From Laid-Off Worker to Convocation Speaker with Scholarship

Jonathan Knickerbocker

Alumni / Graduated December 2013

Are you a current student or alumni? 
I am currently a student. I graduated early, in three semesters, in December 2013.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Niskayuna, New York. Out of high school I went to work at UPS Albany Hub where I became an Operations Supervisor for five years. After that I worked at Express Scripts Mail-order Pharmacy for a year and a half as an Exceptions Technician. After that I worked for GLOBALFOUNDRIES in Malta as a Logistics Technician. After being laid off, I decided that I could only go so far without a college degree. So I enrolled at Herkimer. My short term goals are to be as successful as possible while in college at Herkimer College and when I transfer to Cazenovia College. Long term, I would like to use my work experience and higher education to get a fulfilling job in corporate management.

Why did you choose Herkimer College?
Herkimer offers a Business Administration program that is flexible, reputable, and affordable. There are also incredible articulation agreements that allow full credit acceptance to great four year schools. I stayed at Herkimer because of the high-caliber faculty here; I have been able to learn from highly qualified and field-experienced professors here.

What are your greatest career and/or personal successes to date?
Although I’ve had many career successes, some of my more recent and most satisfying achievements have happened right here at Herkimer:

  • President of Phi Beta Lambda National Business Organization o Placed first in New York State in Business Communications proficiency competition through Phi Beta Lambda
  • President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society o Recently nominated for the All-USA Academic Team through Phi Theta Kappa
  • Participant of the Herkimer College Honors Program
  • Current GPA of 3.91 led to to a $50,000 merit-based scholarship at Cazenovia 
  • On President’s list both semesters so far
  • Student speaker at 2013 Herkimer College Convocation

How has Herkimer College helped you to succeed?
Herkimer has given me the tools I need to succeed in the classroom, as well as eventually when I re-enter the workforce. It’s given me a solid foundation of knowledge and an opportunity to become a leader inside and outside of the classroom.

Co-curricular activities have allowed me to showcase my strengths in a way that my transfer college recognized – and future employers will recognize.

What were some of your favorite things about attending Herkimer?
The faculty has been great. All of my Professors are passionate about what they teach and are very interested in the success of their students and rewarding scholarship.

Through co-curricular activities I have been able to get leadership experience, make connections, and make a positive impact on the local community.

What advice would you give to future Herkimer College students?
I would urge any college student anywhere to take advantage of what the college offers. Herkimer has so many opportunities that many people frequently overlook like activities, clubs, and programs that are put in place to help us succeed.

The foundation for success is already built when we come in the first day, it’s our decision whether or not we’d like to build on top of that to become successful ourselves.

Be a part of everything you possibly can, Herkimer offers many reputable clubs including some that are nationally and internationally organized. You will get so much more out of your education, experience, and life in general if you just make the effort. It will be worth it, and you’ll be happy you did.

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