Where in the World Is Jenny Harchak (’14)?
When Jenny Harchak (RPTM 2014) talks about the favorite parts of her job as Assistant Director of Travel for the Penn State Alumni Association, she says it is the opportunity to elevate the experiences for Penn State travelers. For a local girl bringing international trips to life, Jenny attributes the options and opportunities within her undergraduate time in RPTM to her success as a current RPTM professional.
“I grew up in Central Pennsylvania, in Clearfield County,” said Jenny. “My older brother paved the way by coming to Penn State. I wanted to stay in the area and knew that Penn State had so much to offer.” With interests in a variety of career directions, she found that RPTM would offer her the opportunity to try different things.
“My first job was working for the Summer Discovery camp at Georgetown University.” After graduation, Jenny took a big step and went across country and accepted a position as a seasonal camp counselor for SeaWorld in San Diego. “That was a great experience, but I was looking for something different,” she said.
With a return to Central PA, Jenny began working in banquets and event management at the Toftrees Resort in State College. The management team at Toftrees quickly noted her drive and dedication and soon offered her the manager position at their on-site restaurant, which was then called the Down Under Steak House. While she enjoyed her time in Food and Beverage, she began looking for opportunities to return to RPTM.
“I started looking for jobs at Penn State. As the biggest employer in the area, I felt confident that I could find something that would more align with my background and education.” In 2016, she applied for and was offered a position with the Eberly College of Science in their outreach program. “I assisted with camps, community events like Science Nights, and with other outreach activities.” She found the skills and competencies she gained from both her education and previous camp experiences were of great benefit in that role. “That job was an important time for me in helping me to get where I am now. I gained a lot of institutional knowledge about Penn State and working with alums and the community.”
Ready for a change, in 2022 she applied for the position of Office Manager for the Penn State Alumni Association. “I learned a valuable lesson in that job. It’s important to network and let the people around you and on your team know where you want to be. Make your intentions known.” While learning about the department and being part of the engagement team, she saw the path she knew she wanted to take. When the position of Assistant Director of Alumni Travel opened, she applied for it and got it.
Jenny now works with tour operators and is part of the planning team for the travel experiences organized for Penn State alumni and friends of the University. The Alumni Association travel office organizes both domestic and international trips for alumni. Trips often have a learning component to them. “Each day is different. We bring the trips to life from start to finish.”
Part of the excitement is finding Penn State faculty and staff as hosts who bring their expertise to the delivery of the programs. For example, Dr. Derrick Taff, Associate Professor in RPTM, hosted a Penn State Alumni Association trip to Yellowstone National Park called “The Wolves and Wildlife of Yellowstone.” RPTM Associate Professor Pete Allison, who developed the RPTM Snow Sports Certificate in conjunction with PSIA-AASI, led a group to Big Sky Montana for skiing and learning.
Jenny often serves as the trip lead, as well. She recently led a group to Dubrovnik, Croatia. “I had the greatest time, and I feel like traveling on my personal time makes me more knowledgeable for my position. I went with a group travel company for solo travelers in their 30's and 40's which allowed me to make new friends (who were strangers). I don't think a lot of people know that these group travel companies exist.”
When she’s not working or traveling, she is hanging out with her cat Penelope.
“Networking is one of the best parts of the job,” said Jenny. “Meeting alumni on trips. Conversations with my colleagues at the other Big 10 universities to share ideas. It’s very exciting.”
Jenny offers this advice to undergraduate students who are still considering their career options: “Make your intentions known. Share what you want to do with others and doors will open. Network and get involved. The Alumni Association is a great place for students to get involved and to start to build a network.”