Senior to Watch: Chelsey Maszczyk

Chelsey Maszczyk's love for experiencing new cultures will kick-start her degree in communication studies. Maszczyk hopes to find a career where her major and coursework can complement each other. This go-getter is ready to use her creativity and dive into the professional world, but first, building her resume is essential. This part is where the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America comes into play.

As a newcomer to ISU PRSSA, Maszczyk is taking advantage of all of the opportunities the organization offers. Public relations is a newfound passion for the senior, so joining ISU PRSSA was a natural decision for her. Maszczyk joined the development committee this year. She has enjoyed brainstorming when it comes to socials and fundraisers. Maszczyk knows these event planning experiences will help her in her professional career.

Maszczyk interned with the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company in Oakbrook, Ill. She worked with a number of different departments within the company, but primarily focused her work in the information technology area. She was able to thoroughly understand what keeps the business running.

This senior has also studied abroad in Paris, a memory she will cherish for the rest of her life. Spending the summer with young professionals and testing her intercultural communication skills was an amazing opportunity. The most important takeaway from the trip was learning how to connect with others who have a completely different cultural background. Maszczyk is planning a trip back to Paris in the future, and she is nothing but excited.

Always willing to try new things, Maszczyk has one suggestion for students, and that is to network. After hearing the word “network” a million times as a student in the School of Communication, she has taken that advice as a challenge. She has learned that others are willing to help you if you show them determination and hard work.

Maszczyk has a unique personality and is full of surprises. She loves music and has been singing and playing cello since she was little. In her free time, she loves drawing and painting. Maszczyk is a huge family girl. Living with her parents, older sister, grandfather, and five pets is a blast. If she could go anywhere in the world, she would visit Poland. A rich family history lies within that country; Poland is where her grandparents grew up.

Although she regrets not joining ISU PRSSA before her senior year, the friends and opportunities it has provided her have aided in Maszcyk’s growth as a professional.

By Cindy Kirchner

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