Academics

Golf professionals offer students career advice

Graduates of the Penn State PGA Professional Golf Management program returned to the University in November for the 15th annual PGM Alumni Panel Discussion. Credit: Kevin Sliman / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Graduates of the Penn State PGA Professional Golf Management program returned to the University in November for the 15th annual PGM Alumni Panel Discussion as an opportunity to give back to current students.

Michael Conley, who graduated in 2011 and is regional account executive at Prospect Brands LLC, said he hopes the event helped provide current students with a fresh perspective as they pursue their careers.

“A lot of students believe the only way to succeed is to work at the top five clubs in the country, and that is just not correct,” Conley said. “What matters is their experience while completing on-site internships. It’s also important for students to continually have personal and professional development by making goals for themselves and holding themselves accountable.”

The panel discussion in Chambers Building was part of a daylong alumni event. Other participants included:

  • J.J. Weaver, class of 1999, golf professional at Augusta National Golf Club
  • Charlie Schuyler, class of 2005, PGA head professional at Rehoboth Beach Country Club and senior assistant professional at Augusta National Golf Club
  • Michael Conley, class of 2011, regional account executive at Prospect Brands LLC
  • Tyler Franks, class of 2013, PGA assistant professional at Country Club of York
  • Sean Golden, class of 2013, PGA assistant professional at Plainfield Country Club

Schuyler said he participated in the event because he feels a responsibility, as an alumnus, to give back to Penn State.

“Returning to Penn State in this setting is not about personal gain,” Schuyler said. “The opportunity to remain connected leads to a more deeply-rooted relationship with the faculty and students, which may lead to sourcing future candidates, but in this instance, it is just great to return to campus and give back to a program that has afforded me so many great opportunities.”

Through such events, Schuyler hopes students see the importance of personal and professional development in the form of continuous improvement. He also said it is important for current students “to build a personal reputation through their work ethic and ability to remain humble in their pursuit of accomplishing personal and professional goals.”

Last Updated December 7, 2015

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