Caroline is a senior studying Communication with concentrations in Public Relations and Journalism. At Marist, she is a student ambassador and a tour guide, as well as a student assistant in the Admissions office. She is an active member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, North Road Communications, and the Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honor Society, in addition to being a member of Marist’s Dance Ensemble. Caroline also helps lead the Transfer Student Advisory Board and serves as a peer mentor for incoming transfer students. Fun fact: she studied abroad in London for the spring 2018 semester!

What made you choose to transfer to Marist?

To be honest, it was the Communication Department. My old school wasn’t offering the curriculum or internship opportunities that I wanted, and Marist had everything I wanted and more! Throughout my time at Marist, I’ve been able to take classes directly related to my future career and have internships that have really helped me grow as a public relations professional. Also, applying to Marist as a transfer student was seamless, and the transfer admission counselors were able to answer all of my questions and made themselves very accessible throughout the application process. I really felt like they cared about my experience at Marist, and I felt welcome before I even set foot on campus.

Can you talk about your experience with the faculty within your academic school?

The faculty in the Communication Department is great, and I have been able to forge close, personal relationships with my professors both and in out of the classroom. All of my professors have had industry experience outside of teaching, so I’ve learned a lot from their personal stories from the workplace, which have helped shape my professional experience. Also, every professor is required to have at least five office hours a week, so I can drop by a professor’s office any time if I have any questions or concerns. I have also gone to my professors for personal advice, for example, whether or not to take an internship or to ask for alumni contacts for future opportunities. They have been incredibly helpful, and I’ve always felt comfortable going to my professors for any reason.

Can you give some tips to new transfer students to get acclimated to the campus? 

Get involved! Clubs and activities are the best way to meet new friends. The clubs and activities fair is held twice a year, during the first week of each semester. This is the perfect opportunity to see all of the clubs on campus and get to know some of the members. At the fair, you sign up with your email address and then you start getting emails from the club so you can get involved right from the start! I have made so many friends through the different clubs on campus, and I’m always meeting new people!

Please talk about your internship experience. 

I’ve been fortunate enough to have four internships throughout my time at Marist. My first internship was in summer 2017 working as a communications intern for VH1 Save the Music Foundation. I got to assist in event planning, social media, and newsletter writing. In spring 2018, I interned in London at a public relations firm, where I was able to learn more about the public relations field and apply all of the skills I’ve gained through my classes at Marist. Over the summer in 2018, I interned as a remote editorial intern for a small online fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine. I wrote two to three articles a week, and this really helped build my writing portfolio. Now, during my fall 2018 semester, I am interning at a public relations firm in New York City. All of my internships have complemented my academic experience at Marist and have helped me prepare for the professional workforce after graduation.

What advice would you give to prospective transfer students?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The transfer process may seem confusing and overwhelming, but Admissions is always ready to help and answer any questions you may have. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to students or faculty at Marist before coming here to get a well-rounded perspective of the Marist community.