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The University of Scranton\u2019s Department of Communication and Media is celebrating 50 years of producing multimedia standouts who have achieved success in their various fields.<\/p>\n
Nine of the department\u2019s best and brightest \u2014 and most generous with sharing tips and tricks that led to success \u2014 returned to campus this month for a Careers in Communication panel, moderated by Stacy Smulowitz, department chair.<\/p>\n
The nearly two-hour program engaged a packed house inside the Loyola Science Center\u2019s PNC Auditorium, where panelists exchanged stories, ideas and advice, particularly relevant to those who will soon enter the workforce.<\/p>\n
Colleen Boyle \u201920,<\/strong> multimedia designer at Leen Studios, recalled a few years ago entering the job market during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a stressful time, she said.<\/p>\n \u201cI think the best cure for anxiety is always action,\u201d Boyle said. \u201cIf you find yourself nervous about what\u2019s next, start taking small steps: build a portfolio, build a website, create content, make a YouTube channel. \u2026<\/p>\n \u201cBe your own best advocate and do a little something every day, just to feel like there is momentum. Because, at the end of the day, momentum is everything early in your career.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mike Ondo \u201997<\/strong>, director of professional scouting for MLB\u2019s Philadelphia Phillies, spoke about the importance of going beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n \u201cTry to build your resume with hands-on practical experience as much as you can, so, when it is time to go out there, you have a feel for what\u2019s going on,\u201d Ondo said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to change and things will be more intense (once you start working), but at least you\u2019ll have that prior experience. That experience will go a long way in helping you.\u201d<\/p>\n Kyle Gittleson \u201912,<\/strong>\u00a0events coordinator at Cravath, Swaine and Moore LLP, encouraged attendees to be flexible and open to opportunities.<\/p>\n “Work on your soft skills, be nice, work well on a team, be likable and friendly and polite, stick to the facts, have a firm handshake,” Gittleson said. “All that basic stuff actually really helps to connect with recruiters and connect with your future boss who interviews you. And if they like you and bring you aboard, just work hard, be likable and you’ll find yourself elevating up.”<\/p>\n Stephanie Conserette \u201908<\/strong>, vice president, imaging digital portfolio strategy global imaging at GE Healthcare, spoke from the perspective of a hiring manager.<\/p>\n Conserette highlighted the value of a well-written and well-crafted resume, saying facts, figures and anecdotes are the most valuable pieces of information one can share.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen it comes to your resume, please don\u2019t tell me what you did; tell me what impact you had,\u201d Conserette said.<\/p>\n The event concluded with a special announcement that the University\u2019s Department of Communication and Media has created a Hall of Fame. It plans to induct its first class in fall 2026. For more information and to submit a nominee, email Dr. Smulowitz at stacy.smulowitz@scranton.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n