From one "Commonwealth" to Another: CU-Bloomsburg Grads Bring Skills to State Government

Not only are Bloomsburg students acquiring the knowledge to be working professionals while on campus, but they're also honing the skills that will make them invaluable assets to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

At the forefront of this transformative journey is Commonwealth recruiter Julie Tressler, who has dedicated 15 years of her career to filling the myriad of job openings across Pennsylvania. The past seven years have been spent in the east-central region of the state, where Tressler has witnessed firsthand the caliber of students emerging from CU-Bloomsburg.

"The students are prepared and ask excellent questions," explained Tressler. "Freshman students who have never been to fairs are inquiring about opportunities for internships or positions after graduation."

One such student is MBA candidate Katlyn Brett, who is serving as a grad assistant with the Zeigler Institute of Professional Development (ZIPD). Brett transferred to Bloom as a junior to major in international business with a Specialization in Human Resources. She met Tressler at a Career Connections Expo during her first year on campus.

The two kept in touch, and through Tressler's communication and guidance, Brett is now in the final rounds of an HR internship program with the Commonwealth, where she will have the opportunity to rotate through different offices in the state capital, potentially leading to a full-time position in state government.

"I knew the importance of professional development and networking through ZIPD, of course, but Julie continued to coach me," recalled Brett. "She is always Keeping an eye out for opportunities [and] keeping that connection really does help."

The Commonwealth's needs are diverse, ranging from nursing to engineering, accounting to IT, and with a pension/401k option, generous holiday allowances, and insurance on day one, Tressler wants people to know that the Commonwealth prioritizes the well-being of its employees. She says that opportunities for advancement are abundant, with the state's strong emphasis on promoting from within. With such a mesh of opportunities and skillsets, Bloom grads like Brett are poised to become the next generation of state leaders. And while Tressler may not make the final hiring decisions, her role is pivotal in guiding applicants through the application process, for which she emphasizes the importance of perseverance and dispels the myth misconception that experience is a mandatory prerequisite.

"We really try to have a work-life balance," explained Tressler. "We are a team and always look out for each other."

Interested in a job with the Commonwealth? 

Interested in hiring our students? Let us know! Email us at recruit@commonwealthu.edu