Month: March 2020

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Being a Computer Science Major at Grove City College

First of all, what is Computer Science?

To put it simply, Computer Science is the study of processes that interact with data through the use of programs. It enables the use of algorithms and processes to manipulate, store, and communicate digital information. Computer Science is, essentially, how we use computers to interact with our digital world.

At Grove City College, Computer Science involves a lot of different things. It involves learning how to program, administrate a database, create mobile applications, implement proper security measures, create websites, and a whole lot more.

What’s it like being a Computer Science Major at Grove City College?

As a senior enrolled in Computer Science, I can say one thing for certain about my major; it is tough! There are a lot of late nights, hard assignments, and challenges that I have had to endure to get this far. Despite the difficulty, it is a really rewarding major. You are learning how to build apps, write logical proofs, measure algorithm performance, run parallel processes, and everything you need to join the workforce and change the digital world. In my experience, the work is tough but the technical skills learned are incredibly valuable in today’s world.

Seat6

The Courses

In the Computer Science major, there are a wide variety of required courses. There is a heavy emphasis on high level mathematics, requiring students to take Calculus I – III, as well as some logic based mathematics, such as Automata Theory and Discrete Mathematics. The processes and principles learned in these classes apply to many of the programming and development courses, and generally improve logical thought. Speaking of programming, there are lot of programming courses! Introductory courses like Programming I, Database Management, and Data Structures help build a solid foundation. Building on this foundation are higher level development courses, like Parallel Computing and Computer Security. Aside from the required courses, Computer Science students can take Computer Science electives, which are more specialized niche courses like iOS Development, Web Programming, and Big Data. Overall, there are a wide variety of courses as challenging as they are rewarding.

The Projects

Over my four years here at Grove City College, I have done a lot of projects. Nearly every class has two to three projects, or one really big one. These projects, worth a significant portion of the course grade, tend to take up a good amount of time and require you to do some independent learning. Though they are difficult, they are also very rewarding and applicable to the real world. As a senior, I have done my fair share of projects.

One of my favorites was an iOS application “Crammit,” which was an app that helped students plan out large assignments and involved timers, to-do lists, scheduling, and many other things that you would find in a productivity app. Another one of my favorite projects was in Software Engineering where students actually work together to create one giant semester-long application. Over the course of a few months, me and my team built a computer assisted tutoring application, which incorporated machine learning to help teach students Java Programming.

What’s next?

Currently, I am pursuing a job in my field applying to become a mobile applications developer. I found my love for mobile development in iOS and Android programming and I am currently working with some of my graduate friends on an independent project that should hit both iOS and Android app stores! Grove City College’s rigorous Computer Science program has certainly helped me to develop a good work ethic, learn lots, and have confidence in my abilities. I know that when it comes time to start my new job, I will be prepared and ready.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

What Is Entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship. What does that word even mean? To some it may conjure thoughts of innovation and business, while others might think of classes where a scammer teaches customers how to make a successful career by pretending to have said successful career. Unfortunately, the latter of these two is far too common nowadays, so I thought I would clear the air and describe what the Grove City College Entrepreneurship major consists of for anyone who (understandably) may not know what it is all about. Here are three different areas of education you will experience if you choose to study entrepreneurship.

1. Idea Generation

The first type of class you will run into as an Entrepreneurship major are classes that deal with the beginnings of businesses and how good ideas come to be. Believe it or not, since there are so many products and services already out there, coming up with a decent idea for a business that has not already been done can be quite challenging. These classes, which include Entrepreneurial Mind and Lean Launchpad, are perfect examples of classes that help students hone their venture generation skills. In Entrepreneurial Mind, students will learn about how to think of the need a product fixes before anything else, and in Lean Launchpad students will take the lessons learned from Entrepreneurial Mind and apply them in a Shark Tank like situation.

2. Business Core

The second group of classes students take in the Entrepreneurship major consists of the business core. These are your typical college business classes such as finance, accounting, and marketing. Although these may not be as exciting as other entrepreneurial classes, the importance of this curriculum cannot be understated and is a necessity for any student interested in entering the world of business after they graduate.

