By: Ellen Kim
Photo Credit: Sophie Lasher
Please introduce yourself! (When you graduated, how you identify, etc.)
My name is Johanna (she/her) and I graduated from UMBC in 2020. I double majored in MCS and English literature, with two minors in music and writing, and was also very involved in the student newspaper, The Retriever, and Musical Theatre Club.
What inspired you to choose MCS as your major?
I started at UMBC as an English literature major but was worried about whether that program would give me the right skills and be the right credential to make myself appealing to the jobs and employers I was interested in. In the end, I do think the English degree would have been enough on its own for the career I found myself in, but I really enjoyed elements of the MCS major, such as reading and discussing mass communications theory and learning software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
What was your most memorable moment(s) during your time at UMBC while being an MCS student or in general? (Class or professor? Maybe both?)
It's hard to think of one memorable moment, but I do have very fond memories of chatting about books and TV shows (and occasionally musical theatre, when I got off on a tangent!) in office hours with Dr. Loviglio, who was my MCS advisor and my professor for MCS 333.
What is something you would have done differently if you were to travel back to when you were a student?
One of the best decisions I made was to take a journalism class on a whim with a friend. I was reluctant because it was at 8:30am... but I tried it and am (obviously—see info about my current job below!) so glad I did. My parents had always tried to get me interested in journalism, as they knew I loved to write, but I had resisted, nervous about whether I was capable of doing things like conducting interviews. All that is to say, the one thing I wish I could have done differently is start looking into journalism as a career earlier, even though it intimidated me.
What topic did you write your MCS capstone project on? Why did you choose this topic?
As a child, I was a dedicated Tumblr user and very involved in fan culture, so I wanted to explore that field in some way. At first, I wanted to write something comparing fan analysis to academic literary analysis, as I saw a lot of parallels between the analyses I had read throughout my teen years and the articles I read for my English lit classes. But, reading through the existing literature on fan culture, I noticed tons of writing on topics like fan fiction, but none about that analytical fan writing (often called "metas"), which made it difficult to tackle my original topic. I decided my capstone would instead attempt to fill that gap. My project ended up defining the term "meta" in the context of fanworks and outlining their key characteristics, and I analyzed about fifty "metas" posted on Tumblr across various fandoms to do so. It was super fun—though I procrastinated more than I should have! It was during lockdown, so that's my excuse.
What job position are you in right now? What do you do in this position? Why did you choose this job? How do the skills you learned in MCS help you in this position?
I am a student life reporter at Inside Higher Ed, a 20-year-old online-only publication covering U.S. higher education. In this role, I write about two to three articles about the happenings of U.S. college campuses each week, each one in the approximately 800-1,600-word range. The topics are incredibly varied, as are the formats; lately we've been writing more explainers and Q&As, on top of our regular analysis and news stories.
In my previous role, as a business reporter at The Maryland Daily Record, I wrote about higher ed frequently, and doing so was one of my favorite parts of my job. When I saw there were openings here at IHE, I wanted to apply but couldn't find the time to do so, until, eventually, I was on vacation at the beach for a week. Luckily, there was still a position open!
The main skills I gleaned from both of my majors were critical thinking and research skills. Each and every one of my classes strengthened those muscles, making it easy for me to draw connections, ask important questions, and explain complex topics effectively. Plus, every essay I wrote (and especially every essay I procrastinated on until the very last minute!) made me a faster writer, which is an incredibly valuable skill as a journalist!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have way too many hobbies—I love crocheting, writing music on my guitar, playing board games, listening to podcasts, going to see local theatre and comedy, exploring Baltimore with my friends, and more. I also take improv classes with the Baltimore Improv Group and am a member of the New Choir of Mount Vernon.
What would you like to say to current MCS students?
One thing I'm really glad I did in college was throwing myself into my extracurriculars—clubs and internships that nourished different parts of my brain and allowed me to put to task those critical thinking skills I'd gained in my classes. I think it's important to find a way to balance the many things you might want to take on and give them your all.
