Recent Graduate Outcomes:

Life-Changing

Student Government definitely had a lasting impact on me.

It wasn’t just another club; it came with real responsibility. You had structured meetings, defined roles and expectations. It forced you to think about accountability, ownership and how to work within a system where people rely on you.

That experience translates directly into what I do now. Building a company is exactly that. Managing people, responsibilities and outcomes, just at a much higher level. The Student Government gave me an early look at how that structure works.

Taking Initiative

Hartwick is a unique place. It’s the kind of environment where you can really lock in and figure out what you want to do and, more importantly, why you want to do it.

From the campus itself to the faculty and support systems, everything is set up to help you prepare for your next step. Whether that’s going straight into the workforce or continuing on to grad school, as I did. That said, what you get out of Hartwick comes down to what you put into it. The resources are there, the support is there, but you have to take initiative. Ask for what you want, use what’s available to you and be intentional about your path.

Life Lessons

The biggest lesson I’ve carried with me is simple: always bet on yourself.

Since graduating, I’ve also learned the importance of focus. Keep the main thing the main thing. Have a plan and execute on it.

It sounds straightforward, but staying disciplined and consistent with that approach is what really moves things forward.

Internships and career prep gave me early exposure to what different paths actually look like in the real world. I had both a legal internship and a business internship, and each one helped me understand how those environments operate day to day.

Hartwick does a great job of making sure students aren’t going in blind. You get real experience, real reps and a clearer picture of what to expect before you fully step into your career.

Pro-Tip

My biggest advice is to surround yourself with people who are genuinely serious about self-improvement. That environment matters more than people realize.

Take time to really understand where your natural strengths lie and where you can create the most impact. Pay attention to that. It’s usually pointing you in the right direction.

I also live by a line from Steve Jobs: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” Don’t be afraid to fail. Actually, lean into it. Fail often and fail fast. The faster you go through what doesn’t work, the quicker you get to what does.

That mindset reflects my experience directly. A lot of what I’ve learned has come from repetition, failure and just having honest conversations. Being direct, asking for what I want and getting straight to the point.

As you’re going into internships and jobs, communication is everything. Learn how to be clear and concise. And above all else, don’t quit on something you truly believe in.