Alumni Guide School of Communication and Journalism Students in Mentor Series

As students begin to imagine their career paths, the road ahead can feel uncertain. For School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) students, entering a field with an ever-changing landscape adds another layer of complexity as they try to understand what they want to do and how to get there. Networking, mentorship and experiential learning can make that process less daunting. 

That question — how do students build those connections? — has been top of mind for Madeline Rosenberg, MA ’25, senior career coach for the School of Communication and Journalism. “I’ve seen how some of our alumni help with other initiatives throughout the year,” Rosenberg said. “I wanted to build on that alumni integration and how they can help support students with necessary skill-building specific to the industry.” The result was an alumni‑led workshop series developed by Rosenberg in partnership with SoCJ, designed to connect students with alumni working across journalism, media and communications.

The five‑part series gave students direct access to industry professionals through hands‑on, skill‑based workshops focused on career readiness, experiential learning and professional mentorship. Rosenberg works closely with students throughout the year, giving her a clear sense of what they’re seeking as they explore the field. She also regularly connects with alumni to learn where their careers have taken them, what roles exist and what skills they wish they had learned earlier. “I also looked at what’s offered in the curriculum and wanted our workshops to be additional practice opportunities, as well as ones that were supplemental in nature,” she explained.

“Our alumni created space for students to practice the essential skills they need to enter the field and be competitive in the workplace,” said Associate Vice President for Career Readiness & Experiential Education Marianna Savoca, PhD. “At the same time, the connections, networking and advice all help build confidence and career readiness.”

The series opened with a workshop on content creation. Julia Heming ’23, community relations coordinator at Mondays Cancer Care, walked students through developing ideas and shaping narratives that resonate across platforms — skills she began building at Stony Brook. Her education, she said, gave her “the confidence to walk into a room and know I belong there.”

Students then shifted their focus to bringing conversations to life. “Interviewing is one of my favorite things to talk about, because it’s about finding ways to communicate and connect with people,” said Arielle Dollinger ’13, staff reporter and writer at Newsday. “Engaging with students who are hopeful about the field reinvigorates my own excitement about what I get to do every day.”

Kerry Quinn ’22, a social media account manager at Grub Studios, and Kunal Kohli ’18, a communication specialist at Rubenstein Communications, gave students a look at two essential areas of modern media work. Quinn’s session focused on building effective social media strategies and understanding the dynamics behind successful partnerships. Kohli introduced students to the fundamentals of studio production, including workflows, equipment basics and collaboration. Together, their workshops helped students understand both the front‑end strategy and behind‑the‑scenes execution that shape today’s media landscape.

Closing out the series, Karina Gerry ’20, a multimedia journalist at News 12 Brooklyn and The Bronx, and Georgia Galanoudis ’88, principal owner of GA Marcom Consulting, led a workshop on representing your work, helping students think about how to present their skills with confidence. “Working with students as they prepare for their journey out into the real world reminded me not to take my career for granted,” said Gerry. 

Galanoudis drew on the experience she gained through Stony Brook’s theater program and how those early lessons continue to shape her work. Returning to campus, she said, was “a treat,” as she watched students absorb practical strategies for elevating their personal brands and saw how even small insights could “unlock a whole new way of thinking.”

Students who completed the workshop program requirements earned a professional development certificate of completion in media and storytelling skills — a recognition separate from their formal coursework that highlights both their commitment and the work they produced along the way. Each session asked them to apply what they were learning in real time, including drafting narratives, building portfolios, practicing interviews, shaping content and refining their professional presence. “This wasn’t a required class,” said Rosenberg. “The 21 students who earned certificates chose to invest in themselves, and it really showed during the workshops.” 

According to SoCJ Assistant Professor Musa al‑Gharbi, PhD, the series is a “win‑win‑win” that helps students build in‑demand skills, strengthens alumni ties and deepens the school’s connection to its graduates. “Alumni get a path to remain involved with their alma mater, and in some cases, gain access to promising new talent,” he added. Students have already shared ideas for future sessions, including broadcast script writing, sports communication, brand marketing, accessible video editing and expanded workshops on personal branding and portfolio development.

“This series offered a meaningful way for alumni to give back to the university where they got their start,” said Michael Gaudio, associate director of career development in the Stony Brook University Career Center. “For many, it feels like coming home — especially with faculty attending sessions to see former students mentor their current students. I’ve been genuinely impressed by the thought, care and intention the alumni poured into designing their workshops and by how wholeheartedly they supported and engaged with our students.” As new studio spaces come online and more alumni express interest in participating, the program is set to expand — offering students richer opportunities to learn and providing alumni with meaningful ways to stay connected, mentor emerging talent and help shape the future of the field. 

The Fall 2026 series begins on October 5. Please contact Madeline Rosenberg for more information.

– Christine McGrath