Jenna Hakun

Q: What advice do you have for potential students considering attending Penn State and EMS? 

Penn State and the College of EMS in particular have so many opportunities from internships and study abroad to specialized majors found nowhere else in the country. Read all of your emails and make sure to take advantage of the opportunities given to you!   

Q: What was the favorite/best class you took at Penn State and why? 

One of my favorite courses at Penn State was GEOSC 110 History of Gemstones. We not only learned the history and economics behind gemstones from the beginning of human civilization to today but also the scientific properties and the Mohs Hardness scale. We even took a field trip to the Smithsonian National History Museum in DC and take a look at their private collection.  

Q: Did you career turn out as you planned? 

No, my career did not turn out as planned! When I was in school, I wanted to work for a renewable energy company or non-profit. I had a difficult time finding a job that fit my skill set. Luckily, I went to the Bryce Jordan Center PSU Career Fair in the fall and fortuitously spoke to someone at the U.S. Army C5ISR Center. They took my resume and the rest is history!  

Q: Did you participate in any extracurricular activities like student clubs, organizations, internships, sports, study away or study abroad? Did they have any impact on you/your career? How? 

I loved my experiences studying abroad! I did not have the ability to take a whole semester so I participated in two 10-day experiences: one to Iceland through the Green Program and the second to New Zealand through a College of EMS course. They both were impactful (and fun!) not just from the new travel experience but also for the learning content and group of students that participated in both trips.  

Q: What one piece of advice would you like to give to students who are graduating? 

One piece of advice for Penn State students graduating is to go to the career fair at the Bryce Jordan Center and talk to one vendor that you are less interested in. You will get your nervous energy out so that you can really shine for your next vendors and who knows, they may offer you a job that you would really like!  

Q: What’s the best thing about being a Penn Stater? 

The best thing about being a Penn Stater is the diverse group of people you meet at school and as an alumni!  

Q: What is your favorite memory of your time at Penn State? 

My favorite memories are volunteering for the College of EMS and planning the EMEX prospective student event in the spring. I loved talking to potential students! 

Q: What’s your favorite holiday and why? 

My favorite holiday is Halloween! I love the fun and creativity that comes with costumes and decorations. Every year you can do something different! 

Q: What sports teams do you root for? 

I love sports so I definitely have a favorite team in every league. A few I root for are the Washington Capitals, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Tottenham Hotspurs (from my husband), and the Penn State Nittany Lions of course!  

Q: What’s your favorite quote and why? 

My favorite quote is from the book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It is “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.” I can relate this book and this quote to many moments in my life so far. It has taught me that if I trust myself, take advantage of all the opportunities handed to me, and make bold and somewhat scary decisions that I will end up where I should be! Every time I read this book, I gain more insightfulness. Highly recommend the read!