Rowan PR chair, student and alumni shed light on ‘what can you do with a public relations degree?’ Like what you see? Story by:Natalie DePersia, senior public relations major Header image: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
strategic communication
Hispanic Heritage Month #PROFspective: Advertising Major Angelica Petroche on Support, Inclusion and Campus Opportunities
Like what you see? LEARN MORE Story by:Natalie DePersia, senior public relations major Photos courtesy of: Angelica Petroche
50 Profs Share 50 Reasons They Love Rowan
Profs Love Their Majors 1. “I fell in love with my major because of how versatile and pertinent the information I learn is to the world around us. One of my favorite classes was Immunology.” – Zalak Modi, senior biochemistry 3+4 BS/DO major. Zalak’s #PROFspective of campus at night. 2. “Two degrees in five years […]
Beyond the Classroom: Advertising Major Olivia Covington Discusses Her Internship with Global Agency R/GA
Olivia Covington (she/her) is a senior Advertising major with minors in Strategic Communication, Professional/Technical Writing, and International Studies and commuter student from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). Here, Olivia share details she is interning with marketing company R/GA as a remote copywriting intern. Can you tell me about your internship and the responsibilities you have […]
#PROFspective: Senior Communications Studies Major Jack Maisonneuve
Today we feature Jack Maisonneuve, a senior Communications Studies major from Asbury Park, NJ (Monmouth County). Jack is a photographer for Rowan Blog and speaks with us today about his love for photography and his experience within his major.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I figured it would be broad enough where I could continue pursuing my photography career, while also exploring other aspects that I found interesting that Rowan had to offer.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you.
When I joined my club that I’ve been a part of for four years now (Rowan Alternative), it made me find crowds that I enjoyed being with, as well as help me find some of my lifelong friends.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?
I was uncertain that communications would be for me, and well actually I’m still pretty uncertain of it. But communications helped me find that I’m interested in aspects of research and communications in itself, and that’s what made me stick with it.
What are you most looking forward to after graduation?
Moving out! No, but getting to experience the professional world and finding my career.
Are you involved in any clubs/organizations on or off campus?
I’m involved in Rowan Alternative as well as being a founding consultant for Rowan Photo Club.
How did you get into photography?
One of the classes I took here during my sophomore year! I had [Prof.] Jenny Drumgoole … for photos, and she inspired me to want to become a photographer.
If you could have a photoshoot with someone famous, who would it be and why?
Henry Rollins from Black Flag. He’s my number one hero; I aspire to be like him when I grow up. I think he’s a very worldly person, and he has a lot of interesting things to say.
Who or what inspires you to create?
What inspires me to create and shoot are the people I get to work with, and my surroundings.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself working for a music magazine company of some sort, and getting to do what I love most, which is concert photography.
Like what you see?
Story and photos by:
Missy Pavorsky, junior advertising major
Air Force Veteran, Strategic Communication M.A. Student Alex Walpole on His Road to Rowan
Today we feature Alex Walpole of Burlington County, a student in the M.A. in Strategic Communication program through Rowan Global. Alex, a retired Air Force officer, shares his military transition from active to civilian life, his goals and challenges as a Strategic Communication student and the unconventional way in which he discovered Rowan. It was […]
Strengthen Your Writing with Strategic Communication [VIDEO]
Brandon West, a Rowan Global student pursuing his master’s degree in Strategic Communication, shares his thoughts on the program. “No matter what field you want to go into, whether it’s public relations, sports communication or being a teacher, this program is applicable to pretty much any career,” he says.
Social Media and its Effect on Body Image
This article is part of a running series with Rowan University’s Wellness Center. This collaboration aims to educate students about personal well-being options. For further updates, follow @RowanUWellness on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. For someone like me, I cannot go one day without using social media and its features. I check my socials multiple times […]
#PROFspective: Public Relations Major, Strategic Communication Minor Kayla Tucker
Today we speak with Kayla Tucker, a senior Public Relations major with a Strategic Communications minor and a concentration in Public Relations in the News. Kayla, from Burlington County, is the Vice President of the Black Cultural League and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
Have you always wanted to study your major? At what point in time did you realize the major you decided to pursue was the one most adequate for your future goals?
