Stephen Thomas

DUS Experience

When did you enter DUS?
Freshman year.
How many semesters did you spend in DUS?
Two.
Why did you choose DUS?
Before applying to Penn State, I was not sure what major to pursue, but I did have the choices narrowed down to two selections: communications or mathematics. I was an A student in mathematics during high school, but wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting. I entered Penn State as a DUS student, but decided to pursue communications since the courses offered seemed to be right for my broadcasting career goal.
What resources did you use in your exploratory and decision-making process?
The adviser for communications at Penn State Delaware County was Bruce Stephens in 1990. I consulted with him a few times before deciding on selecting communications as my major.
Did DUS benefit you? If so, how?
Yes, I was able to enter Penn State without having to select a major right away.

Penn State Experience

What major(s) (and minor(s), if applicable) did you end up choosing?
Broadcast/Cable (now Telecommunications) with a minor in Business/Liberal Arts
What year did you graduate?
1994
What extracurricular activities made a difference in your college experience?
Unfortunately, I was not involved in any extracurricular activities, but I did pursue an internship at a local radio station in State College, PA after transferring to main campus.
Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time at Penn State?
I should have been involved with at least some extracurricular activities. I did attempt to join a broadcasting club as a junior, but at the time I did not find the activities to be interesting. Looking back on that experience, I think it would have been beneficial to my career selection if I had been involved with that club.

Professional Experience

What jobs have you held since graduation?
  • On-Air Personality, QWK Rock
  • Associate Service Technician, MicroAge
  • Intermediate Analyst, Aegon
  • Systems Support Consultant, AstraZeneca
  • Help Desk Analyst, Wyeth
  • Support Center Representative, SAP America
  • Systems Consultant, Easy Software, Inc.
What is your current occupation?
Substitute Teacher, Ridley School District

Profile Last Updated: September 19, 2011