Develop valuable life skills

Skills such as problem solving, effective communication, time management, collaborative decision-making and teamwork are all important in today's complex workplace. You will also have the chance to build your own personal network of people who can provide you with guidance and important letters of reference through your interactions with faculty and staff members on campus. All of these benefits will contribute to your overall success as a student. See the index of student organizations.

And did you know that Penn State has over 150 registered student organizations that are connected to academic disciplines? Let's say that you are a forestry major and want to work in the environmental science field when you graduate. Penn State has a chapter of the American Water Resources Associations. Through your involvement in that organization you will get to know key faculty members who share in interest in your major and get involved in watershed education, field trips and campus presentations focused on your academic interests. See the index of academic student organizations.