3. Entrepreneurial Effectuation

The last set of classes Entrepreneurship majors will take are the upper level capstone courses. It is hard to describe these classes succinctly, but if I had to choose one word, I would choose effectuation, the concept of using your own skill set and connections to create opportunities where you can reduce risk and produce a more consistent outcome. In other words, effectuation is where entrepreneurial ideas and reality meet. A good example of this would be to think back to when you were a teenager. You probably had some big ideas of what you wanted to do, but did not have the tools to do so. If you had a lawn mower, you might have done what you could with the tools you had and mowed lawns as your summertime job. That is entrepreneurial effectuation. As you grow older, you will learn more skills and your tool set will increase, but in reality some business ventures will be out of your reach, or at least way harder to produce than an opportunity that is at your fingertips. For these classes, expect a lot of presenting, writing, and real-life work in classes such as Business Planning and Healthcare Innovation, where Grove City College partners with a pharmaceutical company to provide students with job experience.

 

I hope this post helped you understand what classes make up the Entrepreneurship major at Grove City College. If you have other questions, or would like to find out more, feel free to check out the Entrepreneurship department website here. Whereas this post was about the classes of the major, the website will show you more of the events that the Entrepreneurship Department holds. If you are interested in a business major where you can express your creative side, I highly recommend you look into entrepreneurship.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Making the Most of your College Career: Student Employment

Student employment is easily one of the best opportunities that students have on campus. Supervisors are friendly and flexible – they know that you are a full-time student with many responsibilities. There are many fun positions on campus that will allow you to gain work experience as well as amazing life lessons.

Here are some of the many campus employment opportunities for students:

  • Teaching Assistant: Professors will often offer this to students they know well and who have proven their responsibility. This involves activities such as grading papers and assessments, but can also include taking attendance and proofreading works as well.
  • Dining Hall Staff: The three main dining halls on campus are called Hicks, MAP (Mary Anderson Pew) Cafe, and the GeDunk. Responsibilities include cleaning, dish washing, and taking care of equipment. Customer service experience is very important to post-collegiate employers.
  • Lobby Attendants: This entails monitoring a single selected lobby on campus. Buildings where this is often required are Memorial, Ketler, Harker, MAP, MEP (Mary Ethel Pew) and Colonial dormitories. These attendants monitor those entering and exiting the building.
  • Admissions Secretary: This involves responding to questions on the Grove City website while simultaneously scheduling student interviews and even tours as well. This is a good way to gain some mild administrative experience.
  • Admissions Tour Guide: Visitors often come to campus to see what Grove City is really like. This involves giving tours to prospective students while teaching the history and purpose of the College. You get to meet many nice people through this opportunity while being the face of the College for hundreds of families.
  • Alumni Staff: Working for the Carnegie Alumni Center can take many forms. This can involve preparing for big events, and it can also involve preparing small gifts and favors for visitors. Another opportunity within this category is being a Crimson Caller – these are individuals who call alumni requesting support for their alma mater.
  • Bookstore Cashier: This involves working at the college bookstore and serving customers that come to shop for clothing, books, and supplies. The bookstore is an exciting place to work and there are many enjoyable tasks to perform here.
  • Career Services Assistant: The Career Services Office takes their mission seriously. They have a reputation for being one of the best in college services for placement. This opportunity allows you to help schedule appointments, assist with resume workshops, and help in advertising big events throughout the year. This is a great job for meeting many business professionals, you will inevitably gain some networking in the process.
  • Chapel Staff: As a Christian campus, Grove City College prioritizes the chapel program. You can play an important role in this by scanning students’ IDs, leading in prayer, and making announcements at the beginning of chapel. I know many students who do not regret taking this amazing opportunity.
  • Library Assistant: This involves maintaining organization of the campus library. Assistants help students with questions and offer guidance as to where they can find good resources for their coursework.
  • Mail Room Assistant: With this opportunity you can help organize the campus mail that arrives for students. Grove City’s mail room is a bustling place and there is always something interesting to do. Much responsibility comes with operating the mail that comes for students.
  • Sport Event Security: Many students enjoy attending sporting events. Did you know there is a way for you to get paid for watching other students play? This position involves monitoring the crowds and ensuring that everyone is safe and that there are no threats to athletes and spectators.
  • Lifeguard: As a lifeguard you watch over the pool during its open hours of access. You are responsible for the safety of those who come to enjoy this fun facility.
  • Tutoring: This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge with students who are struggling in a particular subject area. If you pass a class with a grade which meets certain standards of subject-matter expertise, then you are an ideal tutor. Helping others is a great way to expand your own knowledge. I have found that you truly master a subject when you teach it to others.

