From kicking off his social media skills with Hawk Communications to embracing his broadcasting talent with WMSC, Isaias is a proud 2023 graduate working at SiriusXM as a producer. His daily schedule is anything but ordinary however, with a demanding role comes hard work and dedication. Early mornings, fast-paced deadlines, and behind-the-scenes magic. As thrilling as his current career is, it’s where he started that truly inspires.

Balancing academics, student organizations, and a full-time job during college was no easy task for him. When asked how he balanced it all, he admits, “I don’t know if I really ‘balanced’ it.” To him, it was more espresso-fueled survival, staying positive, and taking it one day at a time. However, one thing is for sure, his campus experience built the foundation of his career today. He describes the experience as instrumental as it helped him prepare for his role at SiriusXM. There were many sleepless nights, yet he adds that once he stepped into the role of producer, having that prior experience from clubs allowed him to transition smoothly. Moreover, he emphasized it’s all about picking yourself up and perseverance.

“There were a lot of rejection emails from automated bots that definitely hurt the ego… But I kept on trying,” Isaias quotes. Prior to SiriusXM, he interned at Tunnel Vision Sports and EatNom. Both are key factors in his career journey. Not only is he a producer, but he is also working on elevating his brand. He has a YouTube channel to keep you all in the loop with his journey. Along with his personal branding, he has a couple of podcasts called “Just Chillin” which is really just an excuse for him to discuss what is going on in the world, and the other is called “What’s In The Fridge” which is about interviewing people about what is in their fridge. (Small plug: he’s always looking for guests!)

From rejections sent out by automated bots to elevating his brand, Isaias continues to push forward. At the heart of it all? Passion and perspective. His approach as a student was to try everything. All he wanted was a chance to show someone his skills. Rejections were tough and it stung a bit more when the rejection came from a non-human automated robot. Yet, he kept on trying! As Isaias was asked what advice would give a student, he expressed, “Enjoy life. Don’t let the little things become big things, wash your produce, and look both ways before crossing the street.” Sometimes, it’s just that simple. It takes time and patience, but it’s not impossible!

Written By, Grace Velazquez

The FADM faculty in collaboration with Victoria Nauta, Director of Career Services, selected students based on their academic performance and professional promise. Two students were awarded scholarships to support their attendance at the conference. The students are senior Dyana Najdi who was awarded the NRF Big Show Scholarship and Junior Samantha Tucholski who was awarded the Rising Star Scholarship.

Reflecting on her experience, Najdi shared:

“As a fashion design major with a strong interest in the business side of the industry, it was refreshing to be surrounded by like-minded individuals. Meeting professionals I admire and having my questions answered in person gave me greater motivation and direction as I prepare for graduation in May.”

Tucholski echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the conference’s impact on her professional growth:

“The NRF Student Conference was an amazing opportunity to hear directly from industry insiders. I learned the importance of staying curious, using my voice, building relationships, and leading with kindness.”

The National Retail Federation Foundation Student Program provided these students with invaluable insights and connections, preparing them for successful careers in the dynamic world of fashion and retail.

Victor went from Associate Producer to Producer at WPHL-TV, crafting hard and light news stories for the 5:00 a.m. broadcast. As a 2023 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Digital Media, he participated in campus media like The Montclarion, WMSC, and �鶹��ý����’s university streaming service, Hawk+.

What pushed him to this career? For Victor, experience was key. One is never done learning and he is proof. Victor started to get involved with anything journalism by throwing himself into opportunities that prioritized hands-on involvement. Without WMSC, The Montclarion, and everything he did inside the School of Communication, he wouldn’t be where he is today. “Doing different aspects of journalism helped me become the multimedia producer I am today in Philadelphia,” Victor quotes.

From his ambitions to setting actions, he leveraged his skills of being bilingual like a superpower. He highlights, “One of the most important tools I have as a journalist and as a person is that I can speak Spanish.” He is the only one who speaks Spanish in his station, which helped him to confirm stories and have interviews lined up for different scenarios. Plus, these skills allowed him to have the chance to produce a Hispanic Heritage Month special for WPHL-TV. As much as it helped him to where he is now, as a Red Hawk, he shaped his skills by hosting a bilingual show on WMSC Radio called “Aqui Planeta Tierra.” He was and still is a journalist on a mission.

