Academic adviser Jane Ireland is dedicated to making sure that the World Campus students she advises are getting the most they can out of their Penn State distance education courses. A six-year veteran of Penn State's adult student advising team, Ireland enjoys the personal connections she makes with distance education students from all over the world.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Beyond my career, I love the creative arts. I enjoy painting, photography, writing—all forms of art, really. It's always fun when I have the chance to share different interests with students—to make more personal connections.
How long have you been working as a World Campus student adviser, and how did you get started?
I began my career as a teacher and started teaching adults after moving to State College. Six years ago I started working at Penn State as an academic adviser for adult students. Eventually, as the World Campus began to grow, I became focused on distance education students, particularly those enrolled in graduate-level programs.
What kinds of questions do you get from the students you advise?
"How do I get started?" is a big one. Students will call and want to talk about where they are in their careers and where they're headed. They want to know if the World Campus will fit into their plans. The GMAT is another "biggie." We all remember the SAT, and taking that kind of test as an adult can be stressful. People also want to know if they're prepared for specific programs. They'll ask, "Do I need a business background for the iMBA?" or "Do I need an education background for the master's degree in adult education?"
What kind of feedback do you get from the students you advise?
I ask, because I want to be very helpful to students who want to know what the courses really are. The more I know, the better the job I can do steering students into courses that will be appropriate for them—courses they will find dynamic, interesting, and engaging. That's why I always encourage students to complete their end-of-the-course surveys.
What's the most exciting part of your job?
Oh, the students! I love the students. Everybody's so different, and everybody has their own story and their own educational goals. I never get tired of that. Just to be a small part of those stories is wonderful.
