Students of All Majors Learn Valuable Life Lessons From Penn State Alumnus and McGraw-Hill Executive

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- How do I find entry-level positions that will prepare me for a successful future? Can I be doing more now to prepare for what comes next? These questions and more, along with paper deadlines, presentations and exams, are bouncing around in the minds of college students throughout the nation, but only so much can be taught in the classroom.

With that in mind, a newly developed liberal arts course at Penn State University offers students the opportunity to hear directly from those who have been very successful in the business world since graduating with a liberal arts degree from Penn State.

On February 12, Mr. William Oldsey, Executive Vice President, McGraw-Hill Education, spoke to more than 200 students enrolled in the business and the liberal arts minor. Oldsey has worked in publishing since graduating from Penn State.  In his current position, as the head of the McGraw-Hill School Education Group, a leading provider of educational materials and solutions for grades K-12, Oldsey is responsible for around 2,000 employees.

During an hour-long "show," Oldsey, a liberal arts alumnus of Penn State, answered student questions about the benefits of a liberal arts background for a career in the business world and his success in the publishing industry since graduating from Penn State.

Oldsey went above and beyond his career in the publishing industry during his appearance.  Prompted by the host of the show, Jon Pelter (political science), and questions from the audience, Oldsey addressed topics such as the transformation of working skills, advice for graduating seniors and the importance of having a mentor throughout one's career.

"Bill is a great guy," Pelter said of his guest.  "He is a genuine guy looking out to help benefit his fellow Penn Staters."  According to Oldsey, "Penn Staters will be everywhere you go."

Most of Oldsey's advice pertained to taking advantage of Penn State's resources including clubs, counselors and summer internship opportunities.  One audience member, representing students in their final semester at Penn State, asked, "You gave a lot of advice for how to use resources at Penn State, but what would you say to graduating seniors?"

In response, Oldsey addressed challenges caused by the country's current economic state. "Be persistent.  Do what you can do, while and after you're here to pump up that resume.  Make sure to work the Penn State network, go after internships or participate in volunteer activities," Oldsey advised.  "In this environment, work every edge you've got."

Oldsey's advice for recent graduates also included a list of six 21st century work skills that many industries, including publishing, are looking for.  The skills include critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and communication, as well as an awareness of the digital transformation and a sense of the global economy.

Audience member Amanda McCabe (biology) concluded the question portion of the show by asking Oldsey to discuss the single most important development of his career before age 30.  Oldsey said he owed much of his early success to two or three of his personal mentors. "Try to get in a position where there is somebody, hopefully that you report to, who you can learn from," Oldsey said.  He also reinforced the importance of taking advantage of mentorship programs and the Career Service Center while at Penn State.

Oldsey captured the attention of the audience throughout the show.  He even drew a handful of laughs and reactions to his presentation were very positive.  Josh Hepworth (IST) said before the presentation he had never considered publishing as a potential career choice.  "From a technological perspective, it's good to hear the industry is taking hold of the digital transformation.  There are opportunities in a lot more places."  Josh is now a lot more interested in publishing than before.

The show was organized by a team of 15 students who were responsible for contacting and researching the guest and the industry, checking and editing the information, compiling questions and recording the event.  

When reflecting on the weeks leading up to the event, Oldsey said all went smoothly.  "I was well informed throughout the process and was very impressed at how well the program was organized." Oldsey also added that he was proud to be working for McGraw-Hill, a company that encourages its key leaders to participate in events like this one.

For more information on this show and upcoming events please browse the course website http://www.personal.psu.edu/jmb851/blogs/la_200_--_business_and_the_liberal_arts/

SOURCE McGraw-Hill Education