For aspiring journalists, Victor advises the importance of understanding and using multimedia. He emphasized that a journalist needs to be able to do a story for TV, social media, online, radio, and more. He credits �鶹��ý����’s School of Communication and Media for equipping students with a basic foundation in journalism. Above all, Victor urges students to get involved no matter what major they are. Getting involved in extracurriculars is fundamental to a college student’s career journey.

If you want to do TV, go to �鶹��ý���� News Lab. If you want to write, go to The Montclarion. Victor mentioned, “There’s so much �鶹��ý���� offers that it would be good to get out there and start developing those skills. If it wasn’t for SCM and the different classes and extracurriculars they offered, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” He even met the love of his life participating in WMSC. So get out there and experience everything �鶹��ý���� has to offer – his words!

Written By, Grace Velazquez

His goal was never digital content and social media. He expected journalism to be his final goal as an undergraduate. At The Montclarion, he served as a Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief. With his passion for writing, he was also a �鶹��ý���� Admissions Office Ambassador. As he went through graduate school and internships, Bobby found that working on digital content and social media was a great fit for him, skill-wise and personality-wise.

Then the opportunity to join the WWE team in that field came up. Being a Senior Digital Content Producer for WWE, Bobby focuses on creating content for the fans by a fan. Although it can be a little hectic, he continues to love the work he does and has fun while doing it. He has grown into the role, constantly adapting, as digital and social media continues to change. He started working with WWE in 2011 and social media is not the same as it used to be. Bobby continues to learn new things and takes on new challenges to bring the best content to WWE fans.

The work he did as a Broadcasting major prepared him to work in the industry in more ways than he can express. That, plus the leadership experience he gained with The Montclarion was a tremendous benefit. “Everything I did at �鶹��ý���� gave me the tools I needed to succeed in my journey,” Bobby said. Being involved on campus was the push he needed to get where he is today. The Montclarion provided him with a platform to practice his skills and work as a leader. Yet, working in social media is different from what a journalist does. Bobby has built the skills to be at the level of Senior Digital Content Producer because of his history of being a student leader.

As an Alumni, Bobby is creating an inspirational impact on our students showcasing that if there’s an opportunity – take it. If he could tell his undergraduate self something he wished someone could have told him is to be open to experiences outside your expectations.

“What you think you want to do career-wise may not be what you end up doing. It may not even be something you like doing. Being open gives you the best chance to find your place in the industry and find work you truly enjoy doing.”

One day you can be writing the scores of last night’s football game and the next you can be planning content for WrestleMania.

Written By, Grace Velazquez

Being a graphic design major wasn’t always in the cards for Jon. “From an early age, elementary through middle school, I always had an interest in technology, computers, ipods, and macs specifically,” said Jon. “Going through general art classes growing up, then getting into photography in middle school and finally doing my first 101 beginner graphic design classes freshman year of high school”.

During Jon’s time as a graphic design major for �鶹��ý����, he was required to get an internship. He said the process of getting an internship was quite easy for him. He was able to land one with Blue Dog Graphic Design and Printing. “I called them up asking for the person in charge of hiring interns, went in later that day and pretty much through my charisma got hired right on the spot – no resume, no portfolio, no nothing. I walked in with knowledge and confidence and got the internship on the spot”. Since then, he has worked his way to becoming a Head Graphic Designer.

Since graduating from �鶹��ý����, Jon has built a career for himself. He started his own company, “Laceys Designs”. “Brick by brick everything was all built out. Laceys Designs began as a way to branch off into my own realm and get personal freelance experience in the business world”. His creation for his company was based on his love for the work that he does. “Being a designer comes with a little bit of moral responsibility and the general responsibility for taking accountability in life…I only set it up once I knew this was where I wanted my life to go; helping people design and capture their dreams to reality”.

When it comes to the most valuable lesson learned over the years, Jon learned that it isn’t hard as long as you put in the work. “With proper education, hands on training and having the soft skills of knowing how to interact with people, anything is possible” Jon said “Don’t let parents, friends, professors, bosses, anyone, hold you back. Just do it! It’s never been easier, the entire world is at your fingertips”.

Jon’s best advice for current and future Redhawks is to make new friends as they could help you out in the long run. “Talk to everyone, a simple ‘hi’ can go a long way. Especially in college, the peers in your major have similar interests”. “Multiple times I’ve called upon old classmates to do design jobs for me where their skill set was much better. The people you meet now will go off and do extraordinary things with their life, it’s always good to have your name in their contacts list with them knowing you are a capable trust worthy hard worker”.

