Ambition. Confidence. Relationships. Success. Discipline. Learning.

Six words handwritten on a sticky note attached to Claire Sheppard's laptop serve as a daily reminder of what she's working toward.

For the PennWest University sophomore, those values are already translating into opportunities.

Sheppard, a finance and personal financial planning major with a minor in artificial intelligence and machine learning, recently secured six interviews with financial planning firms during a career event in Virginia. The experience also led to an internship offer for summer 2027, which she has accepted.

Sheppard, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, attended the Financial Planning Association of the National Capital Area's 13th Annual Career Day in Fairfax, Virginia, hoping to strengthen her interview skills and expand her professional network beyond the Pittsburgh region.

“As a sophomore, I knew I had to work twice as hard to stand out against other applicants, so seeing that effort pay off with six interviews was beyond encouraging,” she said.

The accomplishment reflects an intentional approach to career preparation that Sheppard has embraced early in her college experience.

Her interest in financial planning took shape at the 2026 Financial Planning Association of Michigan Student Success Summit, where conversations with industry professionals helped her envision a future in the field.

“Financial planning allows individuals to gain financial independence and reach their life goals, and I want to be a meaningful part of that journey,” she said.

Since then, Sheppard has actively pursued opportunities to learn from professionals and build connections within the industry.

She has attended the CFA Society of Pittsburgh Women's Networking Event, the organization's 2026 Career Fair and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Financial Planning Association's 2026 Financial Forum. She also participated in a two-day PennWest experiential learning trip to Pittsburgh, visiting financial planning and investment management firms.

Closer to campus, PennWest's FINNECTS event provided an opportunity to hear from alumni professionals working across the financial services industry.

Sheppard credits PennWest faculty and staff with helping her turn those experiences into meaningful career preparation.

When finance professor Dr. Shaun Pfeiffer shared information about upcoming professional events, she recognized the Virginia Career Day as an opportunity to explore internships outside western Pennsylvania.

Kristine Doppelheuer, assistant director of PennWest's Career Center, helped Sheppard refine her résumé, strengthen her LinkedIn profile and sharpen her interview skills. In addition to Pfeiffer, Sheppard also credits faculty members Dr. Michael Engdahl and Dr. Christian Ola with encouraging her to pursue professional experiences.

With a summer 2027 internship ahead of her and several semesters remaining before graduation, Sheppard is continuing to build the skills and connections that will shape her future.

And those six words on her laptop remain part of that journey.

“They help guide my daily decisions, goals, and overall life direction,” she said. “I'm excited for what my future holds, and I'm determined not to let anything stand in my way.”

Sheppard is enrolled in PennWest's CFP Board Registered Program, completing coursework in personal financial planning, taxation, investments, retirement planning and estate planning. The program prepares students to meet the educational requirements for the Certified Financial Planner examination.

For more information about PennWest's finance and personal financial planning programs, contact Dr. Michael Engdahl at mengdahl@pennwest.edu or Dr. Shaun Pfeiffer at spfeiffer@pennwest.edu