For more than 18 years, Associate Director Penny Loretto has worked with Skidmore students and alumni interested in securing internship experiences and jobs, particularly in the nonprofit, government, and education sectors.
 
These career communities are also highly represented of the type of employers and organizations that participate in the Career Development Center’s Summer Experience Fund Awards Program, an internship-funding awards program that Penny manages.

Penny was recently interviewed by Haley English '19, Employer Outreach Assistant.

Tell me about yourself.

I am a native of Upstate New York and have lived in the Adirondacks all of my life. Even though I have traveled extensively, I always enjoy returning home to one of the most beautiful places in the country. In the past, I worked in the field of Human Resources for a number of years,  but my true passion has been working with Skidmore students and seeing them grow and prosper. Outside of Skidmore, I love to cook, hike, kayak, and travel. I also love spending family time with my three children, four grandchildren, and “our” cat Mitzy.

What community do you serve? 

Government & Law / Nonprofit & Education

What are some examples of employers that have recruited and hired members of your career community?

I have over 18 years working with students and alumni interested in getting internship experience and jobs in these career communities. These career communities are also highly represented in the type of employers and organizations that participate in our Career Development Center’s Summer Experience Fund Awards Program.

Which employer or employers has Skidmore had success with that is representative of your communities?

• Americorps
• CIEE
• City Year
• Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
• The Department of Justice
• Earth Law Center
• Harvard University
• NYC Department of Education
• Smithsonian Institution
• Success Academy Charter School
• Teach for America
• The Brookings Institution
• The Legal Aid Society
• US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York
• US Department of Defense

What program are you most excited about this year?

I am looking forward to Career & Internship Connections (an internship and job recruitment event in New York City on January 8).

Any favorite resources?

My favorite resources that Skidmore provides for its students are the Career Advisor Network, Handshake, Internship Series Online – CEI Internships, usajobs.gov, and Vault.

Final words of wisdom?

Get started early! Whether it's networking, attending relevant events and programs, or finding an internship or job, connecting early with the Career Development Center (CDC) is key to your future career success prior to graduating from Skidmore. The CDC has a wealth of career advisors, events and programs, and resources to assist students in finding internships or jobs relevant to their area(s) of interest.