Written by, Jayla Trice

When beginning at �鶹��ý����, Cathy knew she wanted to do something that allowed her creativity to shine. “At first, I was a Film major and then switched over to Graphic Design. I took some Graphic Design classes in high school and always had it in the back of my mind”.

While she was in �鶹��ý����’s graphic design program, she was required to complete one internship before she could graduate. The internship she was able to land was at Marvel. “My favorite part about working there was being exposed to their marketing philosophy and how that applied to their characters. This was super early on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe… so it was exciting to experience the early stages of that” Cathy said. Aside from her involvement in �鶹��ý����’s graphic design program, she was also involved on campus. She was a member of Unified Asian American Student Organization.

After leaving �鶹��ý����, Cathy was able to make a name for herself. She is currently working as the Deputy Director of Social Media at Buzzfeed. Cathy is enthusiastic about her position and continues to do great things. Her favorite thing is being able to work somewhere that she is able to feel comfortable.“I’m grateful that I’m in a position to establish a healthy work environment and ensure that younger professionals on my team maintain that work/life balance. As a former workaholic, it took me a long time to achieve that balance, so I want to make sure others figure it out faster than I did! I also get paid to make memes for a living, so that’s pretty great too”. As she has now spent nearly a decade working at Buzzfeed, Cathy has established new goals for herself. She is excited to see what the future holds. “I’m always searching for new projects and luckily social media is ever changing, so even at my level, I’m always learning something”. “Working in social media is like working on a puzzle that never ends. It’s been a tumultuous time with the shift to AI and potential TikTok ban; I’m both excited and scared about the future. My goal for the time being is to continue having fun and learn new things”.

As a hiring manager and someone who established onboarding processes, Cathy understands the credentials of what makes a candidate a good fit. When looking to hire someone, there are things that make some stand out from others. “Someone who’s truly passionate will always stand out. When I ask a question and their eyes light up in anticipation to answer; it’s hard to fake that. I also value a straightforward resume and ability to follow detailed instructions”. She is very passionate about the importance of a portfolio in the graphic design industry. “It’s one of the first ways you can leave a strong impression on someone. A portfolio can tell me a lot about a person; everything from their interests to how they organize information. Thankfully we live in an age where physical portfolios aren’t the norm anymore. This means you can keep your portfolio updated consistently or swap things out if they’re not relevant anymore”

Cathy has had a great career so far. One of her most proud accomplishments goes back to 2018 when she single handedly launched BuzzFeed’s Asian American identity brand, A*Pop. Cathy continues to learn and grow while working somewhere she loves and doing what she loves. Cathy’s advice to current students is, “Tough job markets can make you feel like you’re not worthy. Don’t take it too personally. If you’re not getting responses, reformat your resume or update your portfolio. Even if you don’t get a callback after an interview, consider it practice and keep going”.

Written by, Jayla Trice

Carley realized she wanted to become a Journalism major when she was 17 years old. It was after she got the opportunity to attend an open house for a teen health magazine that she began to feel extremely out of her comfort zone. Carley began to panic, realizing she had not done any writing outside of school assignments; her anxiety made her feel like she could never become a journalist. “…Then there was a moment of clarity. I knew I wanted to be a writer” Campbell said. “It was something I always loved to do and while I was not 100 percent familiar with the material, the magazine said they would help educate on their topics and how best to write.”

A couple months later, she was able to land a job offer; this was only the beginning of Carley’s success. She later met an editor for a Pittsburgh-based publication called iGeneration Youth with whom she worked with for months on an article discussing the rise of mass shootings in the United States. The article went on to become syndicated nationally and was the moment she realized she could have a career in journalism.

Carley was a Journalism major at �鶹��ý���� and was very involved in on-campus activities. Her involvement on campus allowed her to have amazing opportunities and prepared her for her life after graduation. She was a part of The Montclarion, WMSC Radio, and Team Rocky. Her roles in these environments played an important factor in the person she is today. “Working for the Montclarion helped me recognize the importance of not only short deadlines – but also how teamwork can help build a wonderful final product.” Carley had a collaborative team at The Montclarion and continues to learn the skills she picked up while working there. WMSC allowed her to be creative, make lifelong friends, and learn to tell stories with sound. Team Rocky taught her patience and leadership skills. “You never work alone as a producer – you need patience and diligence to bring a show to the screen. Team Rocky taught me the value of being kind and energetic especially in rapidly changing situations.”