I also advise you to take advantage of office hours way more than you think is necessary (or even normal). As a student, I liked to talk through my ideas (or, sometimes, entire assignments) with my professors before the due date, and on more than one occasion was told, 'this way off base. You need to make major changes before you turn this in.' Sure, I shed a few tears hearing comments like that, but it was much better than turning the assignment in blind and getting a poor grade! (It's worth noting that not every professor will look at a completed assignment before you turn it in.) I also built great relationships with many of those professors from doing this!
Meet Marilin, a Media and Communication Studies (MCS) major with a Psychology minor and a Chinese Certificate, set to graduate in May 2025. Her journey to the MCS major began undecided with a focus on psychology, but she later shifted to better fit her interests of event planning and marketing. Dissatisfied with the technological emphasis of other paths, Marilin found her niche in MCS through UMBC’s "What Can I Do With My Major" resource. She loves learning about how communication has evolved over the years, with classes like Social Media Networking and Media Globalization being formative experiences. These classes helped Marilin understand the practical aspects of market analysis, fueling her love for the major.
Outside of the classroom, Marilin loves to spend her time being creative! Her hobbies include drawing on Procreate, crocheting, event planning, and listening to true crime podcasts. Marilin is also very social, spending her free time hosting game nights and going out for food with friends in Old Ellicott City. On the weekends, she balances shifts at the Campus Information Center desk in the Commons with spending quality time with her family (and her beloved cat Yuki!) Marilin is also a Resident Assistant on campus and enjoys planning events for her residents as well as getting to know them. Finally, she is a marketing intern with UMBC’s Division of Professional Studies, working hard to post deadlines, events, and other important information.
Looking forward, Marilin hopes to have a career in Marketing or Event Planning. Her internship and other roles at UMBC have equipped her with the skills she needs to succeed in these fields, such as search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, branding, and customer service. Another goal of hers is to create messaging stickers that feature her original bunny character! Reflecting on her time here, Marilin says she will miss the strong knit community of UMBC, and being able to wave to familiar faces while walking around campus. While she is still uncertain about what company she wants to work for, Marilin is confident her experiences at UMBC have prepared her to thrive in any professional environment that values collaboration and creativity.
By: Marilin Argueta-Osorio
We had the chance to learn more about Senior Jacob Singleton who is excited to graduate in the Spring of 2025! Currently, Jacob is working hard on their capstone project. Alongside their MCS major, Jacob is pursuing Computer Science as a minor. At the moment, they don’t have any solid plans after graduation but they hope to continue working in digital accessibility. Jacob’s passion for the future is to make websites and videos accessible to everyone!
Q: Why did you choose Media and Communication Studies as your major?
At first, I was majoring in Computer Science, but after I took MCS 222 for the GEP credit I found it so fascinating that I had to change majors. One part of the course I really liked was learning about the concept of time-biased and space-biased media, and how the characteristics of the medium can be as important or more important than the message it carries. I liked how different of a lens this was to my Computer Science perspective, and I loved that it could provide an understanding about the world and society that Computer Science just doesn’t.
Q: What is one skill you have gotten to learn and use through one of the MCS elective courses? (Examples: videography, social media management, curating blogs, etc)
In MCS 355 I really liked creating a social media strategic marketing plan for a local environmental group! A local interfaith center where I live has a “Green Team,” that does environmental education and advocacy, waste-reduction, and stormwater management. They are doing so many cool things, but they don't have an active social media account to bring in new volunteers and brag about their accomplishments. My plan had them expand their efforts to use social media to educate about native plants and animals, advertise upcoming events and speakers, and highlight past successes.
Q: What has been your favorite MCS course? At what moment did you realize that you really enjoyed the class?
My favorite class was MCS 101: Media Literacy! For my final paper, I looked into the history of accessibility technology. This was the first time I made the connection between MCS and accessibility. I’d recently become interested in it when I watched a TV show with really excellent captions right after a different show with mediocre captions. I realized that these captions were something that people had put a lot of effort into and that served to help others.
Q: Is there any particular project or skill that you learned that made you fond of the class?
