The College of IST is an energetic supporter of win-win partnerships with organizations, groups, and individuals in industry and government. Throughout the year, we host events and facilitate opportunities for you to connect with the college's talented students. Below are a few ways you can partner with us.
In addition to these opportunities, the college is always open to new suggestions for partnerships. To discuss your recruiting strategy and additional opportunities for engagement, please contact the Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement.
Getting Started
Nittany Lion Careers is a University-wide system that allows employers to post opportunities to all Penn State students in a single place. Nittany Lion Careers is available to students and alumni at each of Penn State’s 24 campuses, meaning companies have access to quality candidates from around the world.
Every year, the Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement holds two career fairs specifically for IST students—the fall and spring Internship and Career Fairs. These events allow IST students to explore internship and career opportunities with employers seeking to hire professionals with their unique skills, while also giving employers exclusive access to the college's impressive pool of talented students.
Each Wednesday we highlight a new featured employer to help companies connect with students in an informal, low-stress environment. Branding this event as part of a series ensures that students will know about your event and expect to see new highlighted organizations each week. This series is reserved for organizations who have never recruited within IST. Organizations who have an established relationship, can participate in our Recruiting Days.
Recruiting days are a "mini career fair" style event that feature only one organization on that day.
Employers can host information sessions about their organization in the evening or host information tables during the day. These events help students learn more about your company, culture, open job and internship opportunities, and more.
With a strong degree program in cyber security, data sciences, security and risk analysis and information technology, the College of IST attracts students from all over the world. These students bring a unique perspective as international students. They are curious and eager to engage in the full college experience. These students are also very anxious to meet the IST internship requirements within your organizations. Consider getting to know these students and consider opportunities to hire them into internships and entry-level positions. Use these resources to quickly learn about the OPT and CPT requirements of hiring an international student. For even more information, check out the Penn State Global website.
Partnership with any of our student organizations can increase your visibility among the student body and offers a chance for your company to contribute to students' learning beyond the classroom. Each organization has different opportunities for involvement, such as speaking at general body meetings, sponsoring projects, and highlighting employment opportunities.
Organizations can offer students training to help them prepare for the career search and life after college by hosting workshops. Previous topics have included resume reviews and interview preparation, dressing for success, proper dining etiquette, online and social media branding, how to land a dream job, and more.
Get up close and personal with our students in the classroom. Leaders and practitioners have the opportunity to present on topics pertaining to IST's curriculum and offer semester-long projects allowing students to gain real-world, hands-on experience. Participation is always at the faculty's discretion and priority is given to our IST Recruiting Partners.
Before they graduate, every IST student must complete at least one internship for credit. Employers that provide opportunities to these students offer challenging and relevant work experiences in the IT field through mentoring and on-the-job training. Learn more about developing an internship program, and contact the Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement if you have an internship to promote to our students.
Allow your former interns/incoming full-time hires to be your voice on campus. Students in your campus ambassador program can host information tables, help advertise your events/positions, and advocate for your organization with their peers.
Expanding Your Partnership
An on-site visit to your organization is a great way to show students what they could be doing after graduation. Day trips are usually taken to organizations within driving distance of State College with priority given to IST Recruiting Partners.
Employers can host in-class projects that students work on during the semester (some projects have spanned multiple semesters/cohorts of students). Projects allow students the opportunity to practice their skills.
Annual sponsorship through the IST Recruiting Partners Program offers companies a chance to raise visibility among our student body, develop relationships with members of our faculty and staff, and forge strong connections with Penn State.
Organizations can sponsor their own case competitions and hackathons, or they can coordinate with existing programs on campus. In these events, students are presented with a topic or challenge to address in a limited period of time, and they often compete with their peers to present the best solution.
IST offers a variety of ways for companies to tap into the resources of the college and the Penn State community. Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities.