Lily Peters, a junior media and professional communications major, has always been a storyteller.
“I was the girl who was always writing in a journal,” Peters said. “I have loved writing for such a long time and so that’s why I ultimately decided to major in communications at Pitt. I knew that being a communications major would provide me with so many different opportunities and different ways to story tell.”
In her past two and half years at Pitt, Peters has found a particular passion for storytelling within the world of sports.
“I think sports is an interesting perspective of the storytelling realm,” Peters said. “I love finding the little nuggets of stories in sports games, events, or within teams. Between sports journalism, social media public relations, and broadcasting I have gotten to explore my passion for storytelling, and my communications studies allow that all to happen.”
Throughout her time as a student, Peters has had the opportunity to put her studies to practice in a variety of communications related internships and experiences. Through the university, she has worked with the Pitt News, Pitt Athletics, and Pitt Studios via the Atlantic Coast Conference, through which she has gained sports writing, reporting, and broadcasting skills. These university affiliated positions helped her secure internships with both the Pittsburgh Steelers in her freshman year, and currently the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Reflecting on these experiences, Peters noted her time with the Steelers as one very special to her and her journey into sports media.
“I came into college with the goal in mind to work with the Pittsburgh Steelers at some point in my four years, I didn’t realize it would end up happening a month into my college career,” Peters said. “I started working with Pitt Athletics in my freshman year, and through that role I was recommended to work with the Steelers within their public relations team.”
Within this role Peters was able to work first hand with the Steelers team in numerous roles that helped her gain exposure to social media, news, and press relations.
“My favorite project to work on for the Steelers was the last time that they played the Green Bay Packers, which has always been my favorite team,” Peters said. “I got to cover all of the Packers content from a PR standpoint, so I got to transcribe interviews, go to their press conference, and visit the locker room postgame, which was really cool for me.”
Peters credits the Pitt Communications Department and Pitt Athletics for assisting her in obtaining these opportunities, and urges students to take advantage of these same resources to get more involved themselves.
“Pitt itself is such a big school and they love undergraduates who want to get more involved,” Peters said. “Whether it be through the Communications Department itself, Pitt Athletics, or any Pitt department really, it’s always worth reaching out and seeing what opportunities are available.”
Peters’ biggest piece of advice to undergraduates seeking opportunities, however, is to always keep an open mind.
“Always say yes, even if it’s an opportunity that you’re not so sure of you never know what it will lead you to, especially in our industry because people know everyone, it could open doors for you that you wouldn’t even know,” Peters said. I have said yes to everything that has come my way and it’s been really rewarding.”