Another part of the class I loved was learning to use Photoshop in the Lab section and flexing my design muscles. Prior to MCS 101, I hadn’t done any digital design, and it was super cool to unlock a new skill I enjoyed.
Q: Are you interested in traveling? If not, what is your favorite place to explore in Maryland?
Not really, I like Maryland a lot! One place in particular I like is the Patapsco Valley State Park. I’ve had a lot of fun walking and kayaking there with my family.
Q: What hobbies do you have and how did you get into them? I also remember you like coding, what do you program?
In addition to the walking and kayaking I mentioned, I still have a passion for Computer Science and coding, so I like to do programming projects in my free time. They all tend to be smaller add-ons to larger pieces of software, like web browser extensions to make certain sites easier to use.
Q: Do you have a current MCS-related internship or job, if so what is it like?
This past summer I had an internship with UMBC’s Division of Information Technology in the Office of Instructional Technology! I got to learn more about what goes into making college courses accessible, and I got to help UMBC move toward being a more accessible university. I really had a great time and I hope I can have more experiences like it in the future!
Q: How have your MCS courses helped you with your internship?
MCS 101 helped me think about accessibility on the level of different digital mediums and their affordances toward accessibility. My knowledge of the history of captioning technology ended up serving me well during my summer internship.
Q: Can you tell us about your capstone research project, what question are you researching? Why was that subject interesting to you?
For my capstone project, I’m going to analyze and compare the community structures of music metadata crowdsourcing communities like Musicbrainz and Discogs. I find projects like these really interesting because I myself have contributed to Musicbrainz and I want to learn more about what makes it “tick” from a media and community perspective.
Q: Is there anything fun you’d like us to know about you?
I also like reading science-fiction and fantasy books! I just read Upgrade by Blake Crouch, which was a real fun read.
Q: If you could give an incoming MCS freshman advice, what would it be?
To incoming MCS students, I would say pay attention in MCS 333! It can seem a little abstract at first but it really is the foundation for the rest of the upper-level classes.
By: Mily Pineda-Rivera
Jimeto Nwafor, a senior at UMBC, is set to graduate in spring 2025 with a major in Media and
Communication Studies (MCS) and a minor in Sociology. From a young age, Jimeto knew he wanted to pursue a career in voice acting, especially within the realm of animated films. His passion for storytelling and performance began in third grade when he first stepped onto the stage. Over the years, his interest in voice work has only grown, and he’s found that MCS provides the perfect foundation to develop these skills further. For Jimeto, the journey to MCS has been clear-cut—he’s always felt that his voice was his greatest asset. This conviction has kept him focused and driven throughout his time at UMBC. Last semester, he began applying his passion by working on animation projects for his peers, which further solidified his decision to stay in this field. “I’m exactly where I’ve always wanted to be,” he says, confident that MCS is the right choice for him.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Jimeto has taken on a leadership role in the UMBC community, co-founding the Disney Club with a close friend. He’s proud of how the club has grown and is excited to see it thrive, especially with its first events set for February 2025. This experience has allowed Jimeto to contribute to something meaningful on campus before he graduates, adding a personal touch to his college journey. One of the standout moments in Jimeto’s academic career was working on a storytelling project for his MCS 495 Video Ethnography course. The project involved interviewing residents of Baltimore City and creating a digital story using his camera and WeVideo for editing. This
hands-on project opened his eyes to the power of storytelling through media, which he sees as a key skill for his future career. Jimeto hopes to use these skills in the media production industry, particularly in documentary editing.Among the many courses Jimeto has taken, some of his favorites include Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Professional Communications, Video Ethnography, and Television Production Techniques. Outside of the classroom, Jimeto has gained real-world experience, such as participating in on-location interviews with Dr. Nicole King, an associate professor in the American Studies Department. He also credits his Television Production Techniques class for helping him land an
internship at Maryland Public Television. The internship has been invaluable, allowing Jimeto to further develop his skills and gain insight into the media industry.His internship experience has also helped him build confidence. Working as a Production Intern at Maryland Public Television pushed him out of his comfort zone, as he learned to work in a team, engage with professionals, and take on new challenges. His confidence grew as he was invited to join a team working on a new PBS Kids show, providing him with an exciting opportunity for professional growth.
