On April 17, during block one, students had the opportunity to hear directly from business students who attend Penn State Smeal College of Business at a panel event. The panel hosted six students from Smeal, who previously graduated from State High. Organized by the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the event aimed to give students exposure to college life and the business world. Panelists shared their experiences, gave advice to students, and answered students’ questions about pursuing a business career. 

Senior FBLA vice president Jayson Lu explained what the alumni brought to the panel. 

“The alumni who come back, they are always very willing to help. They always have a lot of advice and suggestions for students who attend. They are also very knowledgeable because they are so involved, with leadership positions, and have been in these clubs for a few years,” Lu said. 

The Penn State Smeal College of Business offers programs in finance, supply chain management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The panelists highlighted the opportunities that Penn State Smeal has provided, such as student-run organizations, career fairs, and internship opportunities, which have guided them in their future careers beyond college. 

“We have the largest living alumni network. I think that everyone is very willing to help you. I think in the alumni base, Penn Staters want to help other Penn Staters,” Madi Hunter, a Smeal student who spoke in the panel, said. 

Throughout the panel, panelists spoke on their journeys, academic focuses, and advice for State High students interested in business careers. Topics discussed included finding a major, joining clubs, getting involved in high school, and transitioning from high school to college. 

“I think everyone shared something different from their path and their aspect of college. I think one thing that I would take away is that all of us have ended up having very positive college experiences, and none of our paths look the same. All of our involvements are very different. All of our interests are very different. We have all found our way and had a positive experience,” Hunter said. 

In addition, the panelists emphasized the importance of finding a balance between academics and involvement. They highlighted the importance of taking advantage of the many opportunities Smeal offers, as many State High Students will or plan to attend the Smeal College of Business. 

Senior FBLA president Ally Duncan shared why she hosted the panel. 

“It is helpful to hear their different perspectives, the clubs they are involved in, how they are experiencing college, and the kind of advice they have for everyone. I know that that’s a general consensus that has been amongst high schoolers for the past couple of years, as we hosted this,” Duncan said. “I was able to learn the process for applying for the clubs. I was able to form some connections with our alumni, which will help me potentially get into one of the clubs next year.”

The panel ended with attendees being able to ask specific questions to the panelists related to questions they might have had about business, Penn State, or particular opportunities the panelists have experienced. The panelists offered encouraging advice to students by providing valuable professional insights to help them prepare for life beyond high school. 

“They also talked a lot about career prep or career advice. They told you about what you should know for interviews, or what you should include on resumes, or different job pathways,” Lu said. 

The leadership team in FBLA and FBLA advisor, Jennifer Miller, reached out to Smeal students to continue the tradition of having alumni return. 

“Since I had people who were seniors and juniors at Penn State come speak to me at the panel,  I wanted to be able to give back and do the same thing,” Hunter said. 

The FBLA panel left a lasting impression on the students, offering insight into college life and providing advice on how to succeed in the business world. Students interested in events like this panel are encouraged to join DECA and FBLA, and are also encouraged to explore State High’s business classes.