CommArts Graduate Alumni Offer Tips for Program Success  

From left to right: Julie Golt, Sean Quinn, Hunter DeSimone, Angelina D'Angelo

On September 6, the Communication Research class, under the instruction of Assistant Professor Ruth Tsuria, Ph.D., was joined by previous alumni of the College of Communication and the Arts' graduate programs. Recent graduates — Angelina D'Angelo '20/M. A'22, Hunter DeSimone '19/M. A '21, Julie Golt, M.A '22 and Sean Quinn '14/M. A '19 — detailed the importance of taking time to establish a connection with faculty. They also encouraged utilizing multiple campus resources, such as the Writing Center, and making an appointment with Communications Librarian Mr. Shea at the Walsh Library. The alumni discussed their academic progress throughout the program as well as the skills they acquired through extensive, independent research.

Tsuria noted, "Seeing how successful alumni are in their various jobs and hearing them reflect on how the graduate programs have helped them advance their careers was really inspiring. It was also wonderful to have them give current students advice in a wholesome way: from research and citation tips to tips on mental health." Many students seemed to take away a more in-depth understanding of how to navigate their studies. One student, Sutherlyn Nichols, said, "I was really thankful for the opportunity to have a small panel of Seton Hall alumni come talk to us. They gave us great advice on how to navigate grad school in general, especially when it comes time for developing a thesis toward the end. Hearing how well the program prepared them for their careers was really encouraging and exciting!"
Much of their advice also hinged upon the necessity to always manage their time well and keep ahead of deadlines as well as becoming more acquainted with APA style writing. One graduate, Sean Quinn said, "I hope the advice we offered on the panel guides the students as they work on their Master's Project, and I pray they get as much out of the experience as I did."

Photos provided by Professor Ruth Tsuria

The alumni especially emphasized the importance of choosing a subject of close interest regarding thesis writing, a manageable topic one could contribute to while still able to add new perspective to the conversation. Quinn further stated, "Writing my thesis and presenting it to my peers was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I know it helped lead me to where I am in my career today." The recent graduates also made a of point of acknowledging the importance of personal well-being, noting the stressors of balancing graduate life as both a student and a worker.

The College of Communication and the Arts currently offers graduate-level programs in Museum Professions and Communications, with the opportunity to pursue specialty areas of study, including options in Public Relations, Digital Communication/Communication Technologies, and Communication in Organizations. In addition, four dual-degree options, including three accelerated M.A./B.A. programs and a dual M.B.A./M.A. degree with the School of Diplomacy and International Relation are offered.

For more information about Graduate Studies within the College of Communication and the Arts, please contact Dr. Ryan Hudes.

Categories: Education