What do you do in your current position?
I am the marketing coordinator for The Arc of Monmouth, a non-profit that serves over 1,600 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). I am the agency’s leader for the implementation of a multi-faceted print and digital marketing plan. My responsibilities include news release writing and media relations, social media management, website design and maintenance, graphic design, event planning and much more. As a non-profit communications professional, I wear many hats each day.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I love that my job helps people. I enjoy working with a positive and productive team to fulfill the agency’s mission – to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families. This position allows me to be a storyteller and find creative ways to connect with families, donors, volunteers and communities through many different platforms.
What made you choose journalism?
When I chose journalism as part of my double major, I simply loved to write and was a voracious reader of news. In four years as a journalism student at The College of New Jersey, I was able to write, edit and research at a professional level; I acquired the habit of writing nearly every single day. The variety of JPW courses and professors introduced me to invaluable new media skills in blogging, website development, audio/video production and more. My coursework and internships helped me to understand the inner workings of today’s newsroom and how to connect with reporters. As a public relations professional, it is important to know how to pitch content that busy reporters can’t say no to.
Tell us about the importance of getting involved in student media at TCNJ.
Getting involved in student media as an undergrad allows you to pad your portfolio, connect with mentors and build your confidence. All jobs are looking for well-rounded communications candidates that can “do-it-all” – and do it well. Being a part of a variety of student media organizations showcases your many talents and helps you learn.