Erik Helverson

Career Benefits of Learning German

Recent college graduate Erik Helverson earned a degree in German from Montclair State University in New Jersey. During his time as an undergraduate, Erik Helverson was active with the German club and a member of Delta Phi Alpha, a student organization dedicated to German language learners.

Learning German as an additional language can improve career prospects and access to job opportunities. In fact, knowledge of German is correlated with a larger salary. There are many reasons for this. First, Germany is considered Europe’s economic powerhouse and is home to some of the largest international corporations, including BMW, Siemens, and Adidas. Being fluent in German can make landing a position within a German company considerably easier.

Furthermore, German is one of the most widely spoken languages in the European Union. German speakers are better positioned to find work in Austria and Switzerland, two countries that offer a good standard of living combined with high salaries. Germany is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, most of which can be attended tuition-free.

Solar Energy Incentives for New Jersey Homeowners

Erik Helverson recently completed his bachelor’s degree in German studies. While attending Montclair State, Erik Helverson worked as a canvasser and sales agent for Momentum Solar, a residential solar system seller based in New Jersey.

In an effort to encourage more homeowners to install solar panel systems and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-derived energy, many states have enacted incentive programs. In New Jersey, homeowners are able to sell surplus solar-derived energy back to the grid. The state also allows solar panel owners to sell the megawatt-hours produced by their solar systems as Transition Renewable Energy Certificates.

As a result of these incentives, residential solar systems can generate hundreds of dollars a year. New Jersey residents can also benefit from several tax benefits. All photovoltaic systems are exempt from the 7 percent sales tax. Additionally, increases in a home’s value due to the installation of a solar system are not factored into property tax rates. These programs are compatible with the federal tax credit that allows homeowners to deduct 30 percent of panel installation costs as a tax credit.

Membership Requirements for Delta Phi Alpha

New Jersey resident Erik Helverson has worked in the solar roofing and pharmaceutical industry, and also worked with nonprofits and as a volunteer. Currently, Erik Helverson studies German at Montclair State University, where he serves as an executive member of the German Honor Society Delta Phi Alpha.

Since being founded in 1929, Delta Phi Alpha has provided a platform to bring together post-secondary students of German studies while honoring academic achievement in the field. The organization currently operates chapters in more than 300 colleges and universities, and requires that prospective members complete an initiation process before joining.

As part of the initiation process for new members, Delta Phi Alpha vets the qualifications of each individual. New members must have completed at least 2 years of college German while maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 in German studies and a cumulative GPA of 2.7. In addition, new members must exhibit an interest in furthering their study of German language and literature.

For additional information on membership requirements at Delta Phi Alpha, visit www.deltaphialpha.org.

The Delta Phi Alpha National German Honor Society

A resident of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, Erik Helverson is pursuing a degree in German at Montclair State University. With a GPA of 4.0, Erik Helverson is at the top of his class and has been inducted into Delta Phi Alpha, the National German Honor Society.

Montclair State University inducted the first members of its local Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society chapter in 2014. Named Tau Eta, the chapter welcomed 11 inductees on February 26 in Schmitt Hall.

The Delta Phi Alpha National German Honor Society recognizes students who excel in the study of the German language. The honor society was established in 1929 and now has thousands of members throughout the United States.

The honor society’s mission is to promote the study of the German language, literature, and civilization. The honor society emphasizes German life and culture, which contribute to the pursuit of truth and peace. Students inducted into the honor society have passed the rigorous evaluation process and have fulfilled the honor society’s requirements.