Meet Brenda Smith Porter
Assistant Director of Career Services
Hometown:
I grew up in a small town near the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Penn State Dickinson Law?
I literally have the best job interfacing daily with students both virtually and in-person, assisting with their application material preparation with a keen eye, job search strategies, and I work tirelessly to bolster confidence and remove perceived obstacles to success. Sometimes all we need is a safe space and someone to say, “Yes, you can. Here’s how…” I’m someone.
A Penn State Dickinson Law favorite:
It’s a toss up between lunchtime strolls through the Penn State Arboretum, (I especially love the Bee Hotels, Koi Pond and the Bamboo Grove), or a short brisk walk anytime to the Berkey Creamery… four hours from cow to cone can’t be beat! (Favorite flavor: Happy Happy Joy Joy).
Best piece of advice for anyone considering Penn State Dickinson Law:
Visit us. Meet us. Feel the chemistry you have when you walk about either location. It’s about the people and the personal attention you will receive in and out of the classroom, in addition to the excellent legal education and opportunities we help you find. Our alumni are THE BEST, BAR NONE, and make your legal networking a breeze. WE ARE!
Favorite resource for keeping up with employment law trends and news:
I maintain close contact with students once they become alumni who really keep me, “in the know,” and also depend upon my friends who are lawyers and recruiters across the nation, in addition to my esteemed Career Services colleagues.
Favorite thing to do in your spare time:
My partner and I are waterfall chasers and love to plan hikes to find them throughout Pennsylvania and New York. We love to cook together and enjoy “prime real estate” when we are out and about watching the Philadelphia Eagles and the Fightin’ Phils. I am an avid pottery collector.
Share an interesting fact about you:
I am a mother of two: a daughter, Ellison, and a son, Lane. Ellison is a Penn State grad and a counselor helping young people in Central Pennsylvania, and Lane is a NYSEG Apprentice Lineman. My mom-heart bursts with pride at the happy lives they’ve created.
You’d never guess… :
I’m a Penn State wrestling fan and love going to matches in Rec Hall. I’ve also gone skydiving!
Life before Penn State Dickinson Law:
I have a M.S.Ed., with emphasis in Student Development. To date, I have 35 years of experience in higher education where I’ve enjoyed various roles in judicial affairs, housing, orientation, and career services. My work at Penn State Dickinson Law is the most rewarding, both personally and professionally.
Three words to describe yourself:
Positive. Approachable. Genuine.
Favorite Quotes:
“I tell law students... if you are going to be a lawyer and just practice your profession, you have a skill — very much like a plumber. But if you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself... something that makes life a little better for people less fortunate than you.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg via The Mercury News, February 6, 2017
“Be the person you want to work with.” — John C. Maxwell
Favorite books:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon — I have read all nine books in the series at least five times through and listen to them on Audible when driving as well!
Email Brenda Smith Porter