“When I came to Rowan my original major was Marketing. I quickly realized that marketing did not align with my strongest assets. After deciphering my strengths, knowing I love writing, public speaking and everything involving communications; and knowing that Rowan’s Public Relations program is nationally ranked, I realized Public Relations was the major I wanted to study.”
What is your dream profession?
“Working in an in-house public relations firm.”
How has Rowan prepared you for your future? What professors have impacted you the most as a student at Rowan?
“Ms. Cristin Kastner Farney is a professor that immediately stands out to me. I had her as a professor in Intro to PR and I truly enjoyed everything that class offered me. That class taught me interviewing skills and just the basics of PR and she presented all material in an amusing yet educational way. Cristin was also super helpful in terms of career development and assisting me in finding available internships.”
What is the Black Cultural League?
“The goal of this club is to have conversations and discussions on issues concerning African-American studies outside of of the classroom.”
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
“My best advice would be to get involved early. Rowan offers countless amounts of club ranging from sports clubs, community and service clubs, clubs that promote diversity and inclusion, and many more. Getting involved around campus led me to meeting so many amazing different people.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I like to cook, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends. This year I also started a small business on campus named K. Kooks where I make and sell food to students.”
What makes you unique from others?
“Probably the fact that I love public speaking. I know many people that dread giving speeches or speaking in public, but I love everything about speaking in front of large audiences. It honestly is a big contributor to why I chose public relations as my major.”
Like what you see?
Story by:
Natalie DePersia, junior public relations major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, junior music industry major
Senior Reflects: Dyone Payne, PR Major, Reflects on the Joys of College
Today we speak with Dyone Payne, who will be graduating this May with a degree in Public Relations and two minors in Journalism and Strategic Communication. Dyone is from Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County) and is part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority.
Could you share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
My favorite class memory was with Dr. Schoenstein during IMC. Every week we would give a presentation about a product or company we created. From start to finish, we created the logos, company brand, position statement, and most importantly the presentation. She actually wanted us to be prepared for the real world. She wanted us to be able to present a brand in a short amount of time.
Could you share your favorite social memory?
Meet the Greeks is one of my favorites. To see all of the organizations come together, perform, have a good time, and most importantly inform students about who they are.
What are your career aspirations?
I aspire to work in the marketing and advertising space. I would love to contribute to storytelling, especially in this environment.
How did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with your professional growth or career aspirations?
The EOF program is how I got admitted into Rowan. They have been a major support system to and for me throughout the past four years! Shout out to everyone in that office.
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
Shout out to my advisors and professors, Mr. Morton, Ms. Brucker, Mrs. Mummert, Prof. Farney, and Prof. Rodolico. From beginning to end, all of you have pushed me to grow beyond boundaries, ask questions, and go beyond what is expected of a student, person, and most importantly, a professional. I value each lesson I learned from every one of you.
Who is your favorite professor? What class did you take them for? And why is this person your favorite?
Professor Royek! I believe I took Composition Writing I or II with him my freshman year. Professor Royek taught me so many lessons, but most importantly he taught me to always ask questions, be patient, and learn something from what others have to offer. I’ll never forget he helped me with my paper and as we did the mock interview he taught me how to be conversational rather than sticking to the script.
I then applied that to my life by always having a plan and if the plan fails, improvise! Want to learn from people. Want to be friendly. And most importantly take your time!!
What advice would you give to incoming first years or transfers about making the most out of their college experience?
Incoming freshmen, take your time. Whatever you want to do, do it and don’t let anyone stop you! You’ll learn so many things once you just live life outside the classroom. At the end of the day, JUST DO YOU!
Like what you see?
Story by:
Marian Suganob, senior public relations and advertising double major
Earning a Master’s in Strategic Communication Through a 4+1 Program
Today, we’ll hear from Maridel Tineo and David Rodriguez, who will earn their undergraduate and master’s degrees in five years and ultimately save money through Rowan’s 4+1 program in Strategic Communication.
Maridel Tineo is a senior from Camden, NJ (Camden County) who will graduate with bachelor’s degrees in Public Relations and Advertising this spring. Maridel is a first-generation college student and part of Rowan’s EOF program. She found out about the 4+1 program last year in her Public Opinion class. Her professor, Dr. Bokyung Kim, serves as the advisor to the program and encouraged Maridel to apply.
