In a rapidly shifting job market marked by economic uncertainty, automation, and industry disruptions, building a resilient and adaptable career strategy has never been more crucial. Elisa Seeherman, Associate Director of Career Services at Penn State Great Valley, believes the key to thriving in this environment lies in continuous growth, strategic networking, and taking advantage of supportive resources, like those offered by Penn State itself.
“Professionals must remain adaptable and proactive in managing their careers,” Seeherman stated. “Whether it’s watching industry videos, reading blogs, or following thought leaders on LinkedIn, people need to keep learning and stay connected to the content and communities relevant to their fields.”
Lifelong Learning and Upskilling
Seeherman strongly encourages professionals to prioritize upskilling not just when seeking employment, but as a career-long habit.
“It’s about identifying gaps and filling them,” she said. That can mean pursuing a course or certificate from Penn State Great Valley, or leveraging platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy.
Penn State Great Valley offers flexible, forward-looking graduate programs, including certifications that can be earned along the way to a master’s degree, providing immediate value for professionals seeking to advance or pivot. Programs in Data Analytics, AI, and Finance Innovation are just some of the market-driven options available.
Additionally, the University’s supportive, hands-on labs like the Insights Lab, Finance Innovation Research and Education (FIRE) Lab, DoIT Lab, and the Great Valley LaunchBox provide real-world experience, entrepreneurial tools, and collaborative opportunities for both students and professionals.
Networking with Purpose
Equally as valuable as upskilling is always building and strengthening your network.
Networking, Seeherman notes, isn’t just for job seekers but rather an essential career habit.
“Just because you find a job doesn’t mean you’re done networking,” she said. “Continue to nurture that network.”
She recommends joining professional associations, attending events (virtual or in person), and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn — not passively, but with intent.
“Be active. … Keep your profile updated, use a professional photo, customize your headline with relevant keywords, and add sections like projects, publications, and certifications,” she said.
Seerherman also suggests using LinkedIn’s alumni tools to track others’ career paths.
“Scroll down to see where they started and how they got where they are. It’s inspiring — and strategic,” Seeherman said.
Beyond LinkedIn, Seeherman points students to LionLink, Penn State’s dedicated networking platform, where alumni and students can connect for advice, project collaborations, and internships.
Organization and Emotional Resilience
The job search process can be daunting, and because of this, Seeherman advocates for a clear structure, like maintaining spreadsheets to track applications and networking outreach, and for practicing self-care to avoid burnout.
“Take breaks: Meditate, journal, or binge-watch Netflix if that’s what helps,” she said. “The jobs will still be there when you get back — and you’ll be in a better mindset to pursue them.”
For those feeling overwhelmed, Seeherman is quick to remind them that they’re not alone.
“They don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” she stated. “There are career centers, alumni services, and even private coaches available.”
One resource she highlights is My Career Transitions, a regional program now run by Penn State Alumni Career Services, open to all community members and offering speaker events and job search support.
Whether helping a student or a professional in transition, Seeherman’s goal remains the same: empowerment.
“I’m here to support them,” Seeherman said. “I’m a coach, cheerleader, and advisor — but they’re the experts in their journey. I just help them navigate it. … I like to say I’m either encouragingly realistic or realistically encouraging. There are always external challenges, but I try to help people leave my office feeling more confident, more focused, and with a to-do list to keep moving forward.”
Ready to grow your career? Explore Penn State Great Valley’s graduate programs, certificates, and hands-on labs:
And don’t forget to visit LionLink to connect with alumni and grow your professional community.
