Penn State Liberal Arts students travel to Harrisburg for career exploration day

HARRISBURG, Pa. — More than 60 students from Penn State's University Park campus traveled to Harrisburg on Oct. 29 for a day of career exploration and networking with Pennsylvania legislators, government professionals, and policy experts. The annual event aims to increase students’ career readiness while introducing them to opportunities in policy and government.

The trip was organized by the Penn State School of Public Policy and co-sponsored by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. Attendees included undergraduate students from across the College of the Liberal Arts, Master of Public Policy (MPP) students, and members of student organizations such as Lion Caucus, the Penn State Public Policy Association, and the Next Generation Leadership Academy. Students from Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Public Affairs joined the group for the day’s activities.

"Events like the Harrisburg Career Exploration Day are essential to prepare our students for impactful careers," said Lilliard Richardson, director of the Penn State School of Public Policy. "By connecting students directly with legislators, government professionals, and young alumni working in the field, we're ensuring they graduate with both the knowledge and the professional networks needed to make a difference in public service."

The day’s opening bipartisan legislative panel featured four Penn State alumni serving in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Sen. Nick Miller, Sen. Dave Argall, Rep. Kristin Marcell, and Rep. Pete Schweyer spoke with students about their experience working in government. Moderated by Alex Halper, senior vice president of government affairs at the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, the discussion covered a range of topics from what initially drew the legislators to public service to how they stay connected to their constituents' needs.

“As a proud Penn State alumnus, participating in panels like this presents an excellent opportunity to engage with our future leaders,” said Miller. “I had the chance to connect with students and hear firsthand about their aspirations.”

Students also heard from a panel of young policy professionals, moderated by MPP students Will Moser and Lily Sabine.  Panelists Marty Santalucia of MFStrategies and Twig Intelligence Inc., Madison Stromswold of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Sydney Harris-White of BBP Solutions, and Andrew LaFratte of the Pennsylvania Department of State shared insights into their career journeys after Penn State. They offered practical advice on navigating the transition from college to professional life.

“It can be a daunting time for students to pursue careers in the public sector, but opportunities like this give students valuable reassurance and encouragement about life in public service after Penn State,” said Cristina Mac Cormac, president of Penn State Lion Caucus. “There is something incredibly inspiring about meeting alumni who stood in our shoes just a few years ago and are now leading in the very fields we study here on campus. I hope to one day inspire the next generation of Penn Staters the same way these alumni have been able to inspire me.”

A "Lunch and Learn” session moderated by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network featured Penn State students who shared their internship experiences and the skills they gained through hands-on work in government and policy organizations. Alivia Reid-Pitta, a political science and marketing student, discussed her internship with Urban Rural Action. Xiomara Larkin, a political science and MPP student, shared insights from her internships with both the Pennsylvania Department of State and the U.S. House of Representatives. Emmanuel Kraft, a political science and MPP student, reflected on his internship at the Congressional Hunger Center.

The student panelists provided practical advice on securing competitive internships and emphasized the critical role internships play in developing professional networks and shaping career goals.

"My internship at the Congressional Hunger Center showed me how policy work can directly address critical issues like food insecurity," said Kraft, who co-founded Penn State's chapter of the Food Recovery Network. "The experience reinforced my commitment to using policy as a tool for creating meaningful change in communities, and it gave me practical skills and connections that I know will be valuable throughout my career."

The day concluded with a tour of the Pennsylvania Capitol Building and a networking reception, where students continued conversations and built connections with policy professionals. The event reflects the School of Public Policy’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with meaningful career opportunities in public service and ensuring they graduate with both the knowledge and professional networks needed to make an impact.