes provided me both a sense of comfort for the future as well as pride in the strength of Penn State learning and networking,” said Shahid Khan, a Master of Public Policy candidate. “I am glad to have shared in this experience with my peers.”

Following lunch, students heard closing remarks before departing for the Pennsylvania Capitol Building for a discussion in the Senate Hearing Room with Steve D’Ettore, executive deputy secretary of policy and planning, a tour of the Capitol, and a group photo on the Capitol steps.

The event reflects the School of Public Policy's ongoing commitment to connecting students with meaningful career opportunities in public service and ensuring they graduate with the knowledge and professional networks needed to make an impact.