Communication News

It's not too surprising to see how many Business Communication majors are currently working in the nonprofit sector after graduation. The benefits of such a job are many, including trust in the leadership of the organization, the feeling of being valued,  treatment like a person with worth and ability, and the chance to be creative while wearing a variety of hats. Let's take a look at a few of the nonprofits where our grads are working.

Lauren Humphries - LUNGevity Foundation, community engagement
Lauren Novsak - Business Volunteers Maryland, nonprofit service coordinator
Rachel Guzman Ricketts-Uy - American Heart Association, director of development, Heart Walk
Samantha Hauf Vehslage - Towson State University, marketing and communication
Nick Farano - Prevention of Blindness Society, development and marketing
Alyssa Dahle - Stevenson University, communication enrollment management
Katie Peterson Welsh - Community College of Baltimore County, student life
Mimi Bory Tinkler - University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, Foundation
Michelle Larkin - Rollins College, integrated marketing
Rachel Reid - Calhoun State Community College, work-based learning
Hannah Rill Sturgill - Carroll Hospital, development and annual funds
Katie Amos Remenapp - American Heart Association, development
Maura Kovalcik Winebrenner - Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, brand marketing
Megan McSwain - Baltimore Area Heritage Association, outreach
Chrissy Fabiszak Hoffman - Community College of Baltimore County, office of the campus director
Lori Elgert Fabiano - St. Agnes Hospital, human resources
Emily Rosenthal Alster - St. John Catholic Parish and School, communications

 

Business Communication senior Krystal Alexis had a starring role in the latest Career Mentoring video from the Career Connection office. The program brings potential mentors to campus, linking them with students searching for guidance from an established professional. Students and mentors alike explained the value of the program in this video. You can see the entire video here.

A personal, handwritten "thank you" note can be the difference between getting the internship or job -- and being left without one. Students in either of the communication majors need to understand the importance of follow-up gratitude expressed immediately and personally.

A short, handwritten note sets you apart from your competition. It shows that you took the time to express your gratitude, look for an address, find a stamp, and send off a note. You demonstrate your thoughtfulness and appreciation to someone who took the time to interview, chat with, or mentor you. Being professional, in fact, includes showing your gratitude.

Other good advice includes making sure you send the note immediately, no more than a day or two after the meeting or exchange. In order to make it easier on yourself, purchase some correspondence cards on which you can write three simple sentences of thanks. In fact, your department has a stock of these cards and envelopes free to anyone who would like to send one!

Remember that every professional interaction you have with someone is critical -- and a personal thank you note becomes even more essential in this world of email and cybercommunication.

Some of the Business Communication interns participated actively in the traditional School of Design internship showcase on Friday, April 24 -- this year as an online Zoom presentation! Internship coordinator Sonya Lawyer put together a panel of student presenters joined by some internship site supervisors who all offered advice and insights, and then answered questions remotely. An audience of over 100 students and faculty had joined the Zoom conference, according to Lawyer, and  the 90-minute event was a great success!