Looking ahead, Jimeto is focused on his career goals. He recently received an offer for a Production Specialist position at Maryland Public Television, which he is thrilled about. Additionally, Jimeto plans to apply for a voice-over workshop at the New York Film Academy to refine his skills and work towards his dream of becoming a professional voice actor at Disney Hollywood Studios.
Jimeto’s advice for incoming MCS majors is to make use of the resources available on campus. He highly recommends taking Professional Communications to learn how to navigate the job search process. He also encourages students to visit the Career Center for resume feedback and attend internship conferences to prepare for interviews. “These resources will make a big difference in preparing you for success,” he says. With his passion, work ethic, and dedication, Jimeto is
certainly on the path to a bright future in the media industry.
]]>By: Ellen Kim
Photo Credit: Alayna Williams
Introduce yourself
My name is Mily Pineda Rivera, and I am currently a first-generation student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I am in my senior year, pursuing a degree in Media and Communication Studies. Throughout my time at UMBC, I have gained a deep passion for understanding the dynamic role that media and communication play in shaping society. As a first-generation college student, this journey has been both challenging and rewarding, motivating me to work hard and embrace opportunities for growth. I am excited to continue exploring the field of media and communication as I approach the final stages of my academic career.
What inspired you to choose MCS as your major? Would you switch it for a different major?
I was originally a biology student, but everything changed when I took my first communication course. I was fascinated by the broadness of the field, from the theories behind media to how communication shapes society and individual lives.. If I had the chance to go back, I wouldn't change my decision to pursue Media and Communication Studies, but I would definitely consider adding speech as part of my major to further enhance my communication skills and broaden my knowledge in the field, especially considering my interest now in Speech Language Pathology.
Did you ever have moments of doubt or thoughts that MCS might not be the right path for you? How did you overcome this?
I never really had moments of doubt about choosing Media and Communication Studies because, from the start, I felt it was the right path for me. When I considered the various directions I could take within the field, I realized how broad and versatile it is, and that made me feel confident in my choice. The potential to work in different industries and explore topics I’m passionate about reassured me that I was heading in the right direction. Instead of feeling uncertain, I embraced the excitement of all the opportunities MCS offers and stayed focused on growing my knowledge and skills.
Outside of your major, what are some things that make up your identity or that you are
proud of?
Outside of my major, there are a few things that really shape who I am. One of them is my love for traveling, exploring new places and cultures is something that brings me a lot of joy. I also enjoy capturing those experiences through a lens, whether it’s a picture or a video, as it allows me to share the world from my perspective. Additionally, I find fulfillment in helping others, and I hope that in the future, I can find a way to incorporate all of these passions into my career. Whether through media, communication, or community work, I’m excited to see how these interests come together.
What is one MCS project that you worked on that still sticks with you today and how could that manifest into something you can use in your career?
One MCS project that sticks with me is my senior capstone, which focuses on the representation of Latina women in media and how it impacts the perception of Latina women. This topic is especially meaningful to me because I see myself as a representation of Latina women, and working on this research feels deeply personal. It allows me to explore how media portrayal influences cultural perceptions and offers a chance to challenge stereotypes. This research could manifest into something impactful in my career by helping me contribute to more accurate and empowering representations of Latina women in media, whether through content creation, advocacy, or future projects aimed at social change.
Looking back, what were some of your favorite MCS classes? Favorite moments?
Looking back, my favorite MCS classes were MCS 222 and MCS 101. MCS 101 introduced me to media literacy, which I think is crucial in today’s world, especially with the rise of fake news. It really helped me develop the skills to critically analyze media messages. MCS 222 was equally impactful; it taught me everything I didn’t know about communication, from its theories to its practical applications. Both classes were foundational in shaping my understanding of the field and have had a lasting influence on my studies and perspective on media. They are definitely my top classes.
