Program to Aid Career Exploration:

“Enriching everyone’s experience,”  Diana Manchester, School of Human and Consumer Sciences Assistant Professor

The Program to Aid Career Exploration (PACE) was established in 1987 to give qualified Ohio University students internship-like work experience. The program provides students with the opportunity to gain professional experience working in a field of their choice while still attending classes. In addition, PACE also allows students to earn up to $2100 per academic year. In short, the PACE program is an excellent way for students to develop their resume, continue their academic course work and make a wage to pay for college expenses.

However, the heart of PACE cannot be found in various job proposals and earned wages. PACE is an experience that touches the lives of OU students and faculty, helping to improve the academic community on campus. The program drives students forward professionally by giving them hands-on experience, an element vital in choosing the right career. It provides OU staff and faculty with energetic and motivated employees. Furthermore, PACE facilitates the growth and development of numerous University functions and organizations.

In interviewing PACE students and employers, they could not give enough positive feedback about the program. PACE employer Alan Boyd, Director of International Student Services, loves that he can bring in a person who is interested in the position and its responsibilities. Boyd employs a PACE student Program Coordinator for the Office of International Student Services. His student organizes events such as the International Street Fair in the spring and OU's Home-Stay Program, which provides housing for international students over winter break. Many of the PACE students employed in this office have some kind of international experience, Boyd said. The PACE program unites students who are looking to improve their skills with employers, like Boyd, who are seeking hard-working and motivated employees.

Along with PACE employers, students are also praising the invaluable experience provided by the program.

“I selected this job so that I would still be involved in engineering… I didn’t want any old job,” Pep Peer Counselor Charles Evans said. As a peer counselor, Evans tutored freshman engineer majors in math and chemistry. I did not go to work just for the money. I went to work to help others and learn something for my self, Evans said.

Senior, Journalism Major T.J. Lasita has worked with the University’s Athletic Media Relations Department for two years. The position has opened doors and established important connections, Lasita said. It was “instrumental in me getting my internship with the [Cincinnati] Reds [Major League Baseball Team].” Lasita’s PACE experience boosted his resume and caught the attention of the Red’s employer, who held a similar media position at his own university.

In addition to the individual experiences of both employers and students, the PACE program ignites a strong relationship between the two that takes place in and out of the work environment. PACE employer Robert Marinellie, Budget Officer for the Office of Health and Human Services, enjoys working with his PACE students and keeps in touch with many former employees. The PACE budget analysts work in Marinellie’s office so that he may mentor and guide them through a series of daily financial tasks. This close proximity and work partnership results in a professional relationship that outlasts the year’s position. Former PACE student Patrick Moennich, now a field auditor in New Jersey for The Sherman-Williams Company, remains in contact with Marinellie via e-mail.

Patrick Scott, a junior, is Marinellie’s current PACE student. Even the interview was very laid-back, Scott said. By showing his interest in finance and accounting and his eagerness to learn, Scott landed the position. “The first couple of weeks I had a lot of questions, but now I’m beginning to understand,” he said.

Marinellie parallels the PACE position to jobs that students in finance and accounting will eventually obtain. “I want students to know and understand certain things about the field,” Marinellie said. By creating consistencies in the office with the real world, Marinellie develops productive and knowledgeable employees.

“The PACE program provides services invaluable,” Diana Manchester, Professor of Food, Nutrition and Hospitality said. PACE not only provides the University with motivated employees, it gives students the experience of a life-time. Moreover, for some services, like the Atrium Cafe in Grover Center, without the PACE program, they would not be financially viable. PACE supplies the creative and responsible students desperately needed for the success of numerous programs. Furthermore, the program provides students with the experience they need to propel their careers forward in a competitive, professional world. The PACE program is a great opportunity for staff and students to grow and learn together, enriching everyone’s experience.