By Brian Halstead
If there is one thing I’ve learned from being in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications for three years, it is that they set their students up for success. They provide an endless list of resources for their students, but it is up to you to take advantage of them. Below is a list of a few of the many resources that a student of the College of Communications can utilize to better themselves both personally and professionally.
Clubs and Organizations
You always hear that clubs and organizations are the best way to get involved on campus, but it really is true. The clubs here are not something to just slap on your resume; they truly make your college experience better. They are fantastic outlets to gain real-world experience and expose yourself to the working world of communications in ways that are just not possible in the classroom. Through joining communications-related organizations, I have met my best friends and was given the opportunity to expand my network with some of the most talented and dedicated students. The college hosts an involvement fair each semester where you can learn about each organization and learn how to join. Most of them have social media pages too where they post all of the information about how to join and what they do. You never know where your peers will be in the future, so making connections in college is vital!
Office of Internships and Career Placement
Penn State ranks #5 for best schools for internships, per The Princeton Review, 2024, and the Bellisario College’s Office of Internships and Career Placement lives up to that. The office offers a welcoming environment where any question about your career is welcomed and encouraged. You can schedule an appointment with Bob Martin or Julie Miller, our career advisors, for resume and cover letter help and to search for internships. This is a huge asset because they have lots of connections and can help you find the internship that you’ve always wanted.
Bellisario Media Center
This newly renovated space in the Willard Building offers a place where any communications students can study, collaborate, and be creative. With a convenient campus location, study rooms, and equipment rental, the Media Center is the home of all communications students.
Trips and Career Exploration Experiences
Some of my favorite memories at Penn State are from attending the many trips Bellisario plans. Besides the classic “COMM Careers in the Capital” and “Success in the City,” there are also for-credit opportunities to visit Hollywood, New York City, and travel abroad. These are amazing ways for you to see the world of communications outside of Penn State where you can network with Penn State alumni and other industry professionals, see their work environment, and more.
As a communications student, it’s very important that you get involved as much as you can from the beginning. In this field, the earlier, the better! It is no surprise that the resources the Bellisario College provides are plentiful. Taking advantage of these resources is one of the best things you as a student can do during your time here, and you will definitely be grateful once you land that dream job. Don’t let these opportunities go to waste!
Happy Valley Comm 