The Pittsburgh Fellows program has been a valuable opportunity. When I joined, my
primary goal was to gain post-college work experience, as I didn’t have the chance to
intern during college. The Fellows program seemed like the perfect opportunity to gain
experience in a professional setting that would benefit my future career. However, while
here, I've encountered some unexpected and rewarding experiences that I hadn’t
anticipated when I applied.
One of the highlights has been my opportunity to work at Light of Life. I truly enjoy the
people I work with—they are all incredibly supportive and eager to help me grow
professionally. I’m grateful for the team’s willingness to invest in my development.
In addition to my work experience, the Fellows program includes Friday classes that
have offered unexpected value. A recent class on networking challenged my
perceptions. Initially, networking was something I didn’t enjoy, often seeing it as just a
way to extract something from others. However, after our class discussion, I gained a
deeper understanding of networking, seeing it more as a way to build genuine
relationships and mutual support.
Another standout aspect of the program has been the strong sense of community. The
time and energy that successful professionals willingly invest in the Fellows is
incredible. They genuinely want to see us grow both in our careers and in our spiritual
lives, which is deeply motivating.
The biggest challenge—and blessing—of the Fellows program is that it comes after
college. Living as a Fellow has been a smooth transition into post-college life. I’ve taken
on more responsibility and autonomy than I had in college, yet it still allows me to ease
into the realities of adulthood. The mentorship within the program has also been
invaluable. I’ve had the chance to speak with someone who is focused on my
development, offering advice and guidance on both personal and professional matters.
This support has been crucial as I navigate this transitional period.
Overall, I’m excited about what lies ahead in the Fellows program and how it will continue to prepare me for my professional career and spiritual journey.
-Jacob Heiple, Class of 2025
Fellow at Light of Life
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