Pennsylvania College of Technology students hear from Karl Quinn, of Alban Tractor Co. Inc. (in blue shirt) and Randy Fetterolf from Cleveland Brothers during an informal session of the Student Success Program.

Nineteen students at Pennsylvania College of Technology's Schneebeli Earth Science Center got valuable, face-to-face advice from two Caterpillar dealer representatives during Tuesday's session of the School of Natural Resources Management's proven Student Success Program.

During the informal presentation, Karl Quinn representing Alban Tractor Co. Inc. and Randy Fetterolf from Cleveland Brothers shared their perspectives with students in a session addressing “Job-Keeping Skills and Business Etiquette.”

The students asked some excellent questions and, in return, were given a variety of practical advice to think about now and when they leave Penn College to begin their first postgraduate jobs.

Students learned:

• First impressions can make or break a sponsorship, internship or employment opportunity
• In today’s tough economic times, companies are tightening their belts and hiring fewer new employees, which means that achieving good grades and maintaining excellent attendance records are more important than ever
• The industry provides opportunity, but each individual determines his or her own success; you can’t stress enough the importance of a good attitude on the job

Students gain insight during some "face time" with corporate mentors Karl Quinn and Randy Fetterolf.

Students inquired about the types of jobs available at the speakers’ respective businesses, the changes in industry due to company mergers and the ongoing economic crisis, and the types and amount of training offered to new hires. Both speakers shared their impressions of Penn College’s heavy construction equipment and diesel technology programs, telling students that Penn College graduates are good employees who are typically retained for 15-20 years upon hire.

Fetterolf shared that his company currently employs about 175 Penn College graduates. Both speakers spoke highly about the college's program, faculty and the students.

A free program offered at ESC since the Fall 2001 semester, SSP is required of all industry-sponsored students and scholarship recipients. With topics ranging from time management and test-taking to sexual harassment and job-retention skills, the program encompasses both the adjustment to college life and academic discipline, as well as behaviors necessary to gain (or maintain) employment.

For more information about programs offered by the school, visit online or call 570-320-8038.

Photos by Melissa M. Stocum,
coordinator of matriculation and retention, School of Natural Resources Management