Mr. Jeff Arnold
Current Job Title: Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, PA
Years of Experience in Profession: 42 years, starting in youth ministry
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: Started in youth ministry in 1979
Completed Bachelors Degree in Accounting and Business, 1982
Began Masters in Divinity in 1985, completed in 1989
Completed a Doctor in Ministry degree, 2002
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
1
Knowing that I am doing what can have an eternal impact
2. 3
Being with and walking with people through the difficult seasons of their lives
Serving God with my mind, heart, gifts and life
What are some challenges to your job/profession:
I would say if you have not worked out that God is your Master/Sovereign/Leader, then you are working for " man, " and " man " is a painful taskmaster I always tell people interested in ministry that if you are not good at forgiving (that is, always having the perspective that you are serving the Lord, so hurts are addressed before Him), then you won't last. That, as I have walked with many pastors through serving, has always proven true. And IF my advice is true, then the gospel - that is, that we are reconciled to God even when we should be estranged - will be the centerpiece of your ministry Because you will be serving undeserving people, like yourself, and you are then modeling reconciliation to them.
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: For a student that is interested in this profession: Jimmy DiRaddo: "For anyone in ministry, you have 3 things: Program, Goals and Principles. Only those who have figured out why they do what they do (principles) will last "
"The vocation of pastor(s) has been replaced by the strategies of religious entrepreneurs with business plans." - Eugene H. Peterson, The Pastor: A Memoir
Miss Brittany Cejer
Alumni Class of 2016
Current Job Title: 3rd Grade Leaning Support Teacher (Special Education)
Years of Experience in Profession: 2 1/2 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: I attended Geneva College for 4 years and graduated with a degree in PK-4 elementary education and K-8 special education. I hold a PA teaching certificate in PK-4 Elementary, K-8 Special Education, and Grade 4-8 (4-6 all subjects, and 7-8 Language Arts/Reading)
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession: 1 2
Special education allows for a lot of creativity when determining instructional techniques/interventions that would work best for each student.
Teaching in a small group setting allows for a better connection with the students and allows me to specially cater lessons to their individual needs
3. What are some challenges to your job/profession:
Overall, teaching is such a fulfilling experience because you get to see how your work impacts students in their academic and emotional growth throughout the school year
As a special education teacher, there is a lot of paperwork involved in addition to the regular duties of teaching. With this paperwork comes a lot of important dates and information that has to be kept organized
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: "Everyone who remembers his/her own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system."
Mr. Stephen Cropper
Current Job Title: Chief Meteorologist at WPXI
Years of Experience in Profession: 33 years Journalist/Meteorology
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: BA Journalism/Meteorology/JD
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
1 Telling a story that impacts everyone and the opportunity to meet people I would never meet.
2. Never boring (something new every day/sometimes every hour)
3 Analysis/detective work - trying to figure out what type of weather is coming/when
What are some challenges to your job/profession:
Accuracy
There isn't always an answer in the world of weather
Schedules. I work holidays, evenings and weekends.
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students:
Learn to be a good listener and to tell a good story. The art of communication is the ability to take in information, process it, then respond
Be diverse. The communication industry is changing quickly and the way we deliver and consume information will continue to evolve. Pursue your passion (and God given talents)
Mr. Bob Grabowski
Current Job Title: Vice President of Operations
Years of Experience in Profession: 20 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: B. S. in Chemical Engineering
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
The challenge of working with Union employees
Being part of heavy manufacturing in America
The physical and hands on nature of the work
What are some challenges to your job/profession: Working in a very financially restrictive and capital intensive environment.
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: 1.
James 1:1-4 - Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Discipline = Freedom
2
Current Job Title: Realtors
Years of Experience in Profession: Marianne 13 years, Tony 6 1/2 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required:
Marianne - Attended Cedarville University
- Allan Kells School of Real Estate
Tony - Bachelors in Management
- Allan Kells School of Real Estate
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
Helping people through a stressful time
Constantly learning/obtaining new information
Many levels of personal interaction
What are some challenges to your job/profession: No "time off" - work life balance
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: "Dreams don't work unless you do!"
