Careers in CAS

Careers in CAS

A communication arts and sciences degree prepares students for a wide range of careers for a wide range of employers. This includes multinational corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations, federal, state, and local government agencies, law offices, and medical centers. Department alumni can be found working in almost any type of organization.

Through hard work, networking, and student group involvement, our students have been able to pursue careers and secure internships with the employers of their choice.

Career Planning Resources

The Career Enrichment Network: This college resource is for students who are seeking opportunities to engage in career-related, international, and professional development activities.

Nittany Lion Careers: This university resource connects students to thousands of internship, research, and job opportunities. The advisers can also help you plan for your internship or career.

Mentor Program: This program is meant to connect current undergraduate students with a College of the Liberal Arts alumni mentor. Mentors help students navigate the academic, professional, and extracurricular challenges they face at Penn State.

CliftonStrengths: The CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder®) assessment can assist you with discovering and understanding your strengths and talents.

LA 103 – Professional Development for Liberal Arts Students: This one-credit course provides liberal arts students with the techniques and information necessary to specify and implement post-graduation educational and career plans.

CAS for Pre-Law: The department offers a number of courses that are useful to future law students. These include:

  • CAS 215: Argumentation
  • CAS 302: Social Influence
  • CAS 321: Rhetoric and Law
  • CAS 375: Rhetoric and Public Controversy
  • CAS 404: Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
  • CAS 426W: Communication Ethics
  • CAS 497A: Interpersonal Influence

Alumni Spotlight:

Class of 1988

Nadine Baarstad

VP, Client Development,
Foodmix Marketing Communication
Major: Speech Communication
Email consulting | Phone consulting

Biography:

Baarstad is a Vice President Client Development at Foodmix Marketing Communication. While at Penn State, Baarstad participated in Ski Club, Greek life, sports events, and studied abroad as a junior. After graduating with a degree in Speech Communication in 1988, Baarstad took a job at a large, national ad agency before finding a niche in account management. Baarstad quickly became a partner at the firm. Since then, Baarstad has worked for several companies before finding a home at Foodmix.

If you are a CAS alum, we’d love to add your name to this list! Submit an alumni update below to be featured here!