The people that I have had the pleasure of serving with at the Student Union GeDunk have been a tremendous blessing to me. They are more than coworkers, they are true friends to me. I have so much respect for these incredible people. I would encourage all students to take a look at open opportunities and fulfill a need on campus.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Writing Program: A Professor Interview

Grove City College is home to a robust Writing Program that allows students to pursue specific types of writing in the form of either a writing minor or a writing concentration. Writing minors carry more weight in terms of credits than concentrations, but they offer a broader approach to the subject as Grove City offers either a general writing minor or a creative writing minor.

Writing concentrations allow students to take classes that teach them about specific styles of writing. At the Grove, students can concentrate in Business, Professional, Technical, Scientific or Creative Writing. Because writing concentrations are smaller in terms of credits, they allow students from majors unrelated to English or Communications to hone their writing skills and even specialize in writing that serves their craft and career pursuits. From mechanical engineers to accounting majors, students can add a writing concentration to any major, whether they are looking to write a novel or translate an instruction manual.

Grove City’s Writing Program is unique because of its offerings, but its professors are pivotal in fostering a passion for and understanding of writing in students. For this article, we asked some of Grove City’s writing professors for their input on the program.

Sometimes students shy away from writing classes thinking these courses will be the bane of their semesters and that writing is only for people who are good at it and who like it. We asked our professors what their approach is for the writing-wary student:

Dr. Joshua Mayo, Assistant Professor of English, spoke to this dread for writing and responded,

My experience suggests that nobody really dislikes writing. What most students actually dislike is the difficulty of writing, the frustration involved in articulating one’s thoughts. Aristotle says in the opening of his Metaphysics that ‘all people by nature desire to know’ math, music, physics, history: When we get it, we love it. The same goes for the art of rhetoric and writing. Who wouldn’t want a facility with words and ideas? That’s what the Writing Program is here for: to help with that innate (though sometimes abandoned) human aspiration.

Professors understand the dread some students feel for the required Writing 101 class that refuses to budge on their schedule, but instead of forcing students to go blindly into the writing process, they equip them with the understanding they need to write informatively, persuasively, and to put their ore in an age-old conversation of writers and thinkers.

Dr. David Hogsette, Director of the Writing Program and Professor of English and Writing, spoke to what differentiates Grove City’s Writing Program and how it prepares students for success in their chosen careers. He suggests,

One of the main distinctives of GCC’s Writing Program is the interdisciplinary nature of its two minors and five concentrations. In addition to taking required WRIT courses, students also take courses in such areas as communication arts, accounting, business, entrepreneurship, computer science, design, the natural sciences, and literature. Students learn the craft of writing as it manifests in various disciplines, depending upon which concentration or minor they choose. This practical interdisciplinarity lends a greater degree of legitimacy to the program.

The Writing Program at Grove City allows students of all levels of interest, confidence, and backgrounds to pursue writing as a skill to complement their craft and equip them for success.

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Grove City College Career Fair: When is a Good Time to Go?

Grove City College’s Career Fair is the best recruiting event of the year on campus. Not only is it a great recruiting event, but an amazing networking opportunity. The Career Fair is not only an event to find a job, but a way to obtain internships or a spot in graduate school. With over 160 graduate schools and employers attending the event, there are many options available for each student and their needs. One specific question that may be asked prior to this event is, “When is the best time to start attending?”

Although this event is especially directed toward juniors and seniors, this is a valid question, as a freshman is not yet looking for a career and possibly not an internship either. Although this event may not seem applicable in a freshman’s college career, there are many benefits to attending at this point. Getting familiar with the layout of the Career Fair will help someone become more comfortable for future years and talking with different employers is great experience.

Networking is one of the best aspects of this event as well. Talking to multiple employers can not only help improve your social skills for future interviews, but it also helps an employer get familiar with an individual, which could possibly lead to a future internship and/or job if they are impressed. As a freshman specifically, talking to these employers can even help give guidance as to a career path one may want to go down with a specific degree if a job sounds intriguing. Also, if a freshman comes in as an undeclared major, going to this event could help give a better idea of what does and does not appeal to them.

