Managing the Future
Like so many students, Molly Moskal started her college career without a declared major or a clear vision of what she wanted to study. "I was very, very undecided and probably drove my advisor crazy," she said with a laugh. "If I was forced to choose, I would have selected English or something along those lines. Luckily, everyone was very patient and allowed me to discover my interests."
The moment of discovery came for Molly during her sophomore year when she enrolled in her first Business Administration course, Business in a Changing World, taught by Professor Steve Jarett. "That class appealed to me in a way that was surprising," she said. "I became especially interested in how a career in business would allow me to work with other people, to lead and to make a difference in their lives."
Based on that experience, Molly enrolled in a second course - Human Behavior in Organizations. "I underwent a lot of personal growth in that class," she said. "We were taught to examine our own management and leadership styles, which taught me about my own abilities. Right after that, I declared myself a Management major."
Forming the SJC Business Society
Together with her Business Administration colleagues, Molly formed the new SJC Business Society. The student-run organization works to develop business skills and knowledge in today's students. As president of the club, Molly helped plan relevant workshops, lectures, and service projects. She was also a member of the College's Honors Program and worked as an honors assistant to director Agnes Curry, Ph.D.
Internship and accolades
Molly's energy, enthusiasm and keen intellect served her well at an internship she completed for the Springfield Public Forum where she worked part time as a marketing and community outreach intern. Molly wrote press releases, media advisories, Web content and organized the Forum's first group of volunteers. Looking back at the experience, Molly said, "My work with the Forum helped reinforce the importance of practical skills like writing. The executive director, Patricia Canavan, was a great boss and mentor. I learned a lot from her."
Apparently, the feeling was mutual. Ms. Canavan wrote to Professor Jarett and enthusiastically evaluated Molly's participation. "Molly was stellar," Ms. Canavan wrote. "Her maturity, work ethic, written and oral communication skills and initiatives are those of a seasoned professional.
Right before she graduated (as a member of the College's business honor society Sigma Beta Delta), Molly received the Intern Hero Award from the Hartford-Springfield Economic partnership. "The quality of the education I received at Saint Joseph College was outstanding," she said. "What I learned there, I will carry with me always."
