Kacey Harper, a third-year corporate communication major at Penn State Schuylkill, discovered her passion for the field after initially considering marketing. She honed her skills through various leadership roles on campus and a hands-on internship with Schuylkill United Way. Harper is eager to pursue a career that allows her to make meaningful contributions, and she encourages others to gain as much professional experience as possible through Schuylkill’s Co-Op program.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series profiling internship experiences of undergraduate students participating in Penn State Schuylkill Co-Op. For more stories like Harper's, visit schuylkill.psu.edu/co-op-stories.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Kacey Harper, a third-year corporate communication major at Penn State Schuylkill, discovered her passion for the field after initially considering a career in marketing. A native of Frackville, Pennsylvania, Harper is an active campus leader, serving as president of Women in Leadership, vice president of membership for the Blue and White Society, primary chair of THON and a member of Lion Ambassadors and Co-Op. She also works with the admissions office through work-study.
Harper’s decision to shift from marketing to corporate communication was influenced by a conversation with upperclassman Dominique Hughes, who later became her best friend.
“I initially thought marketing was the right path for me,” Harper said. “But after talking with Dominique, I realized corporate communication offered a broader range of opportunities to develop the skills I was most interested in, like graphic design, writing, and social media.”
Her choice to enroll in Penn State Schuylkill’s Co-Op program was motivated by a desire to enhance her academic learning with hands-on work experience.
“I knew gaining these experiences alongside my academics would be beneficial for my future in communications,” she said.
This past summer, Harper interned with Schuylkill United Way, a nonprofit dedicated to providing funding and guidance to partner agencies in Schuylkill County. Her primary project was redoing the Community Resources Guide, which involved verifying local companies' services and contact information, redesigning the guide for better usability, and assisting with promotional materials for events like the High School Football Challenge and the SUW Golf Tournament. Harper also provided feedback on materials for the upcoming campaign season.
Harper’s internship not only honed her organizational skills but also gave her valuable experience in adapting to various tasks and handling unexpected challenges. She described the completion of the Community Resources Guide as a significant achievement.
“I’ll always cherish the everyday banter and camaraderie in the office,” Harper added. “The positive and supportive atmosphere made the experience enjoyable and helped me build strong connections with my colleagues.”
Seeing firsthand how Schuylkill United Way benefits the community has deeply inspired Harper.
“This experience has made me eager to pursue a career where I can use my skills to make a positive contribution to a community, similar to the meaningful work done by SUW,” she said.
For those considering the Co-Op program, Harper offers this advice: “Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek feedback from your mentors and coworkers. Use the experience to build yourself professionally and gain as much experience as possible; it will pay off.”
How has the Co-Op course helped you at Penn State Schuylkill:
Harper: The Co-Op course has been incredibly beneficial to me at Penn State Schuylkill. Having completed three internships through the program, I have gained valuable hands-on experience and expanded my resume significantly. I have also gained a sense of accomplishment and confidence as I prepare for my future career.
Explain the benefits of the Co-Op experience:
Harper: Beyond expanding your resume and gaining workplace experience, you can build your network and establish connections professionally. You also have this time to explore different career paths and clarify your career goals. You grow both personally and professionally.