Attending the Grove City College Career Fair is a very important event for juniors and seniors to attend if an internship or job is not already in place, but it is also very beneficial for freshman and sophomores to attend to expand their knowledge, options, and social interaction skills.

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Grove City College Chapel Credits: How Does it Work?

Grove City College has many different opportunities and experiences to offer than your typical state college or university. Having the Christ-centered academics and environment make it much different than many other academic choices. With the selecting of a private college such as this, also comes the academic integrity and the hope of creating a well-rounded adult after graduation. Among many different areas of study and requirements, chapel credits are one selection of criteria that need to be met each semester at Grove City College.

Many prospective students may be curious as to what it means to fulfill chapel credits each semester. I know that when I was about to enter Grove City College, I still did not have a clear understanding of what exactly fulfilling chapel credits entailed. Chapel credits are not credits that are put toward your course load, but are rather their own section of requirements set aside each semester.

Students are required to obtain 16 chapel credits each semester. There are many opportunities to receive these credits, so it is not difficult to fulfill 16 credits. Credits are offered at Sunday night vesper services, Tuesday morning chapel, Thursday morning chapel, and many other credit opportunities offered at randomly stated times throughout the semester. Some incoming students may be concerned about not being able to attend chapel on Tuesdays or Thursdays because of a morning class, but there is no need to fret, as there are no classes during the time of chapel on Tuesday and Thursday morning. There are also double chapel credit opportunities offered throughout the semester as well. Speakers or missionaries are brought onto campus frequently and often times they will speak at chapel services and occasionally in the evenings at appointed times for single or double chapel credit as well.

There are many chapel credit opportunities offered throughout the semester at Grove City College, so it is not a difficult requirement. Also, it is ultimately a great time to worship the Lord as well as learn more about Him through music and sermons.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Young Life Spotlight: Bailey Mantzell

Young Life is a ministry organization with a mission to lead young children and teens to Jesus Christ and help encourage them in their walk of faith. Grove City College is highly involved with Young Life with over 70 leaders.

Bailey Mantzell, a sophomore majoring in Middle Level Math and English, is going into her second semester of being a leader on campus. She went to Young Life camps throughout her high school years, but dedicated herself to this ministry once she entered into college.

Over this past summer, Bailey had the exciting opportunity to be a leader at the Timber Wolf Lake Young Life camp. As I spoke with Bailey, she stated, “Young Life is such an incredible ministry, and the devil was so present throughout the whole week at camp, but God’s glory triumphed over all of the hardships, and unforgettable memories were made.” With many moving sermons given throughout the week, many lives are changed and given to the Lord; the ultimate goal of the week.

With many campers giving their life to Christ throughout this week, Bailey told me some very heart-warming stories. As she was at camp, she was reminded of the fact that you never know what situations some children or teenagers have gone through in their lives. Sometimes campers can look and act like they are fine on the outside, but once these leaders get to sit down and talk with them one-on-one, the brokenness inside of them prevails. These discussions between the campers and leaders can be life changing, Bailey described. One camper had an over three-hour long discussion with their leader, leading to the giving of their life to Christ.

Bailey’s camping experience also had some troubles, but the outcomes ended up overpowering them. The first night, unfortunately, started with one of her campers breaking her collarbone, but ended with that camper’s best friend (another one of Bailey’s campers) committing her life to Christ.

Overall, being a leader at the Young Life camp was an amazing and eye-opening experience for Bailey, along with all of those who attended. This organization has become such a large part in Bailey’s life, and she cannot wait to see the new opportunities that will come from it in the future.

 

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Life Changing Electives: The Seminar in Life Management

The Grove City Business Department is helping students of all majors start their post-collegiate career off right with the Seminar in Life Management. This very reasonable and manageable 1-credit elective teaches students the importance of employment and benefits decisions, savings, investments, and budgeting. By the age of 30, you will have made nearly 90% of the important financial decisions that will make or break you.

As a Finance major, I can appreciate the valuable advice that Dr. Powell has regarding savings and investments. Topics explored in this regard include: ROTH IRAs, tax deferred annuities, index funds, and many more options.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 says, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” Tithing and charity is a big part of this course as well. It is important to recognize the important things in life. Only 30% of Americans said they were happy in a recent poll. There is no amount of wealth that can mirror the satisfaction that a God-centered life provides.