“After she introduced the program to the class, I applied for it because I always wanted to get my master’s degree. It was always just a thought, but when I got the opportunity and information, I had to do something about it,” she explains.
She was accepted into the program in her second semester of junior year.
Maridel ultimately decided to choose the program because the classes are closely related to what she was already majoring in (Public Relations and Advertising), she liked the coursework and she will save money by shaving a year off of her studies.
This program does have its unique challenges, though. Maridel shared that the coursework is accelerated and very fast-paced. “The professors definitely hold you to a higher standard. There are great expectations in this 4+1 track because it’s so calculated to make sure you’re able to finish in the five years,” she says.
A class that stuck out to her was a graduate-level Strategic Communication course with Professor Alison Novak. “[Dr. Novak] made the course engaging even though it was online,” Maridel says. “A lot of things that we covered were so interesting to me. My favorite topic was starting my own [fictional] business from the ground up and learning what goes into doing it. Even though it was challenging, it made me realize how interested I was in what we were learning about.”
Maridel’s end goal is to start a nonprofit organization to give back to her community in the future and take what she has learned in her coursework to make it happen.
David Rodriguez, a senior and first-generation college student from Clayton, NJ (Gloucester County), will graduate with his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations this spring. David also heard about the path to a fast-tracked master’s degree through a class with Dr. Kim. He ended up choosing the program because it was a cost-effective option to achieve a long-term goal he’s always had. “I never thought I would get my master’s degree from Rowan, but I like the professors here a lot and I’m saving money,” he says.
David was accepted into the program in summer 2020 and began his experience the following fall semester.
This program does come with its challenges, though. “The professors in graduate classes expect more. I’ve had the same professors in undergrad classes and graduate classes, and you can tell the difference,” he says.
When asked about an influential professor, David shared his experience about his Graduate Strategic Writing 1 class with Professor John Moscatelli. “He’s a tough grader but made me a better writer. I find myself using the rules and tricks he required in my other classes,” he says.
David’s end goal is to end up in the public relations sports or fashion worlds because it ties what he’s interested in with what he’s learned from his time at Rowan.
Like what you see?
Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, junior public relations and advertising major
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Advertising Major Chase Campbell
Today we feature senior Advertising major Chase Campbell. Chase also has minors in Communication Studies and Strategic Communication. He is from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County) and transferred from LaSalle University. The American Advertising Federation (AAF) recently inducted Chase as one of 2021’s Top 50 Most Promising Multicultural Students, one of the industry’s premier diversity, […]
PA to NJ: Senior Public Relations Major Liz Kratz
Today, we speak to Liz Kratz, a commuter from Montgomery County, PA. Liz is a senior Public Relations major with a minor in Strategic Communication and a Certificate of Undergraduate Study for Public Relations and the News. She tells us more about why she chose Rowan and about her time in New Jersey. What are some […]
Best Advertisements of 2020, According to Ad Majors
Today we feature senior advertising majors from Rowan. They tell us what they think the best advertisements of 2020 are.
Melanie Gross Melanie, a senior advertising major with a strategic communications minor from Marlboro, NJ (Monmouth County), says that the best advertisement of 2020 is the Burger King-“Bullying Jr.” advertisement. She says, “In this Burger King ad, a complex idea is expressed. Burger King stages a social experiment where a “High School Jr.” is bullied in one of their Los Angeles area restaurants. It depicts overseers who do not do a thing are then served a “bullied” Whopper Jr. This sandwich is squashed and mangled. Some 95% report their mangled sandwiches to management. They are then asked if they would have intervened had they seen an employee “bully” their burger. Their collective response is “yes”. The focus then shifts to the 12% of customers who stood up for the High School Jr. We hear their words of encouragement which console the High School Jr. This spot shows that inspiring ads can be crafted out of social experiments and possibly make a change to take action when we see unkind acts.”
