Connor Vickers knows that the best way to prepare for a career is to gain experience before graduation.

The North Huntingdon native is doing just that as the Undergraduate Admissions Intern at PennWest California, where he's building professional skills while helping prospective students take their first steps toward college.

Vickers, an integrated business major with a concentration in management information systems and a minor in marketing, applies lessons from the classroom every day as he supports the admissions team through student outreach, enrollment projects and recruitment efforts.

"My internship has allowed me to apply what I've learned in my business, management information systems and marketing courses," Vickers said. "I've been able to use data, technology and communication skills in a real-world setting."

A graduate of Norwin High School, Vickers assists with a variety of responsibilities, including analyzing enrollment data, supporting admissions projects and helping coordinate large recruitment events designed to welcome prospective students and their families to campus.

The experience has shown him how the concepts he studies in class come together in a professional environment.

"This internship has helped me build professional experience, strengthen my communication and problem-solving skills, and better understand how business and technology work together in an organization," he said.

Beyond the technical skills, Vickers says the internship has reinforced the value of experiential learning.

"Internships give students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, apply what they've learned in the college classroom, and make professional connections that will help them succeed in their future careers," he said.

Outside the classroom, Vickers is an active member of Sigma Tau Gamma's Beta Iota chapter, where he serves in multiple coordinator roles. His involvement has helped him develop leadership, collaboration and organizational skills that complement his academic and professional experiences.

After earning his degree, Vickers hopes to launch a career in IT or marketing, combining his interests in business and technology to help organizations improve their operations.

His internship has provided an important foundation for that goal, allowing him to gain practical experience while contributing to the success of future PennWest students.