A Lesson in Lifelong Learning

Melissa Pavia ’16

Business management major makes connections at Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce

Ask Melissa Pavia ’16 to sum up the lessons she learned from her marketing internship at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and she would invariably point to her discovery of the benefits to being “a lifelong learner.”

“It is something so special to go to a liberal arts college and to be able to constantly learn something new and to be challenged in an area for which you have no knowledge,” Pavia says. “I was constantly learning different aspects of The Chamber that makes it function as a whole. Moravian does an incredible job preparing us for the real world in the sense that I cannot wait to keep learning, wherever I go.”

Shadowing Moravian University alumna Emily Krall ’14, The Chamber’s Marketing and Events Coordinator for Bethlehem, meant Pavia supported efforts to keep Chamber members informed of the organization’s upcoming events. 

"Moravian does an incredible job preparing us for the real world in the sense that I cannot wait to keep learning, wherever I go.” — Melissa Pavia ’16

Pavia developed new skills as she organized and edited The Chamber’s email communications, updated and distributed their weekly newsletter, and assisted Krall with planning some of the organization’s biggest events of the year.

As she connected with the area’s foremost business professionals Pavia says she also learned the value of networking. “I met so many great people along the way, and I gained so many relationships along the way. Every person I met I was able to seek advice or mentoring, which was a huge takeaway for me.”

Inspired by her work alongside Krall, Pavia ultimately discovered an interest in event planning as a prospective career, she says. “There is a lot that goes into planning events, but the best part about it is that you get to see the finished product and be proud of that. This experience with The Chamber has made me excited for the future.”