Doug Weinstein Doug, a senior advertising and public relations double major from Cranford, NJ (Union County), is a transfer student from Union County College and a first-generation college student. He says “the most impactful ad of 2020 so far for me has been from BMW. The video ad release took creativity to another level that BMW as a brand has not expressed in the past. The new 2 series is introduced into a new genre of consumers as “option two,” a BMW that is different from the competitors in an expressive and bold way as the better option. BMW brought a new type of advertising technique that focuses more on the new genre of consumers, rather than the BMW itself. The company is changing drastically for the better, becoming more aware of their consumer demographics and lifestyles. BMW is bold in this ad with video movement, colors, sounds and tells a story of who consumers are and why this is the car for them. “
Caitlyn Dickinson Caitlyn, a senior advertising and public relations double major from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County), is a transfer student from Ocean County College and a first-generation college student. She says that the best advertisement of 2020 is the “Loretta” – Google Super Bowl advertisement. She says, “Loretta is the perfect example for an emotional appeal, which for me is why I find it to be so memorable. It’s effective, it’s compelling, and overall heartwarming.”
Alana Walker Alana, a senior advertising and public relations double major from Browns Mills, NJ (Burlington County), is a transfer student from Rowan College at Burlington County. She also says that the best advertisement of 2020 is the “Loretta” – Google Super Bowl advertisement. She says, “This advertisement came out in the beginning of this year. I feel like it’s important for the times because the older generation is learning to adapt to the new technology created. This particular advertisement shows how it can be beneficial for them but also is heartfelt. They layout and execution of the ad gives you something to relate to.”
Matthew Isaacs Matthew, a senior advertising major from East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County), is a transfer student from Georgian Court University. He says that the best advertisement of 2020 is the The “Cardboard Fan” by Bud Light advertisement. He says, “It’s so memorable and unique. When do you ever see a cardboard cutout come to life? Especially when it can’t enjoy it’s favorite beverage while watching football. It’s weird without the crazy energetic fans you’re used to seeing on TV. I appreciate what the producers did here. They made something out of nothing, literally. During a depressing time like this, why not have a little fun with those cutouts?”
Jenna Greenlee Jenna, a senior advertising and public relations double major from Wilmington, Delaware, is a transfer student from Temple University. She says that Beats by Dr. Dre had a beautiful ad called “You Love Black Culture, But Do You Love Me” that was so impactful and great especially with the BLM movement in America right now. She says, “It makes it the best because a lot of companies have posted its support of the BLM movement, but Beats by Dr. Dre was started by a black man which is so inspiring. It has a star studded cast of popular African American figures but doesn’t harp on WHO they are, but rather just them being Black people in general. It’s artfully done, simple and impactful.”
Kristin Jennings Kristin, a senior advertising and public relations double major with a CUGS in PR in the News, from Woodbury Heights, NJ (Gloucester County), is a transfer student from West Chester University. She says that the best advertisement of 2020 is the Match.com – Match Made in Hell advertisement. She says, “This ad combines a common interest of wanting to connect with others with comedy in a funny yet charming commercial. The commercial also features an exclusive recording of Taylor Swift’s Love Story which drew in her fans as well.”
Like what you see?
LEARN MORE
Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Header photo courtesy of:
Unsplash
According to Karen: Advice for High School Seniors
Today we feature Karen Lee, a junior marketing major with a minor in strategic communication. Karen is from Edison, NJ (Middlesex County), lives on campus in the Townhouses and is public relations chair of the Animal Advocacy Club. Karen shares her experiences with us today to help future students. On graduating college early: I didn’t […]
How Remote Students Are Staying Involved On Campus: PR Major Jenna Fischer
Today, we speak to Jenna Fischer, a senior Public Relations major with a Strategic Communications minor who transferred from Middlesex County College. Jenna is studying remotely from her home in East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County) in light of COVID-19. She tells us more about how she’s staying involved on campus while living at home.
“I chose Rowan because I saw that [the school] had a lot of opportunities to grow within my major. They were one of the few colleges in the state that had my major and had other options to go along with it,” says PR major Jenna Fischer, who initially chose Rowan because she knew a degree at Rowan would help her get her foot in the door with a job before she graduates.
At Middlesex County College, Jenna initially didn’t know what major would be the right one for her. She decided to talk to her advisor and everything suddenly came together.
“I needed to talk to someone about picking classes, and I didn’t know what to pick. She told me, ‘Well, you seem like you would be good in public relations.’ I didn’t even know what that was! She started explaining it more, and I realized that it would be a good fit for me. So, I looked into it some more and ended up falling in love with it,” she explains.
Jenna’s senior year has been a little different than the rest of her years at Rowan because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She admits there have been some challenges with taking online courses and staying at home in East Brunswick, NJ.
