Overview:
Haley Staub Rappoldt ’18 Com '21g Edu is the Assistant Director of Volunteer Programs in Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations. She has been in this role since graduating with her BA in Public Relations with Honors where she supports 700+ Penn State fundraising volunteers. Our conversation focuses primarily on volunteerism and philanthropy, but all Scholars can get value out of this episode by learning about leadership and skills that can be useful in any industry and in any volunteer role. For Haley’s full bio and a more detailed breakdown of the topics we cover, check out the show notes below.
Guest Bio:
Haley Rappoldt is the Assistant Director of Volunteer Programs in Penn State’s Division of Development & Alumni Relations. Haley provides advancement and oversight of volunteer recruitment, onboarding, engagement, education, evaluation and recognition practices for the 700+ volunteers who work to advance the University's fundraising efforts. Haley joined the University staff after earning a BA in Public Relations with Honors from Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications in 2018. She also earned her Master of Education in Higher Education from Penn State’s College of Education in 2021. As a volunteer management and engagement professional, Haley is a firm believer in volunteering her own time, talent, and treasure to organizations that she is passionate about, including Penn State THON and the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG). Please feel free to connect with Haley on LinkedIn.
Episode Specifics:
· Choosing Penn State because of involvement with a high school Mini-THON and a passion for philanthropy
· Picking a “broad” major that fits your interests when you aren’t sure of your career path
· Taking advantage of leadership opportunities on campus including Schreyer Student Council and THON – including the difference between the Communications and Public Relations committees
· The benefits of travel embedded honors courses for a global perspective
· Finding new opportunities from connecting with faculty
· Using the thesis to explore something separate from other interests
· Intentionally looking for diverse internship and pre-professional experiences, from consumer products to tourism to development & alumni relations
· Taking an internship into a full-time role out of college
· What a manager of fundraising volunteers does day in, day out
· The skills future volunteer managers should develop – and how these are also helpful for other people-centric career paths
· Advice on fully remote internships and jobs
· Volunteering as an alum, both with the Honors College, Penn State, and in your community
· Thoughts on success, failure, and mentoring
-----
Schreyer Honors College Links:
• Website
• Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!
• Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer
• Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars
• Join the Penn State Alumni Association