Do you think being an MCS major has helped you leave your comfort zone at times? When were those times and how did it affect you?
Yes, being an MCS major has definitely helped me step out of my comfort zone. I struggle with anxiety sometimes, and many of my classes required me to interact with others, which was challenging at first. However, these experiences have been incredibly beneficial in helping me improve my public speaking and interpersonal communication skills. It wasn’t always easy, but I’m grateful for the push because it has made me more confident in expressing myself and connecting with others. It’s one of the ways the MCS program has had a lasting positive impact on me.
What internship or career are you thinking about currently?
Right now, I’m considering teaching English abroad for a gap year. It would give me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and gain valuable teaching experience. After that, I plan to return and pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. I’m excited about this career path because it combines my interest in communication with my desire to help others, especially those who face challenges in their ability to communicate. It feels like a perfect next step after my time in the MCS program.
What would you say to incoming MCS majors?
To incoming MCS majors, I’d say embrace the journey ahead because this field is full of endless possibilities. Media and communication shape the world around us in profound ways, and as an MCS major, you have the power to influence how stories are told, how information is shared, and how society is shaped. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, whether it’s through public speaking, writing, or creating media because every challenge you face will help you grow. Stay curious, stay open-minded, and remember that the skills you’re learning aren’t just for a career, they're for making a real impact in the world. Trust the process, and you’ll find your voice in ways you never imagined.
By: Gwen Pacis
Photo Credit: Kendall Blunt
Let’s give Kendall Blunt a warm hello!
Kendall Blunt is a senior in the Media and Communication Studies (MCS) major also working on her certificate for the French language. Outside of all their work and academics, they crochet, produce art, relax with games like Stardew Valley, and binge TV.
However, pursuing MCS was not previously part of their path. Upon entering University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Kendall originally pursued a Global Studies major with a French minor. However, she felt that she could not connect with the major for a long time and swiftly realized that it was not for her. Amidst her need for change, Kendall was drawn to MCS because she was an avid media consumer. From her constant interaction with movies, shows, music, and social media, the major gave her a chance to broaden her view on many of these things. After much deliberation, she decided to change her major to MCS where it finally clicked with her love for media and allowed her to combine her creativity and logical thinking into one mode of communication.
Kendall’s pursuit within MCS so far has been fruitful. Currently for her MCS 499: Capstone Senior Seminar course, her capstone research paper focuses on YouTube facilitating digital grooming by its influencers while diving deep into the case study of Colleen Ballinger (Miranda Sings). When further reflecting on her time, Kendall noted that various parts of the major have aided her in her current endeavors as well.
For coursework, MCS 355: Social Media: Networking and Mobility and MCS 370: Internet Video Production were two classes fueled with enjoyment in their eyes. Both courses enabled Kendall to apply their skills to projects that directly relate to what they want to do in the future. Additionally, Kendall elaborates that MCS 355 has aided them in their current management in the UMBC Gameroom as a desk attendant and social media manager. More specifically, the class supplied them with skills and a deep understanding of how to appeal to certain demographics, do a social media audit, and make a successful social media campaign. This led to them effectively creating, curating, and organizing content and data for the UMBC Gameroom’s Instagram and webpage.
However, by far, Kendall’s favorite part of MCS is the professors. Two professors she notes that she holds in high regard are Dr. Loviglio and Professor Anchor. For Dr. Loviglio, she appreciates how he brings immense joy to the subjects he teaches and how much he deeply cares for his students. For Professor Anchor, Kendall voices how she is a huge reason why her current product and content creation skills have grown throughout her time at UMBC. Similarly, each professor had extended helping hands in substantial ways. A moment Kendall recalls from Dr. Loviglio was when he reached out to ask how she was doing while she was bearing through tough personal problems. Likewise with Professor Anchor – Kendall notes how quick she is to give a helping hand with encouragement or tips when struggling with a certain concept or tool.
For those who pursue MCS in the future, Kendall advises future students to choose electives that cater to what they want to do with their careers!
