Career & Professional Development
When deciding to study communications, I was unsure what to expect, and I did not know what I wanted to do with my degree after college. I chose communications media because I remember when my oldest brother, who was also a communications media major, would come home from IUP and show my mother and I the projects he had been working on. He has always been a huge influence in my life and I was always fascinated by the work he would bring home to present from college. When I attended IUP, I was exposed to various paths of communications media, but found where I belong in audio production. Taking audio production courses brought out a new side to me with so much more drive and confidence. I soon found myself getting involved on campus by joining WIUP-FM as part of our promotions and web staff. As my confidence continued to flourish, I became an on-air DJ, only to discover another passion in radio broadcasting.
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Without these experiences, I would not have been given the amazing opportunity to intern in Washington, D.C. as an audio/video intern with ADST through The Washington Center. Attending The Washington Center has been the most developmental experience I have gotten thus far. As a Washington Center intern, I not only had the opportunity to work for a new organization, but I also had to fulfill the requirements of two courses. My career readiness course in particular had a major impact on my career and professional development. During this course, I had to complete seven career development modules, two informational interviews, a capstone reflection, and an e-portfolio.
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The career development modules were very educational and had a lot of developmental value, covering a range of topics such as salary negotiation, personal budgeting, decoding the workplace, and many more. These modules contained information on skills that I have not had much exposure to before and will be very valuable when entering the professional business world. I was also assigned to complete two informational interviews, which gave me the opportunity to interview two professionals in communications. This allowed me to get more insight to what it is like to work within the communications field and get pointers from real professionals.
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The Washington Center provided me with a summer full of making professional connections and glimpses into what it will be like to enter the communications field. This internship has given me the confidence and the skills that I need to succeed throughout the rest of my college and professional careers.