When it comes to Carley’s internships at CNN and SiriusXM, landing them was no easy feat. Before landing these positions, Carley would continuously put herself out there. “There are a lot of factors in how I got those internships. I think the first thing I would say was persistence when trying to get these positions in the first place. Every winter, spring, summer, and fall I would send out over 50 or more applications for various media organizations based in the New York City metropolitan area. I would keep tabs, get on as many email lists as possible, and check back daily” said Carley. When the inevitable rejections came in, Carley took it as a sign to keep going and to keep applying – persistence is key!

While preparing for another semester at �鶹��ý����, Carley began the interview process for SiriusXM. She is thankful for her time at WMSC and for her mentors as she felt encouraged to go for this position. When it comes to Carley’s internship at CNN, it was like a dream come true. “CNN was the one I had pushed to get from the moment I started the spring semester of my sophomore year. Hours of cover letter writing while balancing course work – feverishly checking my email for any kind of update – and seeing those invites to interview online.” Carley said. “There were a lot of rejections and while it was disheartening, I applied again and again.” In the summer of 2022, she began to feel as if she was not going to land another internship, but she decided that she could not give up and she took a chance. As she was on vacation, she got a call from CNN New Day for an interview. “To be completely honest, I cried.” Carley said. “While the show changed during my involvement to CNN This Morning, I got a firsthand opportunity to see each and every element that goes into building a morning show. I also got to work on Election Day 2022 which might have been the most thrilling night of my life.”

Carley is now working the morning show for WAVY TV. She helps get stories off the ground and onto screens across Southeast Virginia and the Outer Banks which she considers a privilege. Her advice to current students is to never give up. “Keep going. You will get rejections, bad grades, and stories that do not turn out how you envisioned them. But it’s about how you pick yourself up and keep going. There will always be bumps in the road and your story might not go the way you want. But keep going. You will meet so many spectacular people who are so dedicated to helping you succeed. You will find that story. You will see your grades change. You can do incredible things.”

Written by Jayla Trice

Padierna vividly recalls his time at �鶹��ý���� and the loving environment that aided his personal and artistic development. “My journey at both �鶹��ý���� and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts were transformative experiences that deeply influenced my identity as an educator, creator, and dance artist,” he said. “�鶹��ý���� provided a nurturing environment where I explored my personal identity and honed my skills through immersive involvement in the College of the Arts.”

Padierna studied dance at Tisch, driven by a desire to uncover the inner reasons that propel his creative expression through movement. “While my initial aspiration was to pursue a career as a professional performer, a pivotal injury altered my trajectory and steered me towards choreography,” he said. “This unexpected shift ignited a newfound passion as choreography emerged as a medium to channel the same intensity and fervor I experienced on stage.”

Padierna dedicates himself to his profession, stressing ongoing development through immersion in the dance community, despite the demands of full-time work at Shenandoah University. “Balancing the demands of a full-time position with teaching and creating leaves limited time for daily training,” he said. “However, I prioritize continual growth by seizing every opportunity to immerse myself in the dance community.”

As a queer Latino, Padierna’s artistic identity is inherently intertwined with advocacy and inclusivity. His work exemplifies the richness of variety by recognizing marginalized groups and advocating for inclusive industry standards. “Navigating the dance community as a queer Latino empowers me to carve out spaces of representation and pave the way for future generations of artists,” he said.

Padierna focuses on perseverance and self-discovery for aspiring dancers at �鶹��ý���� who have faced rejection. “Embracing the audition process as a journey marked by growth and self-discovery is crucial for resilience in the face of rejection,” he advises. “Each audition serves as an opportunity for refinement and self-improvement, propelling aspiring dancers towards their ultimate artistic vision.”

When addressing students with unsupportive parents, Padierna draws on personal experience to encourage them to advocate for their passion with conviction and determination. “For students facing similar challenges, I encourage demonstrating the inherent value and significance of pursuing a career in dance,” he said. “By advocating for passion with conviction and determination, students can bridge the gap between familial expectations and personal aspirations, forging a path guided by authenticity and purpose.”

