Department of Communication Celebrates Success

With communication courses such as media writing, journalism, interpersonal communication, public speaking, and crisis communication, graduates gain skills that employers value. With a well-rounded liberal arts education, communication majors are not only prepared to pursue a professional career, they are also prepared to be critical thinkers and ethical leaders. Here are just a few stories of what our recent communication graduates are doing:

 

Samantha Barbato, C’18, is the communications coordinator for the Washington Kastles, a professional World Team Tennis organization in Washington, D.C., that includes well-known athletes such as Venus Williams on its roster! Samantha writes articles on the Kastles’ players and team. She manages the website and produces content for social media. She also supports the team with marketing and advertisement. Samantha said, “I see the benefits of my education at the Mount every day at work. At the Mount, my professors prepared me for just about anything that is thrown at me. I feel confident with all of my work.” Samantha also gained valuable experience while at the Mount working as a sports journalist for both the Mountain Echo and the Emmitsburg News Journal.

 

Lauren Sprankle, C’17, is the social media & event coordinator for Greenberg Gibbons Commercial, a commercial real estate company. She is involved in event planning and execution. Lauren also manages the social media accounts. While at the Mount, Lauren was an intern in the President’s Office. “As an intern in the President’s Office, I learned how to organize my work, execute events, and communicate with others,” Lauren noted. “I absolutely loved being in the communication program. The professors truly care about you. I still use things I learned in communication classes in my professional and personal life.”

 

Patrick Bogan, C’16, works as an account executive for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets! He handles the seats, suites, and the fan experience for Barclays Center. At the Mount, Patrick particularly valued the small class size and personal attention from the professors, the public speaking classes and projects that helped him to learn to communicate effectively in groups, one-on-one and with alumni. Patrick recounted, “Dr. Pratibha Kumar would bring in recent graduates to speak to the communication majors. They would tell us about their current roles, and give advice about looking for a job and what to expect. It was great hearing from them.”

 

Jessica Hurtt, C’17, works for The George Washington University Graduate School of Education & Human Development as an admissions counselor. She is also enrolled at GWU in the graduate program for higher education administration. “The communication program prepared me to read critically, write with a purpose, and speak articulately. The interpersonal and intercultural skills I gained while at the Mount helps me work in a culturally diverse university,” Jessica said. "Not a day goes by when I do not think about the Mount and the fond memories, especially with the Communication Department faculty members. I remember how blessed I was to receive personalized attention and support for four years of college.”

Kelly K. Smith, C’17, is the events manager at Catoctin Breeze Vineyard in Thurmont, Maryland. In addition to planning events, Kelly processes wine shipments, writes and produces a newsletter, and books vendors and live musicians. Kelly reflected, “The Mount helped me focus on the importance of communication. Communication is key to every career or relationship one may pursue.” As a Division I athlete at the Mount, Kelly was able to both learn and practice time management.

 

One of the most common responses given by graduates who are asked what they appreciated most about their time at the Mount is their appreciation for the individual attention they received from their professors. Individual attention is a quality of not only well-managed class sizes, but also a result of the value the Mount gives to every student. The quality of recognizing the value of every individual is something that is passed on to the students as they pursue their careers. The Communication Program equips students with not only practical communication skills but also the human skills they need for success.