“The time I have spent in Public Relations class, Social Media class, and Internet Video Production are invaluable compared to the time I spent in other classes.”
After a long journey, Kendall plans to graduate in Spring 2025. Right now, their definite path after obtaining their MCS degree and French language certificate is uncertain. However, their sights are focused on the general field of marketing – whether it be social media management, brand management, or public relations (PR). As the time draws closer to departing from UMBC, Kendall conveys that what they will miss the most about the university is the sense of community and enthusiasm around all things media with the MCS department. This goes further to their peers – Kendall will miss the diversity and intelligence those within the major shared, especially their aid and friendship within shared courses.
By: Anna Mishonova
Photo Credit: Amanda Winters
What do you miss the most about MCS and UMBC?
The major itself! This was the turning point of the media going from print and television to digital, and we experienced the shift in real time. Dr. Snyder and Dr. Loviglio were truly the most supportive advisors to have in school and they provided all the encouragement I needed throughout my time at UMBC. Also, having a great group of friends going through the same MCS classes together from the beginning through graduation. You always had someone to lean on.
What was your path like at MCS? Was it straightforward or complicated? Did you transfer or have all semesters at UMBC?
I started freshman year as undecided. I had no idea what to major in, if I’m honest, and I went in hoping I would figure it out. I thought about doing the INDS program with a focus on music marketing. Working for a record label always seemed exciting—being behind the scenes fascinated me. Now that I think about it, I think that is how I was introduced to the MCS program. I had met with a counselor about creating an INDS track, and they suggested I look at a couple of the introductory MCS courses. From there, my interest in journalism grew, and I added that as a minor. By sophomore year I had less of the required/generic courses to complete and was able to focus on my newly decided programs.
What were your favorite experiences on campus? What were your favorite and least favorite classes?
My least favorites were easily the required/generic courses you need to complete when starting college. The math and history filler courses especially. God, I could fall asleep just thinking about them. My grades the first year and half weren’t great because I was so bored by the required classes and could not pay attention.
My favorite classes, ironically, ended up being some of my best ones. My grades did a complete 180 once I was able to choose classes I was interested in. Television production with Professor Shrewbridge; Baltimore in film with Dr. Moffitt; News writing with Professor Corbett; all the MCS classes with Drs. Snyder and Loviglio; Rock & Roll music history; and tennis! Our tennis teacher was hilarious. I can’t remember his name, but he made an early morning winter semester class very enjoyable.
Did you have to write your own Capstone project? If yes, do you remember the topic? Did you enjoy the process?
I won’t lie to you – I don't remember. I’m sure I did, and it may have been over 20 pages long. I specifically remember one project being that long. I’d say 90% of my classes at that time revolved around writing papers and I was cranking them out by the dozens. Ten years later and I have NO recollection of what papers I did!!
What are your favorite places on campus?
Back in my day, we got (maybe) the best place on campus… the combo Chick-fil-A Starbucks! It was such an exciting day and was really the best option to kick back and grab a snack. So that has to be one of my favorite places. I also love the pond around the library. When I would get out of class early and walk down the path, heading back to my dorm, it was always so scenic and quiet around there.
What skills did you learn from MCS? Are they useful now?
Examining the media; video editing software; communication and writing skills, to name a few. I use all of these on a regular basis. MCS set the foundation for what I do now. While I’m in the Communications field, my job bounces around from public relations to event planning to researching to interviewing to…. You name it. I really appreciate Dr. Snyder and Dr. Loviglio for providing the variety of classes they did, when the major was still significantly new!
What did you wish the campus had more of when you were a student?
Events! We had Quadmania and the amusement rides; the bonfire; and the occasional performer, and these were all great. But some smaller campus-wide events would have been great. Most of the “small” events were geared towards specific majors or interests, and not something to attract the campus as a whole.
Were you employed on campus? If yes, then where? Did you like it?
