Blue Jays. Always. Alumni Spotlight: Emily Seratch ’19

Elizabethtown College International Business alumna Emily Seratch ’19 has dedicated her career to innovative problem-solving and research, continuously embodying the work ethic and drive instilled during her time at Etown.

After an impressive four-year stint as a Contract Specialist at Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS), Seratch received a job offer at the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka in Singapore, fulfilling a lifelong dream of living overseas and embracing an entirely new culture.

“Etown provided me with an education and life skills that have continued to help me excel in the professional workplace,” Seratch said. “At Etown, I learned that mistakes are part of life and that what matters is how we learn from them.”

How has your career progressed since graduating from Etown?

Since graduating from Etown in 2019, I have been able to fulfill a longtime desire to travel the world with work. I started my career at Naval Supplies Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Although not too far from Elizabethtown, I was ecstatic to receive a job offer with promising promotions before graduation. After four years of working in Mechanicsburg, I found an opportunity to apply for a job in Singapore with the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka – Site Singapore. This new job would build on my experience in Mechanicsburg and continue to expand my repertoire as a Contract Specialist. I received the job offer and moved to Singapore in 2023. Lessons I learned in my International Business classes about different cultures helped ease my transition into life and work in Singapore. It was always a dream of mine to travel overseas and explore working with other cultures in the real world, and now I get to do that every day!

While in Singapore, I have proven myself to be a fast learner and eager to take on new challenges. These are skills I developed while studying at Etown and continue to perfect to this day, always raising my hand when volunteers are needed and asking questions when others are silent.

What was your experience at Elizabethtown College like? What were you involved in? (academics, athletics, clubs, etc.)

Etown was my home away from home, and one could say I was fairly involved. This level of involvement may have even prompted my involvement in the Harrisburg community after graduation. I just couldn’t sit still! While attending Etown, I was involved with the Office of Admissions (Campus Tour Guide and Overnight Visit Coordinator), Called to Lead, Peer Mentor, Emotion Dance Club, Moving Forward Together, Delta Mu Delta (Business National Honor Society), Student Senate, and a Student Assistant for the International Business Program.

Each program I was involved in gave me insight into who I am and what I value most. After graduating, I found myself seeking out similar opportunities in my personal and professional life.

How has your Etown degree benefited you and your success?

I was always a good student and eager to learn, but I think Etown provided me with an education and life skills that have continued to help me excel in the professional workplace. Before coming to college, I was afraid to try new things for fear of messing up, but while at Etown, I learned that mistakes are part of life and that what matters is how we learn from them.

When I was hired for my current job, I did not have any experience with the specific type of contracting I was performing, but within three months, I was able to do the work without assistance. This level of learning is something directly related to the skills I gained at Etown. I was constantly pushed to ask meaningful questions and present well-researched thoughts to solve problems I encountered.

At my new job, I felt confident in myself and my research abilities. Further, I have received awards recognizing my community engagement and service to my area. Receiving both the Harrisburg Young Professionals’ 20 in their 20s Community Connector Award and MMI Preparatory School’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award speaks volumes to my dedication to my service, my community, and my work. My dedication to community and service stems directly from my involvement and activities at Etown. The Educate for Service motto is something I keep with me to this day and believe it continues to push me to success.

What is one piece of advice you have for current Blue Jays?

Get involved. I think there is so much pressure for people to know exactly what they want to do when they start applying to college, and it can be overwhelming. Use the time when you are at Etown to really explore everything out there. Join a new club you think sounds interesting. Go on a service trip if you’ve never been outside of the tristate area.

Take some classes completely unrelated to your major. Etown is the perfect place to explore new things. You may find you have a passion for something you never expected, and it could lead you to a dream job you didn’t even know existed! And don’t forget to slow down occasionally to really enjoy it. Take an extra walk around campus on a chocolate day, because you’ll miss those days when you’re gone!