12 Years of Business Bridge Success

Behrend’s business students came back Sunday afternoon from the 12th Annual Second-Year Business Bridge. 

The Bridge is a two day off-campus retreat, run in a conference format where students get to meet business professionals, intact with professors and make new friends.

The program held Saturday and Sunday was limited to 40 students who paid a fee of only $30. This is a good bargain as the actual cost of the event is usually over $175 per person. 

The Bridge is ideal for students who aren’t sure about their major and are looking to explore their field of study.“The amount of uncertainty that I had regarding not only possible majors for myself, but also the career I ultimately wanted to pursue was the driving force behind me signing up” said sophomore AJ Pinto who transferred to Behrend from University Park.”

Over a 100 people, including the students, attended the event. Most of the professional and alumni have been attending year after year and give their time to talk to the students. 

Ann K. Scott, Vice President & Director – Diversity & Community Outreach of Erie Insurance Group is one of the many professionals who are repeat visitors. 

“I am a Penn State Alumnist, twice, I have my undergrad and MBA degree from Behrend so I am very supportive of the school and love being involved with the students.” Scott said. 

“I have done this for over 5-6 years and I have always felt the students are very engaged and interested and that keeps me coming back. I think ever student should take this wonderful opportunity to interact with business professionals who are out there in the real world and are happy to answer questions” 

By the end of Sunday’s activities most of the students were exhausted but had an “excellent time talking to the alumni, faculty, real world experts, and students who are wrapping up their final year,” said sophomore Evan Rudzinski.

“The advice they gave was can be considered ‘life-changing’ and my favorite part of the event. After hearing what they had to say I feel confident in what I would like to major and minor in, and how to pursue my career,”

Other than one missing chocolate basket the program went smoothly and all the participants were enthralled thanks to the hard work of Janet M. Cipriani from the Sam and Irene Black School of Business and Professor Randy Brown, Lecturer in Finance and Management