Through my seminar project, I realized that planning isn’t everything in the key to a successful financial future. On the back of U.S. currency you will find the phrase “In God We Trust.” It is important to remember to honor this. Many Americans alternatively live by the phrase “In Money We Trust.” There is no amount of planning that can parallel God’s plan. What He has in store for my life may be very different from what I have in mind. I can react to financial parameters and industry standards, however, I must also prepare to alter my plan based on His plan.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Orientation Board Spotlight: Religious Committee

Orientation Board, Grove City College

Orientation Board is well-known around the Grove City College campus as the hyper-excited upperclassmen in charge of making incoming freshmen feel at home the first week of college. One member of this group is junior Faith Rock, who enjoys sharing her love for music and God with freshmen students. When she is not helping with Orientation Board events, Faith is busy pursuing a degree in Marketing and a minor in Design. She is also graduating from Grove City College a year early to get a jump start in the “real” world. If you are interested in learning more about Orientation Board and in particular the Religious Committee, check out the interview below.

How did you get chosen to be on the Religious Committee?

For everyone in Orientation Board, there is an interview process where you go through interviews with all five committees. I actually spoke with the Religious Committee last and I really liked it, even though I was originally interested in the Publicity Committee. Also, I was thrilled to find out that I was chosen to be a part of this committee because they are involved with a number of cool events for the freshmen.

Who encouraged you to do Orientation Board?

Nobody directly influenced my decision, but during my freshman year, I was yearning to meet more people. So, I thought joining this organization would be a really good way to meet new friends. In fact, Orientation Board is a very involved group on campus and their energy was infectious.

What would you tell a student who is debating on joining Orientation Board?

https://vimeo.com/359596844

You have been a part of Orientation Board for two years, what have you enjoyed most?

This past year, the Religious Committee met weekly, which was different from the year before because it was more of a Bible study instead of just a get-together. I really enjoyed this aspect because I think it really brought the focus back to what Orientation Board is, and that is serving the freshmen and growing closer to God through it all. As far as Orientation Board as a whole, my favorite part was moving the freshmen in and preparing them for the events we planned all summer long.

Speaking of Bible studies, how has Orientation Board impacted your faith throughout the year?

It has definitely made me a stronger Christian because the people I am surrounded by are really strong in their faith and they give great advice. It is nice to have people to turn to when I have questions about my faith or even my personal life. I always know that there is a group of people keeping me accountable as a connection group leader (connection group leader is the leader of a specific group of freshmen) and other members are there to listen.

What has been your favorite memory from Orientation Board?

During my sophomore year, the All-Campus Worship really stands out in my mind, and I will never forget that night. My committee was in charge of putting this event together and we made a playlist throughout the summer to ensure that it was a successful and impactful event for the freshmen and upperclassmen. I had the opportunity to sing and share God’s message with everyone, so I could not have asked for more.

If you are interested in learning more about Orientation Board or other service organizations at Grove City College, please visit the College website.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Making the Most of your College Career: Interning Early

The internship has taken the place of the entry-level job in today’s job market. It is more important now than ever before to gain this valuable experience on your resume. Most students believe that they are unqualified to perform an internship until their junior or senior year, but there are many great opportunities for younger students to get started early in their college career!

Internships are very competitive and waiting to apply later might be a mistake. Even though the more desirable internships might be earned by upperclassmen, you should take advantage of other opportunities. At a recent networking event on campus, an employer was asked, “What do you look for on the resume of the perfect applicant?” The response was, “First, I look at the student’s GPA, and second, I look for previous internship experience.” Accepting a modest internship during your sophomore year is probably the best thing you can do to prepare yourself for the internships that you truly desire in your years to come.

Some great opportunities exist in sales, non-profit, and management. These might not be positions that you are looking for, but they are excellent ways for you to gain real professional work experience. This will separate you from the rest when it comes time to apply for the next big opportunity.

What should you do when you start applying for internships junior or senior year? You should network with students and alumni and get your LinkedIn profile ready early because this is important. I would reach out to family and friends to see if you can use your personal connections. Informational interviews are a great way to meet new people and gain some information – additionally, there are many alumni that would be more than happy to talk with you about their profession. When it comes time to find your full-time job, the last thing you want to do is settle. It is important to intern early and make the most of your experience!