Career Spotlight: Shannon Spath

Please provide a bio about you. Include your name, what you studied, where you attended school and campus, and what year you graduated. Tell us anything here you'd like us to know about you!

Shannon Spath earned an Associate's degree in Business as an honors student at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)-Allegheny Campus. She graduated in May of 2022 and is transferring to Robert Morris University to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. Once she graduates with her Bachelor's Degree she hopes to work towards becoming a Marketing Project Manager.

 

How did you choose your major? What motivated you to choose that field/profession?

I initially joined CCAC as a General Studies student, but quickly realized the potential in becoming a Business major. There is a wide range of job opportunities after graduation in this field, but I was unsure of what exactly I wanted to study. Everyone I knew told me that I had great people skills and influenced me to go into Human Resources. Instead, I was attracted to marketing because I felt it would utilize my people skills while also challenging my creative abilities.

 

What did you enjoy about attending CCAC? Do you have any memorable moment to share?

Taking classes at CCAC allowed me to focus on my academic studies without fearing that I had set myself back financially. I had many memorable moments at CCAC, but my most memorable moment was when I joined my first club. I joined the Business Club because I thought "why not" and became President almost immediately. I started leading meetings, writing agendas and before I knew it I had taken on the role of a leader. This experience had led me to take on a more active role on campus because I have a passion for event planning and teamwork.

 

How involved were you at CCAC? For instance, did your studies take you to other countries? Did you have internships or Co-Ops? Clinicals and/or practicums? Were you a part of any clubs, sports, or extracurriculars?

It wasn't until my last semester that I became involved with Student Life on Campus, but it goes to show that it is never too late to create great memories! I was involved in the Honors program, Business Club, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and Student Government. I really challenged myself both academically and socially, but in the end I gained so much useful experience. I got the opportunity to represent my PTK chapter at the annual Catalyst event - PTK Conference. I was able to discuss student needs as a Senator in Student Government and work with faculty to address them. I made sure that my involvement created positive changes on campus.

 

Did any of these experiences lead you into realizing your passions for work and career? If so, how?

Absolutely! My involvement in clubs made me realize how much I love to work on projects and build up teams. There is no better feeling than knowing that your participation in a project can create something that will benefit the needs of others. I also love networking and connecting with different groups of people, and CCAC was a great place to work on my social skills that had diminished during quarantine.

 

What (transferable) skills did you gain that you could take into a workplace?

My leadership skills have grown tremendously while at CCAC. I'm looking forward to the student life scene at Robert Morris University and will continue to expand on the skills that CCAC helped me create. Other skills I have developed here include public speaking, time management, and professional writing.

 

What are you doing now? What are you hoping to do next? What are your ultimate professional goals?

I am unsure of what exactly I want to do, but I'm preparing myself for any opportunity that comes my way. If that opportunity doesn't arrive, I'll create it for myself.

 

What advice do you have for students who are considering the idea of taking classes at CCAC? 

Start becoming the person you want to be today.

 

Who inspires you and why? Do you have any mentors or people of influence in your life?

My family and friends are my greatest support system. My success and accomplishments come from the unconditional love and support they provided me with; especially during times of failure or self-doubt. A quote from the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, says "Remember no man is a failure who has friends." Cherish those people in your life. These relationships can bring new meaning and direction to our lives when it's needed most.

 

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Make the most of the time you spend at CCAC! Take advantage of the resources available and set yourself up for future success!