Brittany Lauffer is Deputy Director of Communications for Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Alumni Profile

Tell us about your career path since you graduated from Point Park University.

I was extremely fortunate to land a job as a multimedia journalist at Erie News Now immediately after I graduated. My first day of work was May 23, 2016, and I made my on-air debut on my second day. I joined the weekday night team, reporting news throughout the evening shows and at 10 and 11 p.m.

As a multimedia journalist, I shot, edited and produced my stories for the newscasts. Some of my most memorable stories include: covering the 2016 presidential election, the Cleveland Facebook killer found in Erie, the death of Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong ("the pizza bomber heist"), the arrest of Christopher Leclair for his wife’s homicide on Lake Erie, flying in a World War II Bomber, Erie Otters winning the OHL championship, rappelling from the top of Erie's Bicentennial Tower, and sharing the story of five local brothers who fought in the Vietnam War. During my last six months, I also took on the role of weekend morning anchor and producer. However, towards the end of my two years, I decided to make a career change.

In March, I was hired as the deputy communications director for Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). I work with DHS program offices and other state departments to coordinate events aligning with the goals of Gov. Tom Wolf's administration. In addition, I assist with press calls directed to the DHS, and review internal and external communications.

What do you enjoy most in your current role and why?

One of the things I loved about my role as a news reporter was that my stories had an impact on people. I am pleased to see that my new position in the state is similar. The events we coordinate and the issues we deal with impact people across the commonwealth. A large part of my role is to bring awareness and education about DHS programs, events and services that can benefit the populations we serve. It is a good feeling when I can go to work each day knowing we are striving to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives.

What college experiences impacted you most in your career?

U-View was the highlight of my college career at Point Park University. From week one of my freshman year, I was either on air or working behind the scenes for the shows. I can truly say I received hands-on experience and made life-long friendships. My professors encouraged us to take every opportunity, and prepared us to do well in them. If you have the chance to take a class with Paul Coatsworth, Gina Catanzarite, Thom Baggerman or Robin Cecala, take it. Some of my favorite, most rewarding classes were taught by these incredible professors. Still to this day, I know I can count on them for advice, or even a recommendation.

My connections at Point Park led to two incredible internship opportunities. The first was with wedding videographer and photographer Maryn Graves Productions. This led to freelance opportunities throughout my college career. I also interned at KDKA-TV news, an incredible experience that gave me the confidence to enter the news world. 

What advice do you have for a student interested in Point Park?

Whether it is a scholarship, networking connection, internship or club, Point Park has so many opportunities for its students. Take advantage of each of them, ask for help from your professors when needed and work hard. It will all pay off in the end.

Connect with Brittany Lauffer

More About: internships, Beaver Area High School, success story, School of Communication, broadcast reporting, U-View, School of Communication Alumni, student production services, scholarships, Center for Sports Media and Marketing, alumni, KDKA