Communications in Action: Utica College Students Visit NYCHA
In May 2000, I graduated from Utica College with a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations and journalism. Nineteen years later, students from my alma mater visited me at NYCHA to learn more about careers in the communications industry.
This past March, NYCHA was one of the first stops for the school’s “Communications in Action” class. During their weeklong stay in the city, the students visited UC alumni and other professionals working in the field at The Wall Street Journal, Ketchum, the New York Power Authority, Glamour, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Bergen Community College, and Madison Square Garden.
I hosted the 12 students and UC Professor of Public Relations and Management Patricia Swann at 250 Broadway. After discussing my experience working in public relations and communications at various New York non-profits and educational institutions, I presented background about NYCHA and a breakdown of the roles and work of the Department of Communications (DOC). DOC is responsible for developing and disseminating messaging about the Authority’s mission, programs, and long-term vision to multiple audiences, including the media, residents, employees, elected officials, and the public.
DOC colleagues Michael Corwin, Editorial Manager, and Remya Thomas, Digital Communications Manager, joined me to answer questions about our roles and work at NYCHA. The students were curious about our day-to-day work, networking, and other work-related topics.
UC junior Maria Montero Silva said NYCHA’s mission appeals to her in thinking about her future career: “I see myself working for a public medium or a non-governmental organization in the future. In fact, I considered the New York City Housing Authority…Working with different people, many of them of different cultures and nationalities, in order to help them access affordable housing sparks my interest as a foreigner myself.”
The students reported that they enjoyed learning about the fast-changing world of communications and how different organizations operate. “Visiting all the different businesses in New York City really opened my eyes to where I would like to end up with my career,” said Josie Sgarlata, class of 2020. “Having meetings with the alumni and communication professionals was the best opportunity that any public relations student could have. The experience had many benefits for seeking an internship and a future career, including advice on how to be successful along with understanding what everyone does and how they got there.”
