Liberal Arts Voices

Read the perspectives of our current students

Educere Recruiting for Personal Learning Coaches and Education Services Specialists

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

About Educere – Educere provides virtual education services to K-12 schools, students and educators.  Inc. magazine ranked Educere among the fastest growing private education companies in America in each of the last 5 years (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011).  For more information about Educere, go to www.educere.net.

Personal Learning Coach
Responsibilities: The Personal Learning Coach™ is the single point-of-contact for Educere’s K-12 customers; responsible for ensuring a positive virtual education experience for schools, students and parents.  The Personal Learning Coach™ serves as client advisor, coordinator, mentor, liaison, and safety net.

Role Type – Full-Time, Part-Time, Summer, Co-op and Intern positions considered

Location – Ambler, PA

Specific Duties

  • Deliver excellent customer support to clients throughout the education experience
  • Cultivate positive virtual relationships with students, parents, and schools
  • Respond in a timely manner to phone and email inquiries
  • Maintain client interaction in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
  • Recommend courses/programs aligned with customer interest/need
  • Work with Educere team to nurture client bond
  • Manage registration process
  • Encourage and motivate students
  • Act as a liaison between Education Provider and clients
  • Obtain/pull grades from Education Provider
  • Send Registration Received, Welcome, Progress, and Final Grade emails to constituents
  • Phone and email students, parent, and/or school as needed

Minimum Qualifications

  • Proactive contributor
  • Experience helping students
  • Skilled in written and oral communication
  • Customer service-oriented background
  • Proven computer skills (Email, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel)
  • Bachelors or Masters Degree in Education
  • Certified Teacher

Cover Letter, Resume, & Salary Requirement Submission – jobs@educere.net

_______________________________________
Education Services Specialist
Responsibilities: The Educere Education Services Specialist assists the Educere Personal Learning Coach™ in supporting Educere’s K-12 customers. Together, the Education Services Specialist and Personal Learning Coach™, are responsible for ensuring a positive virtual education experience for schools, students and parents.

Role Type – Full-Time, Summer, Co-op and Intern positions considered

Location – Ambler, PA

Specific Duties:

  • Deliver excellent, positive, and professional customer support to any and all students/clients throughout the education experience.
  • Respond in a timely manner to phone and email inquiries.  Answer phone calls and determine if necessary to forward to PLC
  • Recommend courses/programs aligned with customer interest/need based on school programs/handouts
  • Act as a liaison between Education Provider and clients.
  • Ability to independently navigate the Internet and websites of providers as well as trouble shoot any issues
  • Update Edtell Customer information connected with client interactions
  • Document important information in individual school profile or by individual student’s comment section.
  • Use PhotoShop to create custom logos for customer programs/handouts
  • Provide timely and accurate execution of assigned administrative and other duties and multi-task
  • Communicate effectively and frequently with management about successes, issues, barriers, and other matters

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Previous Customer Service experiences a plus.
  • Effective communication, presentation, and organizational skills with students, parents and staff with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills
  • Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents and staff.
  • Access to reliable transportation
  • The position requires proficiency with computers and an ability to learn fundamental workings of content management systems and web applications. Daily work also requires extensive use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Legally authorized to work in the US.

Cover Letter, Resume, & Salary Requirement Submission – jobs@educere.net

Student Spotlight: Matthew Body, Nanjing, China

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Photos and content contributed by Matthew Body, studying Labor and Employment Relations, after he returned from the Embedded Course he took in Nanjing, China last Maymester. 

MBODY2

I was extremely fortunate to be a part of The School of Labor and Employment Relations’ pilot study abroad program in the Spring of 2015.  I enrolled in, “”LER 497G: “”Managing Human Resources in China”” which took place during the 2015 Maymester.

If you are interested in international business, China is an excellent place to start because of the scale of their economy.  Along with attending lectures at the Nanjing University Business School, our group toured four companies in entirely different industries which gave us a taste of what it’s like to work, and do business in China.

MBODY1

It is important to note that I had never previously left the country and it was not until one of my mentors and my student services coordinator both convinced me this trip was going to be huge for me both professionally and personally.  This was the chance of a lifetime for me to travel to another country with support from my university and earn credits directly related to my career trajectory.

The course was during the Maymester 2015, and it was perfect!  We were in China for about two weeks directly after the Spring Semester ended, and we were back in time to pursue various internships.

I would like to eventually work for a large multinational corporation. This trip opened my eyes to the possibility of living abroad and building an understanding of another world.  Traveling to China has helped to build my awareness as well as my appreciation for the perspective of others.  Living in a foreign country is like putting your life on a more challenging setting, which I think anyone can benefit from if they fully embrace the opportunity.          

