#PittsburghMe: Meet Autumn Barszczowski, Public Relations and Advertising Major

Meet Autumn Barszczowski

Major/Program: Public Relations & Advertising
Minor: Psychology
Graduation: April 2019
Scholarships: Presidential scholarship from Point Park, Graduation project scholarship from City Charter High School
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: City Charter School
Dream Job: Doing something that makes me happy. I’m not sure specifically what that is yet, but ideally, I’d be doing some sort of research in the public relations and advertising field.

"The opportunities I have had here are endless. On top of the guest speakers that all of my professors bring in to talk and network with, I have had the chance to hold numerous leadership positions, attend conferences and take on six different internships."

Autumn Barszczowski

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I chose Point Park because it was local. I liked being able to stay home with my family and my three dogs while I was at school. Something that solidified my decision was a shadowing opportunity that I had before I started here. I was able to shadow a public relations and advertising student who was in one of Bob O’Gara’s classes, and seeing the guest speakers that he brought in showed me that Point Park would provide me with the right opportunities for my career.

What opportunities have you had through your major?

The opportunities I have had here are endless. On top of the guest speakers that all of my professors bring in to talk and network with, I have had the chance to hold numerous leadership positions, attend conferences and take on six different internships.

Most recently, I finished my term as Point Park’s Public Relations Student Society of America president, in which fellow members and I started Bison Media, which is set to launch in the fall. Bison Media will be our student public relations and advertising agency and we aim to become a nationally affiliated student firm with PRSSA.

During the 2017-18 academic year I was the student representative for the Northeast Regional Honors Council, the treasurer for Point Park’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the business manager for The Globe. I was also the president-elect of the Honors Student Organization (HSO), meaning that I am now starting my term as president for the 2018-19 academic year.

How is serving as the HSO president preparing you for your future?

This position is giving me the chance to step up as a leader. Our organization hosts numerous academic, service and social events throughout the year, and planning these is no easy task. Having the opportunity to wear multiple hats and juggle a number of different tasks will prepare me to take on a heavy workload as a professional. Also, being able to network with so many wonderful students has been invaluable. I have already been able to meet so many people, but this position will allow me to really get to know our students.

Tell us about your summer internship at the PT Services Group.

I started at the PT Services group at the end of May and am currently working with the sales team. Right away, I was learning the ins and outs of their sales process. In just my first week, I’ve had the chance to work on collecting information about prospects and what they do to make sure they stand out among them.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Get involved. Maybe not on the crazy level that I am involved, but if you are not a part of at least one organization, you will miss so much. These organizations are the reason I accomplished the things that I have and without them, I do not know where I would be or what I would be doing.

#PittsburghMe: Meet Autumn Barszczowski, Public Relations and Advertising Major Student Profile