“Honestly, one of the most challenging parts is I feel like I have a lot more work! I also have been going a little stir-crazy. I’m a very introverted person so I like being home … but this is a new level!”
However, even though she’s off-campus, Jenna is still staying hopeful and active on-campus through her e-board position as Communications Director with Rowan’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She had her doubts about being able to work with the club remotely, but she found that she still enjoys her work with the club.
“I was kind of worried because I was thinking what am I going to do because I’m not on campus but it was a lot easier than I thought,” Jenna says. “I’m always reaching out to the advisors of the club to just make sure I’m on the right track of things.”
Jenna also shares that her club meetings give her a sense of community even when she’s away. She says PRSSA has been very accommodating and she feels more connected to everyone on campus.
“Our e-board meetings definitely keep me informed with what’s going on. Everyone’s also super understanding. We did do an in-person picnic, but we also had a virtual option so I think its beneficial for a club to incorporate both options. I actually did end up going to campus because I was itching to go! Get involved in some kind of club because that’s the main reason why I’m in contact with everyone on campus. Everyone in the club are mainly my friends on campus too.”
When asked about the pros and cons of staying remote this semester, Jenna says:
“The main reason why I didn’t want to come back to campus was because I was scared that I was going to catch something and bring it back home. I also didn’t feel the need to be back on campus if I was doing my classes online. So I feel a little safer being home. A con for me would be that I don’t get to see my friends in person very much. One way I do try to stay involved is that I FaceTime them a lot, which I highly recommend everyone do! I’m not a big fan of talking on the phone but it’s good to be able to talk and see your friends that way.”
Quarantine hasn’t been all bad for Jenna. She even found an internship opportunity within her field!
“I was so ready to give up on applying because I wouldn’t hear back or I wouldn’t get them. I was getting so frustrated because a lot of my friends were still getting internships! So, I was scrolling through social media and this one company I was kind of eyeing put out a post saying ‘Hey we’re going to have summer interns.’
“So I applied immediately and ended up getting it! It was so much fun and all-remote. I was a social media marketing intern. I was skeptical about it at first because I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the same experience. It was so fun!”
Jenna shares a piece of advice for those struggling to connect with Rowan’s campus while being remote.
“Definitely reach out to professors if you want to get involved in any kind of club. I know professors who are also advisors who will usually plug in clubs at the end of class. PRSSA is looking for general members! It’s not scary, we have a speaker of the week talk to the club and you can participate if you want! I really do think it’s helpful. Just participating in any kind of Zoom club or event — I really recommend!”
Like what you see?
Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photos courtesy of:
Jenna Fischer
Junior Major Moments: Professional Development Opportunities on Campus
Today we feature Chase Campbell, an advertising major with minors in communication studies and strategic communication. Chase is a transfer student from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County). Before COVID-19 shut down campus he lived in Magnolia Hall, where he was also a resident assistant.
What is your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes? 
My favorite moment with a faculty member was when Professor Rodolico had me visit his office to discuss a scholarship opportunity. He kept pushing me to apply and I doubted that I’d even get considered. I applied for the scholarship, got the interview, and ended up being the first-ever recipient of the Philly Ad Club’s “George Beach Trailblazer Scholarship Award,” which recognizes African American students who are blazing their own trails and upholding the legacy of advertising legend, George Beach. I’ll always be grateful for the support he has given me and for helping me realize my true potential. He has made such a positive impact on my experience at Rowan University.
What is the most amazing or interesting thing you’ve learned in your major this year?
The most interesting thing I’ve learned is how fun putting together an integrated marketing communication plan can be. Professor Schoenstein not only teaches us the fundamentals, but incorporates creativity in all of the stages. She also emphasizes the importance of detail when it comes to presenting. Small details like those are interesting to learn because once you’ve mastered the art of persuasion, it’s easy to sell an audience.
What pre-professional experiences are helping to support your growth?
I am currently the president of the Advertising Club, vice president and co-founder of the Men of Color Alliance (MOCA), and I am also a resident 
assistant. I do have an advertising internship and I am a part of the final talent pool for the T. Howard Foundation. This organization gives college students professional work experience with major media, technology and advertising companies.
