Throughout the spring semester, a team of 10 Communication students participated in the COMMRC Connect internship program—a semester-long opportunity created to strengthen connections between students, faculty, and the wider university community. Interns worked together on projects centered around the department's internal and external communication. From producing a monthly newsletter to organizing alumni networking events, interns were given the chance to apply concepts they learn in their courses to real-world projects.
As the semester comes to an end, interns took the time to share some of their favorite experiences in the program. From building a deeper sense of community within the department to gaining hands-on experience that helped solidify future career goals, each student walked away with meaningful takeaways and a renewed enthusiasm for the field of communication.
Savannah Anderson: Newsletter Editor
Savannah Anderson, a senior majoring in Communication and Rhetoric with minors in History and Sociology, served as the Newsletter Editor for COMMRC Connect from Fall 2024 through Spring 2025. She enjoyed developing new skills that aligned with her major. “COMMRC Connect has helped me learn what I like and dislike in regard to communication, helping me decide what path I want to continue on after graduation,” Anderson said.
Madison Bozik: Opportunities Editor
Madison Bozik, a junior majoring in Communication & Rhetoric with a minor in Film and Media Studies, worked as the Opportunities Editor for COMMRC Connect during the Spring 2025 semester. The internship helped her learn more about real-world communication working environments. “Before starting the internship, I was unsure about what path I wanted to take, Bozik said, “but learning new skills and working together with other interns has led me to be the most interesting in advertising and marketing.”
Katelyn Giraldo: Undergraduate Outreach Coordinator
Katelyn Giraldo, a junior studying Psychology and Communication & Rhetoric, served as the Undergraduate Outreach Coordinator for Spring 2025. She valued the opportunity to deepen her sense of connection to the department. “COMMRC Connect has not only broadened my perspective on the diverse experiences and goals within the department, but also helped me feel more integrated into the community,” Giraldo said. “I've had the chance to engage with professors outside of the classroom setting, which has made them feel more approachable and supportive.”
Kamani Kegler: Alumni Outreach Coordinator
Kamani Kegler, a sophomore majoring in Communication & Rhetoric with a minor in Creative Writing, served as Alumni Outreach Coordinator for COMMRC Connect in Spring 2025. The role helped her realize that a degree in Communication can unlock countless career possibilities. “Working as an Alumni Outreach Coordinator, I have been able to strengthen my passion for connection by working with people in positions I aspire to hold one day,” Kegler said. “The internship as a whole has shown me that the communication field is vast and expansive and there are many professional avenues for those who are willing to explore them.”
DJ Kreiss: Social Media Strategist
DJ Kreiss, a senior majoring in Political Science and Communication & Rhetoric, worked as the Social Media Strategist for COMMRC Connect throughout Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. They appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with peers towards a shared goal. “I have felt more connected to this major than ever before, working closely with students pursuing diverse fields of study with a shared passion for Communication,” Kreiss said. “COMMRC Connect has given me more professional experience working on a team with a shared mission, and has given me firsthand insight into the impact of our external communication on our audience.”
Liv Paoletti: Event Coordinator
Liv Paoletti, a senior majoring in Italian Studies and pursuing the Global Distinction Certificate, served as the Event Coordinator Intern for COMMRC Connect in Spring 2025. The internship helped her become more confident in pursuing a career in the communications field. “I arrived at Pitt terrified of anything to do with communication. Once I took a class in the department, I was intrigued,” Paoletti said. “This internship has made me wish I had taken more courses in the Communication Department because of all the opportunities that are available in this field.” She also appreciated how as an intern, she and her fellow interns were treated as equals within the department. “As a part of COMMRC Connect, we were not treated as student interns. We were treated as equals and our opinions and suggestions were considered,” Paoletti added.
Annalina Powers: Graphics Designer
Annalina Powers, a sophomore majoring in Communication & Rhetoric and Law, Criminal Justice, and Society, was the Spring 2025 Graphics Designer for COMMRC Connect. The internship has helped her feel more connected to the department. “This internship has allowed me to strengthen existing relationships, meet new people, and create new relationships,” Powers said. Working on graphic design for the department also opened her eyes to the potential of using these skills in future career opportunities. “I have realized that I enjoy having a creative outlet and integrating my ideas into graphics that represent the university. This has prompted me to think about a future in graphic design, event planning, or marketing,” Powers said.
Ava Probst: Visuals Designer
Ava Probst, a senior majoring in Media and Professional Communications, participated in the COMMRC Connect Internship as the Visuals Designer in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Her favorite part of the program was the friendships and relationships she made. “I’ve really enjoyed being able to collaborate with such a talented and driven group of peers while working on meaningful projects that directly support the department,” Probst said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our ideas come to life and know that our work is having a real impact within the department and for the students.”
Marcus Washington: Project Manager
Marcus Washington, a senior majoring in Communication & Rhetoric with a minor in Economics, worked as the COMMRC Connect Project Manager for Spring 2025. The internship helped him gain a better sense of the kind of professional opportunities he wants to pursue after graduation. “The internship has given me a better idea of what I want to do in my post-graduate years. Before joining COMMRC Connect, I was not sure which career path to take and needed help narrowing down positions that best fit my interests,” Washington said. “The learning, growth, and professional connections I’ve made this semester have helped me realize that I want to get into project management and organizational communication.”
Mollie Young: News Producer
Mollie Young, a sophomore double majoring in Communication & Rhetoric and Public & Professional Writing with an International Studies co-major, served as the News Production Intern for COMMRC Connect in Spring 2025. Her favorite part of the internship was increasing department visibility through feature-style stories. “When I stepped into my role in January, my goal was to strengthen the connection between the department and its undergraduate students. I’ve achieved this by creating undergraduate feature stories for the website,” Young said. “This opportunity allowed me to meet more people in the department and hone my public relations writing skills.”