Holly Staszel Berecz

DUS Experience

When did you enter DUS?
Freshman year
How many semesters did you spend in DUS?
Two.
Why did you choose DUS?
I thought I wanted to be a meteorologist, but I wasn't exactly sure. My high school guidance counselor suggested DUS.
What resources did you use in your exploratory and decision-making process?
I visited the Career Development and Placement Center regularly. I did every career path test they offered. I also spent many long hours with my DUS adviser, Laura Brown. Her guidance was probably the single most influential factor of my DUS experience. She, as well as everyone else in Grange Building, was very understanding and patient and always willing to listen to a panic-stricken student!
Did DUS benefit you? If so, how?
Absolutely! Being in DUS allowed me to try out all of the classes I would have taken as a meteorology major while taking other classes that appealed to me as well. And, since I ended up leaving Penn State as a journalist, I avoided the headache of having to switch majors.

Penn State Experience

What major(s) (and minor(s), if applicable) did you end up choosing?
Journalism with a minor in History.
What year did you graduate?
1997
What extracurricular activities made a difference in your college experience?
My activities were just as important to shaping my career path as my classes. I joined Gamma Sigma Sigma sorority, which gave me so many opportunities to meet people and learn new things. I was also a Lion Scout, which allowed me to visit high school students, tell them how great Penn State is, and tell them all about DUS. I also volunteered with WPSU Radio, which helped me with my broadcasting skills and the Media Effects Research Lab, which taught me a great deal. Most importantly, however, was my involvement in the DUS Student Council, where I served as both Secretary and President. This was a great way to promote DUS and help others like myself know that it's okay to be unsure! I also had the chance to work with many wonderful students and faculty, all of which made the council so much fun.
Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time at Penn State?
One thing I would change is that I would have studied abroad. There are so many opportunities through Penn State, so everyone should take advantage of that if possible. I would also have done another internship. Although I did intern with KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, you can never have enough experience. I cannot stress enough the importance of internships - you get professional experience while testing the waters of your field.

Professional Experience

What jobs have you held since graduation?
  • Public Relations Coordinator, Fry Communications, Newport Beach, CA
  • Advertising and Public Relations Coordinator, Snaidero USA, Los Angeles, CA
  • Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute (III), Washington D.C.
  • Media Relations, Insurance Information Network of California, Los Angeles, CA
  • News Writer, WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh, PA
What is your current occupation?
Public Relations Director, Fry Communications

Profile Last Updated: February 4, 2005