CCI students connect with professionals at Edelman, one of many industry visits made during the trip
Vivian DiSalvo (Class of 2026) Takes UT Orange to the Big Apple
As a senior looking to join the workforce soon, I’ve consistently been faced with the challenge of building real-world connections with professionals in the industry. My name is Vivian DiSalvo, and I’m in my second to last semester studying public relations at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This time last semester, I was looking for every opportunity to build more meaningful relationships in the workforce.
That’s when I struck gold in my inbox: UT’s College of Communication and Information (CCI) was hosting students on a networking trip to New York City in January. The trip, which has been creating opportunities for students for 30 years, would help me connect with alumni who have experience in public relations, recent college graduates who could help me land an internship, and professional media strategists who would give me a glimpse of office life.
While in New York, I visited renowned agencies such as Allison Worldwide, Tombras, and Edelman. Each of these gave me insights into different aspects of agency life and the diverse industries agencies serve.
“Agency visits and networking opportunities provide students with real-world experiences to help form meaningful connections, encouraging them to ask better questions and stay top of mind in industry,” says Sarah Svoboda, human resources manager at Tombras. “Talent opens doors for students, but curiosity, initiative, and networking keep them moving forward.”
Vivian DiSalvo walking to an alumni social, where she with CCI alumni living in New York City.
I also had the privilege of visiting the Museum of Public Relations, where I learned about the history of the industry, as well as the Lewis Latimer House, where I learned about the importance of communications and PR for nonprofit work.
I had the pleasure of participating in an alumni social, where I met with CCI alumni living in New York City, such as Kayla Fox (’15), who works for Warner Bros. Discovery. She gave me many helpful insights about working in the field and finding jobs that fit my skill set.
“The college bubble is such a magical time that can become incredibly overwhelming once it’s popped,” says Fox. “Alumni engagement shows students what their world can be after graduation.”
My peers on the trip had similar experiences connected with professionals.
“I had the chance to talk with Gabby Miller (’15), the senior manager of shopper insights at Heineken USA, about her journey working in a data-driven field, and I’ve since connected with her on LinkedIn,” says Allyson Meyer, a fourth-year student studying public relations. “I’m truly grateful for such supportive alumni who are willing to help soon-to-be graduates like me navigate the transition into the workforce.”
In addition, I connected with Claire Dodson (’15), whom I’d previously interviewed for an article.
As a senior editor for Teen Vogue, Dodson works a highly respected job in journalism with many connections in PR, so it was very influential meeting with her.
These are the connections that truly give me a lead into the professional world—a glimpse into what my life could look like and how I could get there.
“CCI has a long history of creating meaningful, hands-on learning and professional development opportunities for our students. This year, the college made a significant investment in making these experiences more affordable and accessible for all CCI students,” says CCI Dean Joesph Mazer. “Our amazing alumni network’s willingness to invest time and resources in CCI’s networking trips is what makes them so successful and popular among our students.”
Though the trip was very fruitful professionally, it was not all work and no play. While in New York, I got to bond with so many different students in CCI and even made friends with a fellow public relations student who just so happens to be from the same hometown.
From Broadway shows to visiting New York University to trying pierogies for the first time, the memories made on this trip will always be cherished. And on top of that, connecting with alumni working in my field, forging relationships at companies I regard highly, and finding that familiar Tennessee orange in a foreign city was absolutely an invaluable experience.
Our amazing alumni network’s willingness to invest time and resources in CCI’s networking trips is what makes them so successful and popular among our students.”
CCI Dean Joesph Mazer
Sound Sites received two awards at Cannes Lions in France.
