DUS Alumni Profile: Carrie Egnosak - Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)

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Carrie Egnosak

When did you enter DUS?: Freshman year
How many semesters did you spend in DUS?: Four.
Why did you choose DUS?: I entered DUS because I thought I wanted to be a biology major, but I also wanted to explore psychology and education.
What resources did you use in your exploratory and decision-making process?: I researched careers in biology with the help of my first-year seminar instructor, Dr. Paul Barney, and reviewed my semester schedules with my DUS adviser, Dr. Mike Chiteman. However, it wasn't until my sophomore year when I took Developmental Psychology with Dr. Charisse Nixon that I knew I was going to be a psychology major. That class absolutely did it for me. At that point, I didn't know exactly what I was going to do with my degree, but I knew it was the right one for me. Once I told this to Mike, he referred me to Mary Beth McCarthy, Director of the Career Development Center, to do some career exploration. It was very helpful and allowed me to realize how my personality, skills, values, and interests could relate to careers.
Did DUS benefit you? If so, how?: It allowed me time to explore all of my interests while still making progress toward my goals. I was also encouraged to seek help from other offices on campus such as the Career Development Center, without which I would not be doing what I do today.

What major(s) (and minor(s), if applicable) did you end up choosing?: Psychology
What year did you graduate?: 2003
What extracurricular activities made a difference in your college experience?: Lion Ambassadors helped me form lasting friendships, develop leadership skills, and share my Penn State pride. Psi Chi and Psych Club allowed me to connect with other psych students and faculty and to really explore all aspects of psychology. My internship allowed me to get first hand experience in my field - something that was especially beneficial to me for graduate school. Finally, choir allowed me to continue with a hobby that I loved and had the added benefit of allowing me to perform abroad in Italy.
Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time at Penn State?: I would have paid more attention to my degree audit. When it came to my senior year, I realized I was trying to count some of my science courses in areas for both general education and towards my major, which (for my degree) was not acceptable. I took quite a few science classes that year to make sure I could graduate on time. Recommended acadmemic plans and major checksheets are a great help, but the degree audit is what you really need to pay attention to. I also wish I had done study abroad. There are so many opportunities available at Penn State that can increase your cultural awareness, but nothing more potent than immersing yourself in another culture for a semester.

What jobs have you held since graduation?

Graduate Assistant, Student Affairs in Higher Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Career Services Coordinator and Academic Adviser, Penn State Shenango

What is your current occupation?

Profile Last Updated: March 1, 2009