I continue to read up on how to enhance my knowledge on the field and attend career advancement events when I can. Getting involved with organizations and events like these, you have the opportunity to network, plan events, improve existing skills and learn new ones in the process.
Like what you see?
LEARN MORE
Senior Reflects: PR Grad Jasmine Dennis Shares Her Favorite Rowan Memories
Today we feature Jasmine Dennis, a 2020 graduate who earned her degree in Public Relations with minors in Communication Studies and Strategic Communication. Jasmine is from Sayreville, NJ (Middlesex County), and lived on campus all four years.
The experiences and memories I’ve made at Rowan will last a lifetime. To begin a new life in an unknown place felt overwhelming at first, but looking back now I’m truly grateful I attended an amazing university that helped me to evolve as a person. Rowan became my home away from home.
I want to thank my parents and sister because they’ve been an incredible support through this whole process. Next, thank you to all of my friends for the endless support and memories. Lastly, thank you to everyone else who’s supported me along the way, it means the world.
I’m proud to say I have achieved many of my goals in a such a short period of time here. To name a few, my junior year I was selected for the Resident Assistant position at Holly Pointe Commons. Later in my junior year, I was awarded the Silver Certification Leadership award. My favorite part about being in a leadership position was serving as a role model and helping others.
Next, the fall of my senior year, I attended the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) National Conference trip to San Diego, California with the Rowan PRSSA chapter. This was my first real business trip, and I made great connections, gaining helpful insight about the real world. By the end of the fall of my senior year I was sworn into Rowan’s PRSSA chapter. Finally, in the fall of my senior year, I landed two on-campus jobs and completed an internship at a PR firm located in Marlton, NJ.
I loved being active at Rowan, and it was truly the best thing I could have done. Each opportunity built on and prepared me for the next one. Rowan helped me to step outside my comfort zone and gain exposure to a large variety of rewarding experiences.
One of my favorite things about Rowan was its ability to provide what feels like an endless number of social events. Rowan goes above and beyond to offer a variety of opportunities and engaging, hands-on activities.
Thank you, Rowan, for an incredible journey. I’m looking forward to the next chapter that awaits. Congrats to all of the class of 2020, and best of luck to everyone! The world is yours.
Like what you see?
Three Things I Love About My Student Worker Job
Hi there! I’m Nicole, a senior Writing Arts major from East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County). I am a student worker for the Rowan Blog through the Division of Student Affairs, and I love my job!
As a freshman newly enrolled in the Writing Arts major, I was eagerly looking for ways to get involved on campus, especially related to writing and communication. One day I came across a message in the daily student email that the Rowan Blog was looking for volunteer writers, and this seemed like a sign. I started writing stories that semester on a volunteer basis, and was asked to officially join the team that spring of my freshman year! I’ve been working for the blog throughout my four years at Rowan, and it’s been an amazing experience.
1. Every day is different and exciting
As a student worker, I have something different to look forward to each day — with every new assignment comes a new experience. One day I’m writing a blog post on why I love my job (hello!), the next day I’m filming the women’s ice hockey team at their practice, and the week after I’m photographing the equestrian team and their horses. I’ve even gone to the Salem County Humane Society to play with kittens and produce a video on student volunteerism! No two assignments are the same, and because of that, I get to learn so much about my peers on campus and all of the diverse interests and activities they are a part of. I’ve met student entrepreneurs, learned about the Vietnamese Student Association, attended informational workshops, and have been a part of a professional photo shoot with a marketing agency!
I also enjoy how much I get to learn about Rowan University through these experiences. In my first semester, I quickly became familiar with all of the buildings on campus and so many of the organizations and activities available to students. Knowing all of this has helped me get my friends involved as well, introducing them to clubs I think they’d enjoy and people with similar interests.
2. I’ve added great skills and accomplishments to my resume
I have always had an interest in taking photos, but never had the chance to pick up a real camera and figure it out before working for the Rowan Blog. For each blog article I write, I have to photograph the students or faculty featured to produce images that really capture the story. Through endless practice I’ve become comfortable using DSLR cameras and editing my photos with Adobe programs, and I love it! I have also started to get more involved in the video production side of the blog, filming and editing videos for YouTube. Though I am certainly a beginner in making videos, my coworkers and peers are always willing to help each other out, since we each have our own strengths.
