Sara Krummick knew she needed a quality education to advance her career and sought advice from a Penn State World Campus career counselor about what she career she could pursue when she graduates in 2020. Here’s her story.
What will be your graduation year and degree from Penn State World Campus?
I will graduate in 2020. My degree is in integrated social sciences, with a minor in media studies.
What is your current hometown?
I am currently living in Columbus, OH. However, I’m originally from northwest Arkansas.
What/where is your current career and workplace?
I am a nanny. I work for a family here in Columbus. After I finish my degree, I plan on working in public relations or advertising.
What does a typical workday look like for you? How do you fit in your online studies?
Typically, I work between 3 and 4 days a week. Since I work around 30 hours a week, I never feel pressure to get my studies done. I begin work around 7:30 a.m. and once my nanny child falls asleep in the afternoon, I study and complete most of my work. My day ends around 5:00 p.m. At that point, I go home and spend the evening with my fiancé. On my days off, usually Thursdays and Fridays, I spend time completing my school work, running errands, and doing housework.
How did you become interested in your career?
I started as a nanny right out of high school. I really enjoy this opportunity and have done it right alongside my school work. After starting at Penn State World Campus, I found direction by speaking with my career counselor, Lynn. She advised me to take a Kuder questionnaire and, shortly after, she advised me on what the results meant. Before meeting with Lynn, I felt like I had little direction. I had a major, but I wasn’t sure what would happen to me after I finished my studies. After some thought, I decided that PR/advertising and communications were where I should be focusing my time!
Has Penn State World Campus impacted your career? How?
Penn State World Campus has impacted my career by allowing me to get involved. I am currently the secretary of the AAUW World Campus, and I’ve been able to hone new skills that make me more confident in my professional life. I’ve gained real hands-on experience and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the help of World Campus. When I went to community college, there were no real opportunities to apply the knowledge I had learned, but through World Campus clubs and organizations, I have been able to do that.
How do you stay connected with the University?
I stay connected with Penn State World Campus by being a part of the AAUW, following all social media platforms, being involved with the Student Ambassador Program, and being a part of the Student Centers Canvas page. I try to stay connected to my peers and to the advisers. I frequently take advantage of whatever opportunity I can through Penn State, whether it be student organizations, technology support, career counselors, disability resource center, or even finding my peers on LinkedIn. I feel like the college experience isn’t complete without doing these things.
What is some advice that you would give to fellow online learners?
Never give up. I have wanted to give up so many times — I truly know that feeling all too well. I have been in school now for more than 5 years. I still have 4 semesters left, and I say to myself every day, “I’m almost done. I’ve got this.”