Daniel Padierna’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring dancers everywhere, a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s passion. As he continues to break boundaries and advocate for inclusivity in the dance community, his legacy as a trailblazer and visionary grows ever stronger.
Written By, Ashley Rodriguez

Heather’s career began at �鶹��ý����, specifically through her work with , the university’s student-run newspaper. Heather recognizes The Montclarion’s critical role in getting her internships and linking her with mentors such as Professor Tara George who currently serves as the Head of Journalism and Television/Digital Media at �鶹��ý����. She emphasizes The Montclarion. “If I didn’t have my experience at the newspaper, I probably wouldn’t have had as good of a shot at getting the internships. The Montclarion brought me closer to Professor George who recommended I apply to the first internship I secured with FOX News Channel- and it was history from there.” Heather also took advantage of the University-wide career fair and spoke with a representative from WABC-TV which is how she secured her second internship. “I spoke to a representative that was at the career fair, handed them my résumé, and then had to go through a phone screening and in-person interview at the studio in New York.”

Reflecting on her prominent internship roles, Heather explains, “At Fox News Channel I worked with the entertainment team, which was totally different from working with the investigative unit at WABC-TV. Getting to see how chaotic things can be in a split second gets you prepared for when you, yourself are on the front lines dealing with breaking news.”

Heather learned the skills she needed for her broadcast career through courses such as Multimedia News Production and �鶹��ý���� News Lab. “At my current job, I use Adobe Premiere to edit video, and that was what we used at school. Also, being held on deadlines definitely helped, because those deadlines become 20x tighter in the news world.” The strict timelines and exposure to multimedia tools offered by these classes were beneficial in her career development.

Heather offers advice to current students who want to achieve success in their fields. She emphasizes the importance of being receptive to criticism, “Getting critiques and going through rounds of edits are standard in television – so the more receptive you are to criticism now, the easier it’ll be in your career.” She also recommends that students seek out high-pressure circumstances for growth so, in the future, students can flourish in the face of adversity. Heather says, “Don’t give up! It’s really easy to become discouraged and lose hope in media’s super competitive climate, but being told “no” brings you one step closer to being told “yes” to an opportunity that is meant for you.” She also urges students to seek the advice and assistance of professors, acknowledging their vital role in creating future success.

Heather Berzak exemplifies �鶹��ý����’s commitment to excellence and perseverance. As she continues to build a name for herself in the fields of media and criminal justice, her story serves as an example to aspiring professionals worldwide. She writes, “Our stories are powerful and if used correctly can help connect anything and anyone in this world.”

Written By Ashley Rodriguez

His time at �鶹��ý���� and active participation in the �鶹��ý���� News Lab proved pivotal in career preparation. Louis emphasizes, “I was in the class 6 out of my 8 semesters at �鶹��ý����, and sat in on the class during an additional semester during my freshman year. When you put the effort in, the News Lab teaches you almost everything you need to know about a newsroom.” Reflecting on his internship at News 12, Louis stresses the significance of preparation in the interview process. “My education at the School of Communication and Media, especially for the writing exam, prepared me well for the challenges.” He then describes his interview process. “First, I had a phone interview with HR. They asked me mostly generic questions about my experience. Then came the interview with the assistant news director. She asked important questions about my passions and goals for the future. I was then asked to take part in a writing exam, where I had to write scripts for news stories and events using the same press releases I would be given in the newsroom.”

Louis asserts the importance of internships, stating, “Having an internship is so important. It gives you an idea of what you’re getting into for (hopefully) the rest of your career. My internship was amazing.” Even in a virtual setting, the internship provided valuable real-world experience. When coming back in office he was able to work on all sorts of assignments, “I was able to field produce our reporter’s story about New York’s hometown heroes parade. I was also able to produce my own shows with supervision.” Describing the transition to a full-time producing role, Louis expresses enthusiasm. “I was able to be more creative with the shows I produced, adding my own flair to the news. Creating a show every day definitely helped me.” As an overnight producer, Louis thrives on the responsibility of “setting the tone” for the day. He says his favorite part is, “creating a well-thought-out morning show for our viewers every day. As the overnight producer…It’s a big responsibility but, I couldn’t be happier doing what I love.”

Offering advice to aspiring newsroom professionals, Louis underscores the importance of embracing critiques for personal growth. “My biggest advice to anyone looking to work in a newsroom is something I’m still working on myself: taking critiques as what they are: critiques. When someone who’s been in the industry for a long time gives you criticism, take the advice and apply it to your work. Try to improve at least one thing every day. If you do that, you’ll be 1000% better after a few months of working.” In conclusion, Louis’ journey from high school news programs to News 12 New Jersey illustrates the profound impact of passion, education, and internships in shaping a successful career in the dynamic realm of TV and digital media.

Written By Ashley Rodriguez