MANSFIELD, PA— More than 110 students from colleges and universities across Pennsylvania, along with 50 professional volunteers, participated in the third annual Senior Transition Conference held in in Harrisburg on November 7-8.
Students from Mansfield University, East Stroudsburg University, Lock Haven University, Millersville University, Cedar Crest College, Lycoming College, Penn State Harrisburg, HACC Community College, and Lebanon Valley College were all represented at the conference.
The two-day event was led by Mansfield University’s Nichole Lefelhoc, director of the Career Center, and Andee Dunham, associate director for Student Life and Student Transition.
Mary Falkenstern, professor, Speech-Language pathologist and Communication coach from Iona College, was the keynote speaker. Her presentation focused on a critical component of being a powerful leader “Effective communication in the workplace.”
Students were then allowed choose one of four possible workshops at three different times resulting in three hours of conference style presentation covering topics such as evaluating the job offer and benefits package, student loans, personal finance, among others.
The first day of the conference ended with the opportunity for students to network with volunteer professionals.
During day two of the conference, students were given the opportunity to work on interviewing skills, and get advice on resume building, all leading up to a mock interview with the professionals from various businesses.
“Coming together with multiple schools and professionals in the workforce from all different fields allowed us a window to post college life,” Kurtis Morgan, Mansfield senior majoring in Environmental Science, said. “This was a valuable exchange of ideas and skills to enhance our professional toolbox.”
“The Senior Transitions Conference was definitely eye opening,” Elizabeth Quillinan, Mansfield senior Business Administration major, said. “I believe that I gained skills from this conference that I haven’t learned throughout my four years of classes at Mansfield. I am beyond glad that I took the first step toward my future by attending this conference.”
The conference has drawn national attention, being mentioned in the December issue of NODA Review, the newsletter for the Association of Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education.
To watch a video about the conference created by MU students Kathleen Luecke and Marty Pease, click here. Mansfield student Tye Dynda contributed the information for this news release.
Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) is the presenting sponsor for the conference. Nationwide Insurance, Enterprise Holdings, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, Next Step Test Prep and NODA also serve as sponsors.
For more information on the Senior Transitions Conference and the MU Career Center, go to career.mansfield.edu.
For information on the Student Life and Student Transition Office, visit mansfield.edu/student-affairs.