2021 graduate portraits

First Destination: Class of 2021

The job search leading up to and after graduation can be a stressful and exciting time. School of Media and Journalism graduates from the Class of 2021 share their reflections and next steps post-graduation.

 

Jenna Borthwick

Jenna Borthwick

Major: Journalism
Next Destination: Associate Producer at News 5/WEWS Cleveland

"Shout out to my professors for preparing me for this next step!"

"I loved being involved in Kent State's television station, TV2. I served as the station's news director, made amazing friends, and even interviewed Jerry Springer! I also had the best time studying abroad in Florence, Italy during the fall 2019 semester. I volunteered to teach English and traveled to eight different countries and over 20 cities!  ... Shout out to my professors, student media and my internships for preparing me for this next step!"

Linden Miller

Linden Miller

Major: Public Relations
Next Destination: Marketing Manager, Providence House (Cleveland)

"It feels surreal to have been offered a position with such a meaningful organization"

"When I chose to go into public relations, all of the Kent State public relations faculty were always willing to answer my questions and ensure that I was understanding course material... I have always wanted to work in a nonprofit setting and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity (at Providence House). It feels surreal to have been offered a position with such a meaningful organization.Thank you to all KSU faculty who have helped me in my job search and connected me with so many great resources!" 

Katie Null

Katie Null

Major: Public Relations
Next Destination: Collegiate Development Consultant, Delta Gamma

"My Kent State experience was nothing short of amazing!"

"My Kent State experience was nothing short of amazing! ...  My work (after graduation) will involve aiding in the establishment a new Delta Gamma chapter and traveling to chapters across the country to better their Delta Gamma experience and chapter operations. I’m so excited to further build on my writing, marketing, and community relations skills through this position, and can’t wait to see where life takes me afterwards! "

Molly Heideman

Molly Heideman

Major: Journalism
Next Destination: Reporter at West Life Newspaper on Cleveland's West side

"Prepared me for my career in journalism in more ways than I could have imagined."

"Working at the Kent Stater since my sophomore year has prepared me for my career in journalism in more ways than I could have imagined. I met some of my closest friends and was able to learn so much about myself and how to be a better journalist. Susan Zake, our faculty advisor for the Stater, helped and challenged me to be better and I am so grateful for her guidance throughout my college experience." 

Melissa Meyers

Melissa Meyers

Major: Journalism
Next Destination: Multimedia Journalist at WBTW News 13 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

"The School of Media and Journalism here at Kent is like no other"

"(My favorite memory at Kent State is) my experience with TV2 News. I wouldn't be anywhere near the journalist I am today without it. I would like to thank Sue Zake and Gretchen Hoak for their guidance throughout my 4 years here. The School of Media and Journalism here at Kent is like no other and truly prepared me for the next steps in my career."

Ciana White

Ciana White

Major: Public Relations
Next Destination: Attending graduate school at American University (Washington, D.C.) to study political communication

"My favorite experience/ memory at Kent State has been studying abroad."

"My favorite experience/memory at Kent State has been studying abroad in Florence, Italy. There, I focused on intercultural communication and immersing myself within the Italian culture."

Alex Gray

Alex Gray

Major: Journalism
Next Destination: Producer-in-Residence at KGV Portland, Oregon

"I learned how to lead a team ... and I realized my passion for producing."

"During my time in Student Media, I was able to create a new entertainment show called The College Voice. I wanted to produce a show that mirrored what I was watching at the time: Daytime Television. I also wanted to allow space for student voices, students of color especially. Creating that show gave me the best memories of my college career. I learned how to lead a team, I made amazing friendships, and I realized my passion for producing."

Ellie Dundics

Ellie Dundics

Major: Public Relations, Emerging Media & Technology
Next Destination:  Media Relations Specialist at Propllr PR and Content Marketing (Chicago)

"Hiring managers are impressed with the combination of these two degrees."

"Just from my process interviewing to find my job after graduation, hiring managers and owners of the business I have applied for are extremely impressed with the combination of these two degrees. ... If I needed help with job searching, (my professors) never hesitated to help. ... With each struggle I went through, they were there to help me find an answer and I will cherish the lessons I learned, professionally and personally, they all taught me." 
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