The Secrets of College Success - Lorraine Pennyman

I sat down with Lorraine Pennyman, Director of Experiential Learning and Engagement at The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business, and this conversation was one of my favorites. Lorraine has spent more than 20 years mentoring students, and what stands out about her is she's not just doing a job, she is genuinely in students' corners every single day. We talked about why building real relationships starting freshman year is the most important thing a student can do, what to do when you get rejected from competitive clubs and internships, why you don't need a big-name internship to set yourself up for success, and how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. If you're a student, a parent, or anyone trying to figure out how to make the most of the college experience, this one is packed with gold.

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About Lorraine

Lorraine Pennyman has spent more than 20 years in higher education at The Ohio State University's Max M. Fisher College of Business, where she currently serves as Director of Experiential Learning and Engagement in Undergraduate Programs. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for experiential learning, student engagement, and co-curricular initiatives serving more than 9,000 undergraduate business students. Across progressive leadership roles, Lorraine has designed and led high-impact programs centered on active engagement, intentional community building, and supporting students from their first year through graduation. She holds a Master's in Educational Foundations from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Miami University (Ohio).

Lorraine's commitment to student development extends beyond her formal role through university-wide committee service and community leadership, including her lifelong membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including the Inclusive Excellence Award from Fisher College of Business and recognition in Who's Who In Black Columbus 2024. A self-described servant leader, Lorraine has been married to her college sweetheart for more than twenty years, and they have three children.

Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:49 From Academic Advisor to Director 5:55 How This Conversation Happened 9:31 What's Changed With Students Over 20 Years 15:36 Parenting a College Freshman 19:28 The Mess Is Where the Magic Happens 21:30 Handling Rejection 25:19 Your Senior Is Your Future Recruiter 31:05 Getting Into Competitive Clubs 35:25 Just Start Your Own 40:46 The Five Big Transitions 45:45 Do You Really Need a Big Internship? 54:30 AI and Losing Your Voice 57:05 Sorority, Service, and Servant Leadership 59:57 Overcoming Adversity

THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.