Mrs. Marianne Hall with Mr. Tony Tenfelde
Mr. Chad Helbling Alumni Class of 2010
Current Job Title: Owner of Helbling Contracting
Years of Experience in Profession: 12 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: Learned everything with on the job experiences and watching professionals online teach the trade.
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
I rarely have to sit at a desk.
Meeting a lot of new people and making connections
Being able to take an idea or vision and make it tangible
What are some challenges to your job/profession:
The greatest challenge is that the more success I have as a business owner, the harder it is to manage the balance between work and home life
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students:
There's a lot of advice I could give for entering into entrepreneurship or doing any blue collar work. But I think no matter the career path, what always stands true is that: "Whatever you do, be different If you ' re different, you will stand out!"
1. 2 3.
Mrs. Jennifer Hicks
Current Job Title: Creative Director, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Years of Experience in Profession: 26 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: La Roche University: Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
Finding different or unique ways to use my design skills to connect visitors with the animals at the zoo.
Finding a balance between family and work which is not often the case as a graphic designer
Guiding and encouraging my team in their creative journey
What are some challenges to your job/profession:
We are often the last leg of a project, and the deadlines can come hard and fast. Planning ahead is a major goal of my team, but that isn't always the case with other project members which can make for intense days.
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: Don't be afraid to ask questions, take chances and above all remember that your talents and skills are a gift from God, and you should always honor Him through them
1 2. 3.
Current Job Title: Attorney
Mrs. Aubrey Hiskey Alumni Class of 2008
Years of Experience in Profession: 8 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required:
Allegheny College '12
Duquesne University School of Law '15
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
3.
Creative Problem-solving - A lawyer's main job is to problem-solve
Every client comes to us with a problem, and it is our job to figure out the best way to fix it. Sometimes we have to sue the other side, and other times there are other ways to solve the problem
Lawyers have to be creative in how they resolve issues
Competitive - I am a trial attorney, which means that I am in court and trying cases. There is a winner and a loser. I am a competitive person so it's enjoyable work to, in a way, compete against the other side
Investigative - it can be a lot of fun to dig into all the evidence and figure out what a case is really about, find evidence that helps your side, and learn about something new.
What are some challenges to your job/profession:
The greatest challenge is the amount of time that you need to invest into your work and cases. There is usually a great reward when you do so, but it can be a sacrifice to family time
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students:
Whether you are interested in law or something else, the best way to know if the profession is for you is to try it! Look into opportunities now (for law, mock trial is a wonderful opportunity), and look at internships and other work opportunities in whatever field interests you See what it's really like! You must wake up every day and do that job, so make sure that you are excited about it, and it's where God is leading you.
1 2.
Dr. Dane Lundgren
Current Job Title: Internal Medicine Physician, Associate Director of Hospital Services
Years of Experience in Profession: 8 years in current position
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required:
BA Wheaton College, 2003
MA Wheaton College, 2007
MD Temple University School of Medicine, 2012
Internal Medicine Residency, 2015
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
Constantly interacting with fascinating individuals Help people at their most vulnerable (including friends and family)
Knowing all about the body and general health
What are some challenges to your job/profession: Mainly dealing with increasing demands of things unrelated to patient care (insurance companies). Also student loans.
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: Becoming a doctor is a long journey but it is worth it. Perseverance and determination are your greatest assets. It is a rewarding career and the world needs good, godly physicians
1 2. 3.
Mrs. Amy Madia
Current Job Title: Mental Health Counselor
Years of Experience in Profession: 12 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: Masters of Counseling Psychology from Chatham University
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
Meeting all kinds of different people
Giving empathy to people as they go through some of the toughest moments of their lives.
Being able to give people tools to help them process their emotions and live a fuller and happier life.
What are some challenges to your job/profession: The things people go through/deal with can be very heavy and it can be a challenge to not carry those experiences or feelings
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: Do not work harder than your client The person you are trying to help needs to be willing to do the work; you can't do it for them.
1 2. 3
Mr. Ryan O'Dowd
Current Job Title: Software Architect & Senior Software Engineer
Years of Experience in Profession: 8 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required:
Honors Bachelors of Science in Computer Science
Masters of Science in Software Engineering
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
1.
