Major: 

Journalism

Year Graduated: 

2022

Hometown: 

Wharton, NJ

Current City: 

Lexington, KY

Current Employer: 

Social Media Specialist for UK Public Relations and Strategic Communications

Top played song on your playlist?: 

Beyonce’s entire Renaissance album

Where has your CI degree taken you?: 

My CI degree has opened doors for me that I didn’t know were possible. After graduating, I accepted a summer internship with Rupp Arena in their marketing department where I assisted with event promotion, social media content creation and talent/guest relations. It was during that internship that I accepted a full-time offer from the University of Kentucky to join their Public Relations team.

What is your favorite thing about your job?: 

My favorite thing about my job is the creative freedom that comes along with it. I work closely with my three amazing interns to come up with new and creative ways to connect with students, faculty, staff, parents and the public every day. It’s challenging for sure, but I think the challenge is what makes it fun.

What¹s the most valuable thing you learned in CI?: 

The most valuable thing I’ve learned in CI is that the worst thing someone can say is no. If no is the worst thing that can come out of someone’s mouth, there is no reason to hold back on voicing the things that you want. I always say, I would rather hate that I got the answer no, than regret not asking, and it could’ve been a yes.

What advice would you give to current CI students?: 

My advice for current students would be to explore within CI. There are so many paths that your degree will make possible, and I think that it is important that students know how many options they truly have. I’m not telling everyone to change their major, but just knowing that, for example, as a journalism major, I can work in marketing. Knowing these things relieves a lot of stress when it comes to wondering what you’re going to do post-graduation.