Star-Studded Comms Alumni Panel Shares Advice with Students
The University of Scranton’s Department of Communication and Media is celebrating its 50-year anniversary. Several alumni returned to campus Friday, Sept. 19, for a Careers in Communication panel at the PNC Auditorium inside the Loyola Science Center. From left: Emily Pallien ’16, associate director of pediatric vaccine marketing at Sanofi; Amiee Goldy ’18, PR and communication specialist at Social T Marketing and PR; Colleen Boyle ’20, multimedia designer at Leen Studios; Cory Burrell ’14, associate director of web services at Wilkes University; Kyle Gittleson ’12, events coordinator at Cravath, Swaine and Moore LLP; Mike Ondo ’97, director of professional scouting for the Philadelphia Phillies; Stephanie Conserette ’08, vice president, imaging digital portfolio strategy global imaging at GE Healthcare; Isabella Barberio ’23, social media specialist at Wilkes University; Kelly Nee ’23, community operations manager at Modern Elder Academy; and Stacy Smulowitz, Ph.D., Communication and Media Department chair at The University of Scranton.The University of Scranton’s Department of Communication and Media is celebrating 50 years of producing multimedia standouts who have achieved success in their various fields.
Nine of the department’s best and brightest — and most generous with sharing tips and tricks that led to success — returned to campus this month for a Careers in Communication panel, moderated by Stacy Smulowitz, department chair.
The nearly two-hour program engaged a packed house inside the Loyola Science Center’s PNC Auditorium, where panelists exchanged stories, ideas and advice, particularly relevant to those who will soon enter the workforce.
Colleen Boyle ’20, multimedia designer at Leen Studios, recalled a few years ago entering the job market during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a stressful time, she said.
“I think the best cure for anxiety is always action,” Boyle said. “If you find yourself nervous about what’s next, start taking small steps: build a portfolio, build a website, create content, make a YouTube channel. …
“Be your own best advocate and do a little something every day, just to feel like there is momentum. Because, at the end of the day, momentum is everything early in your career.”
Mike Ondo ’97, director of professional scouting for MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies, spoke about the importance of going beyond the classroom.
“Try to build your resume with hands-on practical experience as much as you can, so, when it is time to go out there, you have a feel for what’s going on,” Ondo said. “It’s going to change and things will be more intense (once you start working), but at least you’ll have that prior experience. That experience will go a long way in helping you.”
Kyle Gittleson ’12, events coordinator at Cravath, Swaine and Moore LLP, encouraged attendees to be flexible and open to opportunities.
"Work on your soft skills, be nice, work well on a team, be likable and friendly and polite, stick to the facts, have a firm handshake," Gittleson said. "All that basic stuff actually really helps to connect with recruiters and connect with your future boss who interviews you. And if they like you and bring you aboard, just work hard, be likable and you'll find yourself elevating up."
Stephanie Conserette ’08, vice president, imaging digital portfolio strategy global imaging at GE Healthcare, spoke from the perspective of a hiring manager.
Conserette highlighted the value of a well-written and well-crafted resume, saying facts, figures and anecdotes are the most valuable pieces of information one can share.
“When it comes to your resume, please don’t tell me what you did; tell me what impact you had,” Conserette said.
The event concluded with a special announcement that the University’s Department of Communication and Media has created a Hall of Fame. It plans to induct its first class in fall 2026. For more information and to submit a nominee, email Dr. Smulowitz at stacy.smulowitz@scranton.edu.
