As students begin to imagine their career paths, the road ahead can feel uncertain. For School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) students, entering a field with an ever-changing landscape adds another layer of complexity as they try to understand what they want to do and how to get there. Networking, mentorship and experiential learning can make that process less daunting.
That question — how do students build those connections? — has been top of mind for Madeline Rosenberg, MA ’25, senior career coach for the School of Communication and Journalism.
“I’ve seen how some of our alumni help with other initiatives throughout the year,” Rosenberg said. “I wanted to build on that alumni integration and how they can help support students with necessary skill-building specific to the industry.” The result was an alumni‑led workshop series developed by Rosenberg in partnership with SoCJ, designed to connect students with alumni working across journalism, media and communications.
The five‑part series gave students direct access to industry professionals through hands‑on, skill‑based workshops focused on career readiness, experiential learning and professional mentorship. Rosenberg works closely with students throughout the year, giving her a clear sense of what they’re seeking as they explore the field. She also regularly connects with alumni to learn where their careers have taken them, what roles exist and what skills they wish they had learned earlier. “I also looked at what’s offered in the curriculum and wanted our workshops to be additional practice opportunities, as well as ones that were supplemental in nature,” she explained.
“Our alumni created space for students to practice the essential skills they need to enter the field and be competitive in the workplace,” said Associate Vice President for Career Readiness and Experiential Education Marianna Savoca. “At the same time, the connections, networking and advice all help build confidence and career readiness.”
Read the full story by Christine McGrath at SB Matters.
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