UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State students and alumni from all University campuses are invited to explore career opportunities and connect with professionals at events in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia during the Thanksgiving break.
To be held on Monday, Nov. 24, Penn State Outreach and Penn State Career Services will host the Pittsburgh Connect: Penn State Student Networking Summit and Philadelphia Connect: Penn State Student Networking Summit. The summits are free to attend, and registration is required (registration links below). Light refreshments will be provided.
Student Alyssa Paulone, who attended Pittsburgh Connect in 2024, said the event opened many doors for her and gave her insight into possible career paths.
“Pittsburgh Connect gave me a better understanding of what companies are looking for in potential interns and full-time positions,” said Paulone, a marketing major in the Penn State Smeal College of Business. “I was also unsure of what I wanted to do with my major, but hearing different recruiters talk about available positions gave me the opportunity to reflect on what I want to do in my career. I also learned how the skills I’ve developed by participating in different clubs and organizations will transfer to my professional career.”
The summits are designed for Penn State students and alumni who are eager to connect with employers, participate in engaging workshops and discover exciting internships, mentorship opportunities and career paths while expanding professional networks in each of the respective areas.
Pittsburgh Connect: Penn State Student Networking Summit
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Energy Innovation Center, Franco Harris Pittsburgh Center at Penn State
- Register for Pittsburgh Connect
Student workshops offered at Pittsburgh Connect include “Career Readiness: Building Skills for Success,” “Cracking the Code: AI’s Role in the Hiring Process” and Personal Branding: Telling Your Professional Story.”
Employers attending include 84 Lumber, American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA, Burson, Carnegie Museums, Eat’n Park, Exus Renewables North America, First National Bank, Highmark Health/Allegheny Health Network, PPG, Seubert & Associates Inc., Sheetz Inc., SoftWriters, UPMC and more.
Community organizations attending include Allegheny CleanWays, American Marketing Association, Global Links, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Hilltop Urban Farm, InnovatePGH, Literacy Pittsburgh, Tree Pittsburgh and more.
Philadelphia Connect: Penn State Student Networking Summit
- 1 to 3 p.m. — CYTO, PHL, Penn State Center Philadelphia
- Register for Philadelphia Connect
Employers attending include BDO, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cintas, Northwestern Mutual Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Eagles, SEI, Teach for America, the School District of Philadelphia, USLI, Penn State Engineering Alumni Society, Penn State Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Society and more.