I wasn’t employed on campus, but I was President of the Media and Communications Council of Majors. We held meetings for students looking to get involved and also planned a campus-wide event with some industry experts from the print media world. I had three internships during college (off campus) and also worked summers at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Do you keep connections with any people from your class? Is it easy or hard to keep them?
I made a few good friends from my Media & Communications classes! I stayed in touch with most of them for about a decade. Social media has made it equally easy to keep/lose friends, I think. You can always see what people are up to, but is that really considered friendship?
Are there any personal/work projects you are currently working on or excited about?
My husband and I live in my grandparents’ house. When we moved in in 2015, we renovated the kitchen and bathrooms. During COVID, we finished the basement into a bar and additional living space. Now we are working on an addition that was added in the 70s. It is a complete gut job—everything has been ripped out. This should take a few months! We did 90% of the previous renovations by ourselves. This time we are bringing in some professionals to help.
What do you like to do in your free time?
You mean besides sleep? Mid 30’s are hitting hard and I need all the sleep I can get! Besides that, my love of concerts has been going strong since my teenage years. I should be seeing The Killers, The Struts, and hopefully Glass Animals this summer. My husband and I also love traveling—domestically and internationally!
Do you have any fun plans for this summer?
We’re going to Vegas in August to see The Killers! Hot Fuss reunion show! We may head to Banff, Canada, after that. I’m also planning plenty of beach time for some rest and relaxation.
Stephanie Marceron graduated from UMBC with a MCS degree in the Fall ‘23 semester, and has since become the Chanel boutique manager at Ulta, where she has worked since starting there in 2021. Stephanie worked on the media campaign production team for MCS last semester, and spoke highly of the MCS department. She recommended using the valuable resources available in the MCS department as well as the resourceful and helpful professors.
“The professors were so encouraging and supportive throughout my time at UMBC. It always felt like Dr.Snyder and Dr.Loviglio, in particular, were in my corner as I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my Capstone and then what I wanted to specialize in with my degree. Through their guidance, I developed a project that became the pride of my academic career that I will be putting forth for publication in August.”
When asked about some of her favorite experiences, she told me about a fantastic experience where media and entertainment intersect in a fun way.
“Honestly, I think my favorite memory is when I was giving my presentation for my capstone, and I warned everybody that I would be showing clips from horror films because my paper was all about the use of sound in horror media, and just saw the look of disgust and discomfort on my classmates faces when I showed them the chest-burster scene from alien it was amusing to me because I knew that the sound was getting to them, and I did the same thing with a specific sequence from dead space, the game.”
Stephanie has gone on from UMBC to gain promotion and success in her career by rising the ranks to manage her own Chanel Boutique for Ulta, while also getting to cement her academic work into publication which will be ready later this Fall. She is a great example of the shining talent at UMBC that grows in MCS and goes on to change the world for the better both as a person and as a community.
By Anasia Mickle
Internships are like stepping stones for career growth. They give students real-world experience, help them learn practical skills, and build professional connections. Let's dive into why internships are so important for shaping careers and how teachers can help students make the most of them.
A Teacher's Perspective-
Dr. Snyder says, "Internships give you experience, they give you a network contact, multiple network contacts. You can use that internship experience to make some, and build upon network connections, which are extremely valuable for when you do go on your job search." Teachers like Dr. Snyder don't only teach in the classroom; they also help students find internships by giving them advice on where to look, by sending internship opportunities through mass emails, or teaching classes on how to improve their resumes and cover letters, and how to prepare for interviews. Throughout the internship search teachers offer support and feedback, guiding students through challenges and celebrating their successes.
Student Experiences -
Melanie says internships are important so, “Get to know your professors well and don’t be afraid to ask them for advice because it may lead you down the perfect road to find your passion.” She was a communications intern for our own Retriever athletics program!
Scherrie was accepted to intern for UMBC Interdisciplinary CoLab: FindingBlackGirhood: A Digital Archive. Throughout her internship she will work with a team to create and present a beta version of the site that will contribute to creating an innovative archive of freedom. The website will include an Introduction that considers the intersections of Black girlhood and film, film descriptions, and analytical essays on each film. She says, Through internships, “I’m allowing my passion to grow and as I learn”
Finding the Right Fit: Tips for Students
If you're looking for an internship, here are some tips:
Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute. Start looking and applying for internships early.