MBODY3   

I was very fortunate to gain support through Enrichment Funding, the LER School, and Alumni from my program and the Office of Global Programs.  Penn State is an extremely generous University in terms of investing into their student’s future.  The money is available, you just need to make your case known and ask.

I continuously find myself referencing something back to an event from my trip.  Your study abroad will be an adventure you will never forget.  Wherever you go, immerse yourself in the culture.  Only eat the food you don’t understand and always use chopsticks.  Make new friends and build relationships with people whom you would otherwise never meet.  Don’t use your phone (except to take pictures of course).

I would tell any student who is thinking about studying abroad to DO IT!  How many students have you met that studied abroad and advised others not to go afterward?  It’s a life changing experience for all and I would not have traded it for anything.  Every student wants to study abroad for their own reasons but it will change you for the better, no matter how many hurdles you have to jump to actually get there.  Definitely the cherry-on-top of my college experience.

Earning academic credits in another country while having them relate directly to my career path is a platform that not every university offers. Living in another part of the world gives you an appreciation for other cultures, a dynamic that cannot be gained by staying in your comfort zone.  Also, simply being able to connect with students who attend school in another country makes you appreciate the volume of educational opportunities available in the United States.

MBODY

All the food was phenomenal (eel, frog, birds on a stick, and all kids of noodles).  Being in a foreign country like China makes you appreciate many things you do have back home like non-censored internet, having siblings, air quality, etc. It depends on where you go but getting to view the world from a different perspective is an incredible blessing.                                                                                             

 

Program Spotlight: Amsterdam, Netherlands

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

One of the college’s most popular faculty led study abroad programs is, The Netherlands: Dutch Criminal Justice in Comparative Perspective. This program will take place during the month of July. Students are required to enroll in 6 credits of CRIMJ 499, European Criminal Justice.

5716403225_1de4b11ca8_o

This program is designed to introduce students to concepts of crime and punishment in the Netherlands and to provide an opportunity for direct exposure to a system very different from our own. The students will observe Dutch ideology and practice in the design, rationale, and implementation of criminal justice. The Dutch society has a long-standing tradition of tolerance, diversity, and consensus-based politics. This translates into a specific approach toward crime and justice issues that is known around the world. Examples of this approach can be seen in various fields, such as the legalization of prostitution, the legalization of soft drugs, the medical instead of criminal justice approach toward hard drugs, and the way in which issues like juvenile crime, euthanasia, and gay marriage are dealt with.

Experience a first-hand view of what it’s like to study on Amsterdam, Netherlands: Dutch Criminal Justice. Created in cooperation with the 2013 participants, the YouTube clip titled, “Deep Down Under“,  delves deep into the nitty-gritty topics students study in Amsterdam.

7184503820_89c3decd6e_o

For more information about this program, please contact Howie Smith  in the College of the Liberal Arts.  You may also schedule an appointment with the education abroad adviser for this program.

Applications are open for this Summer 2016 and are due on February 1, 2016. All Liberal Arts students studying abroad are eligible for Enrichment Funding. To learn more, please schedule an appointment via Network Symplicity or email Jackie Smith, Global Experiences Coordinator (jds54@psu.edu)

Fulbright Workshop

by

Fulbright Flyer April 2015-page-001This past year, seven Penn State Liberal Arts Alumni were awarded the Fulbright Fellowship. Students who majored in English, German, History, Asian Studies, ESL, French and Anthropology were the selected recipients from the College of The Liberal Arts. These recipients traveled to a variety of different countries ranging from, Germany, Austria, Turkey South Korea, Ukraine, Romania and Croatia to carry out research or serve as an English Teaching Assistant.

If the Fulbright Program is something that you think you are interested in come to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program Workshop presented by Jennifer Connor, PSU Alumna, Fulbright U.S. Student Program Outreach Officer

  • Monday April 20th, 12pm-1:30pm
  • Grandfather Clock Lounge, Atherton Hall
  • Lunch Provided
  • Please RSVP
    • http://goo.gl/forms/0XbB8tDYwo

The U.S. Student Fulbright Program:

  •  Eligibility:
    • Are a U.S. citizen
    • Who will have a bachelor’s degree by the beginning date of the grant, but will not have a doctorate degree as of October 17, 2015
    • Thinking of studying, assistant-teaching English, or conducting research abroad
  • Three kinds of awards:
    • Full grants for Study/Research
    • English Teaching Assistantships
    • Travel-Only Grants (for Italy, Germany, or Hungary)
  • Materials that must be submitted to the University Fellowships Office:
    •  Completed and submitted online application
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Language evaluation forms as needed
    • Letter of affiliation (for full grants)
    • Transcript (official transcript required after the completion of summer semester)

Fellowships Office Priority Deadline (receive a mentor): July 1, 2015 Fellowships Office Application Deadline: September 1, 2015

For more information: Ruth Mendum, PhD Director of University Fellowships Office 814-863-8199 univ-fellowships@psu.edu

Studying Abroad in Italy? Prepare with ITL197A Italian Language and Survival Skills for Study Abroad!

by

197Flyer-1-page-001

 

Italian Language and Survival Skills For Study Abroad (ITL 197A) is a 3 credit course being offered next Fall 2015.