2. 3
Every day is a new challenge; I rarely work on the same thing twice. Automating things for people to make their jobs easier.
Building tools that improve the quality of life - this doesn't always mean making things better/faster/more profitable; my favorite areas of focus are apps that bring people together to facilitate real-world relationships and selfimprovement/productivity (which leads to better relationships with others)
What are some challenges to your job/profession:
There is never a shortage of things to work on...a lot of people depend on the work we do, so there are always deadlines and lists of feature requests that are longer than we ' re practically able to fulfill I try to see this as a blessing, but it sometimes can be stressful as well.
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: This is a great field for anyone who likes to solve problems and doesn't like to give up! One of the best things about software engineering is that just about every industry has a need for it, so it's easy to find a job that aligns well with your other interests, too.
Mr. John Porter Alumni Class of 2013
Current Job Title: Relationship Management & Senior Wealth Strategist
Years of Experience in Profession: 6 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: B S in Finance from Grove City College, 2017
Series 7 and 66 Securities License & the Life, Accident & Health Insurance License.
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession: 1.
Every day, I get to help people work to achieve their goals. I enjoy building portfolios and financial plans It is like solving a puzzle I get to work with multiple generations of families. It is such a neat thing to see family legacy and continuity across 3 and 4 generations
3. What are some challenges to your job/profession: 1
Hours can be demanding - no set "schedule " You tend to always be available You cannot control the market or new cycle, but they are often what is the greatest influence to client's decision-making desires.
2. A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: Networking is #1 skill you can develop on your own Learn how to meet people, engage with them, and ask great questions. Learn to tell your story well, and ask others about theirs. Listen more than you talk.
2
Mrs. Michelle Vigus
Current Job Title: SVP Enterprise Technology & Security Business CTO
Years of Experience in Profession: 20+ years technology experience; 6 years in this position
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: Penn State University, Information Sciences & Technology
Miscellaneous certificates along the way
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
My Team
Strategizing
Improving our customers' experience
What are some challenges to your job/profession:
It is a lot of pressure. Fintechs are highly regulated. There is pressure from multiple sides (customer, employee, government, reputational) Being a woman in tech also carries some additional hurdles.
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: "Never automate something that can be eliminated, and never delegate something that can be automated or streamlined Otherwise, you waste someone else's time instead of your own, which now wastes your hard earned cash."
- Timothy Ferris, 4 Steps to Freedom
Mr. Ross Wilkin
Current Job Title: Chief Financial Officer, Harbison Walker International, Moon
Years of Experience in Profession: 30 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: Bachelor of Commerce, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Chartered Accountant, Canada
Certified Public Accountant, USA
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession:
I enjoy working for a company that makes things I enjoy working for a good boss and working with good team members
I enjoy working in the finance department of a medium-sized company like I do, as it is a good mix of routine work and special finance projects
What are some challenges to your job/profession:
Often it is very time consuming with a lot of deadlines. It is important to have clear boundaries around your work life and home life.
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students:
Be sure to pick a profession that you enjoy and are motivated by Also, if you aspire to be a CFO remember that it takes a lot of experience to get there, so pace yourself and take the time to get the required experience. To become a CFO you need to spend several years doing various jobs to gain experience, such as being an auditor, or being an accountant, or doing taxes, or gong payroll. In fact, I did not become a CFO until 18 years after I started working! A career is a marathon, not a sprint.
Mr. Tim Wolford
Current Job Title: Supervisory Special Agent, FBI Pittsburgh, Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force
Years of Experience in Profession: 15 years
Educational Background, Training, Licenses and Certifications Required: B A International Studies, Virginia Military Institute
M.A. Security Policy Studies, George Washington University
Elliot School of International Affairs
Rescuing children from dangerous situations
Arresting criminals who exploit children
Three things that you enjoy about your job/profession: 1 2. 3
Working in a team environment
What are some challenges to your job/profession: Seeing so much brokenness and sadness in the world
A piece of advice or quote that you can impart to the students: The FBI is interested in Special Agent candidates with varying skills and backgrounds
Pursue a degree where you can gain work experience in a career that interests you before applying for the Special Agent position
