Exploring Opportunities for Career Growth
At PGN, we are dedicated to supporting each of our members’ professional endeavors, both on and off campus. Through the PGN Scholars Foundation, two of our members—from the Penn State University chapter—were able to take meaningful steps toward their career goals by earning professional certifications and completing internships last summer.
Read more about their experience below!
Image Source: Ben Kabatt, 2024
Growth through upskilling opportunities
In today's fast-paced job market, upskilling is essential for staying competitive and unlocking new career opportunities. As technology and industry standards evolve, professionals who continuously learn and adapt their skill sets stand out to employers.
As Ben Kabatt, a member of the Penn State University Chapter, embarks on the next phase of his professional journey, he’s taking his commitment to learning further by pursuing the System+ Certification. Let’s dive into Benjamin’s experience and see how upskilling is shaping his path forward:
“The CompTIA Security + certification is one of the leading certifications within the cybersecurity realm currently. As a Penn State College graduate of IST with a Bachelor’s in cybersecurity, this certification could not be more relevant for me. While it is still considered an introductory cert, it is a standardized model of proving that one knows the essentials of information science and computer systems security.
As a recent graduate of the cybersecurity program at Penn State, a degree in a field is not enough in today’s competitive job market. Getting the Security+ certification will open new doors for me as a cybersecurity professional, allowing me to be a part of new and exciting projects when my full-time position at KPMG starts in early October. Essentially, acquiring this certification is taking one good step toward becoming a respected cybersecurity analyst.
Aside from the career benefits, I truly want to acquire this certification for myself because I love everything about the field. Studying and learning about the new trends and threats within cyberspace helps feed my passion for information technology, as well as sharpens my mind and technical skills.
I am incredibly grateful to the PGN Scholars Foundation for their generous donation to my exam fee as it was truly the only reason holding me back from taking it earlier. With this wonderful gift, I will be able to pursue my passion and take the first steps in bolstering my career! As a new lifelong member of PGN, I strive to uphold the organization’s standards of excellence through ways such as this.”
Image Source: Tessa Pardon, 2024
Benefitting from Internships
Internships offer numerous benefits that can significantly boost your career development. They provide hands-on experience in a professional setting, allowing you to apply what you've learned in school to real-world situations. This application not only reinforces your academic knowledge but also helps you expand your skills, adapt to industry standards, and grow as a young professional.
Tessa Pardon, a member of Pennsylvania State University, had the opportunity to be an intern at the Office of Government and Community Relations at Penn State University. Learn about Tessa’s internship experience below:
“As a scholar and professional in my final year at Penn State, I regard the commitment to experiential learning as a guiding tenet of successful collegiate education. When I was offered an internship in the Office of Government and Community Relations at my University, I was eager to accept and further fulfill my well-rounded practical education. Unfortunately, the position required a significant time commitment that prevented me from pursuing other outside employment opportunities, limiting my earning potential. I am incredibly fortunate to be a recipient of a Professional Development Grant through Phi Gamma Nu, as the aid provided bolsters my financial health and allows me to participate in such an incredible internship. [I’m truly grateful to] PGN!”