Focusing on photography has paved the way for me to become a part of many exciting projects through the Division of Student Affairs. The photos that my peers and I have taken are featured on the Rowan Admissions website and in admissions packages that go out to accepted incoming students, which is awesome! I’ve even become more involved with the social media department, and a couple of my photos have been featured on Rowan’s Instagram. It’s so rewarding to see my work improve each semester, and the excitement we all feel when we see our photos throughout campus makes the hard work more than worth it.
3. I’ve made new friends, mentors and connections along the way
With each new lead for an assignment comes a new potential friendship or connection. Most of the time, the leads I am assigned to write about are students I have never met before, so I love having the chance to meet new people I might see around campus. I get to learn about their cool internships, clubs and experiences at Rowan, and can usually find something in common with each lead to form a strong bond! Every lead becomes either a new friend, a LinkedIn connection, or at the very least, another smiling face to see on the way to class.
Through the stories I produce, I’m able to form connections with faculty and staff, too, which has helped me learn about new programs and events on campus. The faculty I’ve met specifically within the College of Communication and Creative Arts and the Rohrer College of Business have played an important role in my education and career path. A few of them have become mentors to me, trustworthy and seasoned professionals that I can always look to for advice.
Working for the Rowan Blog has changed the way I write, work and interact with others. It’s made me a stronger communicator and even sparked my interest to pick up two minors — Marketing and Strategic Communication. Being part of such a talented, passionate team of workers makes me #RowanPROUD, and the experiences I’ve had through the Rowan Blog are memories that I’ll cherish long after I graduate this spring!
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
#PROFspective: Transfer Student Iridian Gonzalez
Today we speak with Iridian Gonzalez, a senior commuter from Somers Point, NJ (Atlantic County) who majors in journalism. Iridian will share her #PROFspective with us about transferring from community college and how she gets the most of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.
Name: Iridian Gonzalez
Major: Journalism
Minor: Strategic Communication
Year: Senior
Transfer Student?: Yes! I just completed my second semester here at Rowan. I transferred from Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing, NJ.
Where do you live?: Somers Point, NJ (Atlantic County)
Commuter?: Yes, I travel approximately an hour and ten minutes to campus
Academic or social clubs: I work for The Whit, Rowan’s newspaper, as a copyeditor.
Do you work on campus?: I am one of the summer interns for the Rowan Student Affairs blog! The internship primarily takes place in the Office of Admissions in Savitz Hall.
Why did you choose Rowan?: I chose Rowan University because of our phenomenal journalism program and I knew the schools closer to where I live couldn’t provide me with the experience I was looking for.
On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling?: Apart from being a full-time student, I am taking phone calls, drafting contracts, and going on site to evaluate the work that needs to be done. My family and I own a landscaping company, on top of my school work I am constantly booked and busy with my family’s company.
Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge?: Journalism is so broad, I had no idea until I transferred here. I felt so lost and confused with all new information being thrown at me. However, I knew I had to stay positive and keep my goals in mind. The Rowan staff was so accommodating and helpful, it made it almost impossible to fall behind.
Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you: Coming here I knew immediately this was the place for me. Everyone was so welcoming and driven. They really want to see you succeed.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges: My transition was very hard. Going from high school to community college was a breeze, but the real challenge was transferring from a community college to a university. Especially transferring into a program as a junior, I knew I was going to face some difficulties. The biggest challenge of them all though, the parking. I did what I had to do though. I buckled down and studied hard and made sure I left a little early to find a parking spot!
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college?: There is nothing wrong with going to a community college and transferring to a larger university. And look for the school with the best opportunities for you, fortunately for me that was Rowan.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
VISIT CAMPUS
Story and photography by:
Chad Wittmann, senior journalism major
PR Student Follows Passion with Two Start-Ups on Campus
As a PR and Advertising double major with minors in Mandarin and Strategic Communications, junior Brittany Eng of West Orange, NJ (Essex County) always knew that writing would play a huge role in her future endeavors. She enjoyed creative writing throughout high school and into college, and writing has always been her strongest skill. How […]
#PROFspective: Strategic Communications & Public Relations Master’s Student MST Aysha Siddika
Today, we speak with Aysha Siddika, a graduate student in strategic communications and public relations from Bangladesh who lives off campus. Aysha will share her#PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: MST Aysha Siddika […]