HARRISBURG, PA — As an Information Systems & Information Technology (ISIT) major at Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU), Jade Haller ’28 is beginning to build her path in the tech field after transferring from Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). She recently participated in the Technology Council of Pennsylvania’s (TCCP) Women in Tech program: an experience that offered mentorship and professional engagement opportunities.
Jade discussed her journey through the program, including how she got involved, what her mentorship experience was like, and the lessons she is carrying forward as she continues her studies.
What inspired you to join the Women in Tech program, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?
The opportunity to apply myself to the Women in Tech program was given to me by one of my programming professors at HACC, Maria Hamilton. When I applied, I did not know what I was truly getting into. I knew that it was a mentor program. I would say I was looking forward to having a mentor and learning everything that I could from them.
Can you describe your experience in the program overall?
Once I got accepted into the program, I was assigned a mentor, Renee Flasher, who is an Associate Professor of Accounting at Penn State Harrisburg. Renee and I met every month in person to chat for an hour or so about anything I wanted.
We were also assigned a larger group of people to meet and talk with every month about a specific topic. The topics covered in this program overall were about women’s empowerment and how to succeed in the tech world. More specifically, we talked about communication, goals, branding, networking, and negotiating.
What was the most valuable thing you learned during the program?
Out of the entire program itself, the networking and negotiating topics were the most impactful to me. During the networking month, we had the opportunity to hear from and speak with Bhumika Shah, who has a very large presence on LinkedIn. She stressed how important it is to get your name out there and share what you are doing career-wise on LinkedIn, specifically. Since that meeting, I have been keeping my profile very up to date on what I am completing career-wise and professionally.
How did working with your mentor impact your personal or professional growth?
Renee offered amazing advice and was there to listen to me. She guided me through the transition from HACC to Harrisburg University. I also had to take college algebra for the Spring semester, where I was having a bit of hardship. Renee was able to talk me down from being upset about the class and worked with me on the topics I was having trouble with. Renee was so impactful to my journey of becoming a Woman in Tech. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.
How has your time at Harrisburg University prepared you for opportunities like this program?
Harrisburg University is a very new place for me, as I’ve only had one semester so far since transferring from HACC. My experience over the course of one semester, though, has been remarkable. Having the ability to interact with quality faculty and staff has definitely been a contributing factor to my ability to network professionally. All the resources available at the Career Services Center, which are provided to all students at HU, really made me feel prepared. A little shoutout to Emily Lupi and Lynnsae Powers for organizing the HU Career Fair. That was the most impactful event that I went to at HU, thus far.
What advice would you give to other Harrisburg University students considering programs like this?
My advice to other students would be to never be afraid to put yourself out there and step out of your comfort zone to interact with others who have the same goals as you. At first, the Women in Tech program was a bit intimidating. However, in the end, I was so grateful to have been a part of a program so amazing. I have met so many other like-minded individuals who have inspired me to keep pushing and to never give up, even when times get tough.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Director of Communications for Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu.