This course is designed for students with zero to little Italian skill who will be studying in Italy in the Spring.

You can read about how this course helped prepare Ashley Trovato, a student who is currently studying abroad in Perugia, Italy:

“I absolutely feel that Italian 197A was extremely helpful in preparing me for my time abroad here in Italy.I learned vocabulary and phrases that I use here in my every day conversations. Having a general knowledge and understanding of the language felt like I was a step ahead of the game and made the language barrier a lot less challenging and scary.”

The course will be MWF from 10:10am- 11:00am during Fall 2015!

Education Career Day: March 16

by

Monday, March 16: Education Career Day

9AM-12PM

Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center

This fair is open to all students.

Interested in opportunities in the education arena? Join us at the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center for Education Career Day. Meet and network with over 60 schools districts and organizations looking for students with a background in education. View the list of attending organizations and get detailed fair info now: http://careerfairs.psu.edu/education/

Innovative Fellowship Opportunities for Liberal Arts Graduates!

by

Last week we hosted an information panel with three representatives from amazing programs available to students after they graduate. Teach for America, Peace Corps and City Year all had a campus recruiter represented to answer student’s questions about each respective program. While all three of those programs are extraordinary opportunities, there are also some other programs  which have similar goals and interests in service, education and community development! All of these fellowship programs have deadlines coming up, so check them out and see if any of them are for  you!

Challenge Detroit, is an urban revitalization project bringing together individuals of various intellects and backgrounds from our own backyard and across the country to come together to live, work, play, give and lead in Detroit by uniting with area companies, non-profits and cultural institutions. Applications are due March 8th!

Design for America, was founded on the idea that college students have the power to put their education into action and change the world. We don’t believe that young people need to wait to make a difference. The time is NOW.  As a recent or rising college graduate, we hope you will join us for this adventure in this one year, full-time position.  Applications are due February 27th!

Venture for America, a fellowship program for recent college graduates to launch their careers as entrepreneurs. Fellows spend two years in the trenches of a startup in an emerging city, where they learn how to build a business while making an impact. VFA trains Fellows to become highly productive startup employees who can help their companies grow, then provides the mentorship, network, and resources they need to become successful entrepreneurs. Applications are due March 2nd!

Summer Internship in Santiago, Chile!

by

Looking for international work experience?

In addition to the IES summer internships in Dublin, London or Rome, you can now head down to South America to intern in Santiago, Chile!

Practice your Spanish skills, connect with the locals and gain some impressive international work experience! There so many reasons to explore Chile!

Applications are due February 1st, so you still have time to get them in! And don’t forget if you are a Liberal Arts students you can apply for Enrichment Funding!

 

 

How to Succeed at Penn State Workshop Series is Back! First Workshop, Wed. January 21st!

by

shutterstock_175340078Being an international student can be challenging, but the College of the Liberal Arts is here to support you  and prepare you for a successful career!

With these goals in mind, the college has continued the How to Succeed at Penn State Workshop Series for the Spring Semester.

The first session is scheduled for Wednesday January 21st from 12:15 pm- 1:15 pm in 309 Sparks and will focus on internships and career development!

The spring semester has already started, and that means summer will be here before you know it! It is already time to start thinking about internships!

During this session you will get an introduction to the Career Enrichment Network, and learn why an internship is so important and how you can start applying! Other resources that the office offers will also be introduced such as, the Alumni- Mentor Program, Self-Assessments and Enrichment Funding!

 

Calling all Freshmen and Sophomores in Search of an Amazing (fully-funded) Summer in the United Kingdom!

by

Have at least two years of undergraduate study left to complete? Interested in spending three to six weeks in an academic and cultural summer program in the UK?

This opportunity is for you! 

The nine Summer Programs available for US students in 2015 are:

Applications due February 26th

Applications due March 5th

The US-UK Fulbright Commission funds first and second year American students to take part in one of nine summer institutes in the UK. This includes airfare, accommodation, tuition and fees, meals and could also include a small daily stipend. Applications are due February 26th and March 5th depending on which program you choose.

With nine programs to choose from, there is a topic for every liberal arts student!

For more information visit the University Fellowships Office.

Any questions can be directed to Jacqueline Smith, Global Experiences Coordinator (jds54@psu.edu).

Skip to toolbar