Fast Facts

• Job title: Internship and Professional Development Coordinator
• Role at IST: Primarily, I approve internships for the college’s graduation requirement and facilitate the IST 495 internship course every semester. My secondary role is to develop and present workshops around career development and provide career coaching to IST students.
• Before IST: Career counselor at Penn State Career Services
• Hometown: Waterford, Michigan
• Fun fact: I was a dancer for 22 years. I participated in national competitions and was a member of my Orchesis dance company at Central Michigan University. I was trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary. My favorite style is contemporary.   
• Best Creamery flavor: This is a challenging question as there are so many delicious flavors that I love at different times of the year. If I can only pick one, I will have to go with Bittersweet Mint.

Meet Cassie

Why did you choose to work at IST?

I liked the idea of working for IST because of the people and technology. I have a team of great people and professionals that listen to each other and all support each other. The other reason is technology is a great field to be a part of and can lead to a secure job.

What was your career path before this role?

I started my career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Office of Vocation Rehabilitation for the State of Pennsylvania. I worked with high school students to older adults that have disabilities and needed support with accommodations or career support. This is where I discovered my passion for working with college-aged students’ career development and led me to my first position with Penn State in 2015 as a career counselor at Penn State Career Services. I taught two professional development courses, supervised master's students in career counseling, led the peer career assistant program, presented workshops, and conducted career counseling and coaching appointments for undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni. That is where I started a relationship with the staff of IST that led me to my current position in January 2021.

What is your favorite thing about IST?

I enjoy the sense of community in the Westgate Building because I get to run into my students, faculty, and staff in the hallway or in Reese’s café. I didn’t get to have this experience in my last position, so I appreciate the opportunity to be more connected with students. It is a great way to build relationships.

What is the best part of your job?

That’s easy: HELPING STUDENTS! I love working with students to help them succeed by teaching them professional skills and knowledge like how to negotiate and strategies to find the right opportunity for them. I love to see their progress and successes throughout their time at Penn State like getting an interview or an offer. It makes me feel proud that the hard work paid off.

What motivates you in your work?

The students! I love working with this age group as they are coming into adulthood and discovering who they are. It motivates me to help them navigate a new world, the professional world. We spend the majority of our life sleeping and working so it’s important to make the right choice when thinking about a career path. I get to be there to help!

What advice do you have for students?

Be proactive! We can’t support you with your career needs or goals if we don’t come see us. The IST Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement has great resources, services, and people to help you with your career needs. That’s why we are here and why we do this job.

What has been your most memorable Penn State moment?

That is an easy question, it was the 2013 Penn State vs. Michigan football game that ended in a victory for Penn State after 4 rounds of overtime. I was lucky enough to be in the first row. I will never forget the excitement and energy in Beaver Stadium, it was the most incredible moment to witness in person.

Last updated November 2022