Use Resources: Talk to your teachers, use career services, and go to networking events to find the right internship for you.
Customize Applications: Make sure your resume and cover letter fit each internship you apply for. Show how your skills and goals match exactly what they're looking for.
Internships are like bridges that connect students to their future careers. They help students grow personally and professionally, giving them a taste of what's to come. With support from teachers and peers, students can make the most of their internship experiences and set themselves up for success in their careers.
If you need more help, check out these resources:
Career Center:https://careers.umbc.edu/
MCS Internship website: https://mcs.umbc.edu/internships/
Email for more information: internships@umbc.edu.
Good luck on your internship journey!
By: Parker Vogel
Photo Credit: Lauren Moxley
Lauren Moxley is a junior in the Media and Communication Studies program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and pursuing a minor in Political Science
Lauren chose UMBC versus her other option, University of Maryland (UMD), primarily because of the campus size; she opted for the circular, tight-knit spacing that encompasses all of the UMBC buildings over the potential difficult commutes, 20-minute walks to classes, and bus rides around the campus’s college town at UMD. Following that choice, Lauren’s decision of a major and ultimately the MCS degree first began with English before a quick search online brought her to seeing public relations as a job on the rise. She saw herself in that role or some form of social media, marketing, or branding, and MCS was simply the best fit; after starting, she was surprised how enjoyable the varying aspects of the major were, and didn’t know how something like UMBC’s videography and podcasting classes would go (especially when considering how much different editing softwares would come into use), but found them to be a unique balance and outlet for creativity as opposed to core and GED courses. She remarks that UMBC provides so much under the umbrella of MCS, and that alone gives the learning opportunities about paths available to MCS students outside of marketing or public relations.
On campus, Lauren has been and is involved in many organizations, including the Tennis Club as their social media manager for the fall of 2022 and the spring of 2023, The Retriever as their current social media manager, UMBC’s sports broadcasting for the fall and winter of 2023, the Political Science Council of Majors constructing some Instagram posts, and a book club! Not only that, but Lauren’s intern experience has also brought her on campus into the Department of Professional Programs, acting as a communications intern where she writes posts for their blog consisting of graduate student tips, encouraging applications to UMBC’s graduate program, and providing information on current events at UMBC. Lauren also transcribes podcasts, creates Instagram content that highlights students and staff through the university’s graduate program, and provides focus on outstanding industries that align with the presently available programs.
Lauren’s other working opportunities include iHeart Radio, where she was able to help with promotional work for a few events per month. One of the events was a contest promotion at a boat show, but the largest event Lauren worked was the Jingle Bell Ball in the winter of 2023, working the meet and greet with the iHeart Radio hosts before being allowed to see NCT Dream and Flo Rida right at the side of the stage. She also briefly met Kendall of Big Time Rush in passing!
Lauren describes her experience as supportive; it might seem overwhelming as a freshman coming into the university, but not knowing where to start is natural and UMBC has so many networking and experience opportunities available - many times right on its doorstep. She encourages prospective and new students to meet with professors and discover their background and ask who they have connections with. MCS 144’s course really sets a tone and understanding of what to do to find professional opportunities and manage yourself in a professional way, and encourages the exploration of any internship because it will ultimately teach you your likes and dislikes while giving you practical experience. For example, Lauren cites thoroughly enjoying her current role with the Department of Professional Programs, and realized that the broadcasting work she did wasn’t fully the correct fit.
Looking into the future, Lauren has an internship lined up for the summer of 2024 at Underwriters Laboratories, a national safety organization located in Washington, D.C. that helps to manage fire safety. Her role will consist of heavy public relations work, gathering pertinent information from scientists in the lab and relaying it to the public. She truly loves to write, and sees her work continuing in that way. Her realistic goal for a career is internal communications and public relations work at a company, but she finds her dream to be running social media for a touring musician.