SCM Graduate Program Welcomes Back Alumni

On Tuesday October 27, the School of Communication and Media’s graduate program hosted its annual Graduate Community Gathering. Seven alumni of the Public and Organizational Relations graduate program returned to Montclair State for a night of networking and discussion.

“A great thing about Montclair and SCM is they’re really good at networking,” current graduate student Ronald Sausa said. “Helping current students, former students and faculty bond is something they do really well and it comes full-circle in an event like this.”

The gathering, which took place in the refurbished lounge of Morehead Hall, was hosted by a group of new students in the program from Dr. Philip Bakelaar’s Survey of Public and Organizational Relations class. Seven alumni of the program who currently work in the field came to offer their insights and advice to the current students. These alumni have carved out highly successful career paths in a wide range of positions –  as social media specialists, senior account executives at public relations firms, corporate brand managers, employee communications specialists, digital marketing strategists, and freelance writers. Their insights included how the program has benefited their professional careers.

“This program allows you to look outside of communication organizations for a job,” alumni Joseph Christensen said. “Find an organization you’re passionate about because everyone needs communication professionals and this program allows you to do that.”

The alumni shared their experiences of searching for a job, their insights into the evolving fields of public relations and communication, and how they were able to apply theories and practices from certain classes in the program to their work.

“This was an opportunity to reestablish connections, build community, and provide a bridge between the past, present and future,” Associate Director of the School of Communication and Media Dr. Christine Lemesianou said.