A Note from Neeli: Internships, impact and ice cream!

To the Penn State community,

As we approach the end of the semester, I know many students are gearing up for internships and summer jobs. These high-impact experiences — educational opportunities that encourage deep thinking, new connections and real-world impact — play a critical part in students’ education and help build paths to success after graduation. I remain committed to ensuring every Penn State student has access to these opportunities while they work toward their degree.

This past fall, I shared my experience visiting the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering to meet students, faculty and staff who are part of a unique partnership that illustrates the power of some of these hands-on practices.

Recently, I continued my exploration of experiential learning when I met with Kavishi Halvawala, a finance major in the Smeal College of Business and social media intern for Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications.

WATCH VIDEO: Kavishi and I met at the Berkey Creamery to discuss the value of on-campus internships, student success and real-world experience, and Kavishi’s own path as she nears graduation this May.

And, of course, we had a little fun sampling ice cream and creating some social media content together!

Taking risks can lead to growth

Kavishi’s experiences highlight how Penn State supports student success by connecting learning to real-world opportunities, in sometimes unexpected ways. As a finance major, Kavishi took a leap to apply for the social media internship, and credits that step outside of her comfort zone to building her confidence and opening her up to a whole new world of experiences.

“I think the biggest shift was in my mindset,” Kavishi said. “I went from thinking ‘I probably won’t get this’ to just applying anyway — and that one decision ended up creating so many more opportunities than I expected. I suddenly had experiences I could actually talk about, so interviews felt a lot less intimidating and a lot more like real conversations. It also made it easier to reach out to people because I felt like I had something meaningful to share, and those conversations turned into informational calls and interview opportunities.”

She emphasized that the most valuable lessons she has gained from her internship are not just technical skills, but also learning how to communicate effectively, think creatively and adapt quickly in real-world settings.

Finding high-impact opportunities

During our time together, Kavishi told me about one of her recent internship projects spotlighting other Penn Staters with on-campus internships around the University. From a basketball photography intern, to a curatorial intern at the Palmer Museum, to a nutrition intern with Penn State Athletics — Kavishi talked about what she learned from these peers about how they chose their unique paths, what they were learning and the value they see in building practical skills outside of the classroom.

From paid internships and research roles to community‑based projects and on‑campus jobs, we often refer to these opportunities as high‑impact experiences because of the significant effect they can have on a student’s path. These opportunities are available to students of all majors, class years and campus locations, and there are several programs designed to help Penn Staters find the perfect fit (see below for a few resources to get started). No matter what the experience looks like, time spent learning and growing outside of the classroom is a valuable way to stand out to employers and graduate programs alike.

Building a network

In addition to the many learning opportunities available to students through high-impact experiences, Kavishi and I also discussed how personal connections between students, faculty, staff, mentors and peers are at the heart of the Penn State experience and often make the biggest difference for students’ sense of belonging and community.

These personal connections can create a supportive environment where students feel seen, encouraged and empowered to take risks, ask questions and grow. Students often share that it is this network of care, mentorship and community that defines their Penn State experience just as much as the experiences themselves.

Communicating impact

As Kavishi prepares for graduation, she said her social media internship has already made a tangible difference in her career prospects. Employers, she noted, are often intrigued by her experience working in strategic communications at a top leading research university.

“It sets you apart,” she said. “You’re not just talking about what you’ve learned — you’re showing how you’ve applied it.”

Communicating impact — telling stories that show why work matters to people who may not understand its value — is an essential skill throughout careers. As I shared during my conversation with Kavishi, my own career has been shaped by curiosity and mentorship rather than a predetermined plan, and I encourage students to remain open to unexpected opportunities.

I have heard from students at Penn State before — and I have seen it myself — that no matter where Penn Staters go, the “We Are” spirit connects students and alumni in a lifelong community. Alumni pride, mentorship and long-term connections with Penn State faculty and staff members play a significant role in professional confidence and post-graduation success.

We take pride at Penn State in preparing students not just for their first job, but for careers that will continue to evolve by focusing on adaptable skills, problem‑solving and lifelong learning.

Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated our annual faculty and staff awards honoring faculty and staff members who are elevating student learning through creative applications beyond the traditional classroom. Among our 35 honorees is John Pachence, associate teaching professor and program chair of Integrative Arts at Penn State Abington, who won the President’s Award for Engagement with Students. The creativity in teaching and support for our students shown by our faculty and staff is the heart of student success.

For everyone getting ready to embark on a summer experience — whether it’s working, interning, volunteering or traveling, I hope you have an amazing season filled with learning and the pursuit of new opportunities.

Sincerely,

Neeli

For more career and internship resources and information

Students can reach out to advisers and professors or explore assistance available through the programs below:

• Penn State Career Services offers University-wide coaching and employer connections while college and campus career offices can offer more specific guidance based on your location and field of interest.

• Nittany Lion Careers, the University’s online platform where employers specifically seek Penn State students for internships, co‑ops, part‑time roles, and full‑time jobs, offers a deep dive into available opportunities across Penn State’s campuses.

• Penn State hosts some of the largest college career fairs in the country, bringing hundreds of employers from an array of industries to campus each year. These events give students a chance to have real conversations with recruiters, learn about internship opportunities, and, in many cases, secure interviews at or shortly after the fair.

• Not all experiential learning requires leaving Penn State. Many students gain hands‑on experience through on‑campus internships like Kavishi’s and the students she interviewed, undergraduate research alongside faculty members and student employment that builds transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, data analysis and communication. These roles allow students to balance academics with professional development — sometimes while directly contributing to Penn State’s teaching, research and outreach missions.

• Campus, college and department-specific internships/co-ops: Some majors encourage or require students to complete internships for credit, while others offer practicum courses, project‑based learning, or applied research options. For example, the Penn State Schuylkill Co-Op partners students with employers to work on real-world projects in addition to their schooling and career-development training. Students graduate not only with a degree, but also resume-building experience in their chosen field.

• Experiential learning at Penn State also extends into the community and beyond. Through programs in Outreach, Extension, sustainability and global engagement, students can work with communities to contribute to research that addresses real-world challenges, and gain leadership experience while making a tangible impact.

View the full "A Note from Neeli" series on Penn State News.