As a Sales Planner for The New York Times, Chelsea Mucciariello COM’23 plays a vital role as a key link in the pre-sale process of the advertising funnel. She works with the sales team to put together a layout of ad positions, budget, impressions, and flight dates to show clients the benefits included in their advertising packages.

Crediting her ability to land and succeed in her role to her experiences inside and outside the classroom at SC&I, Mucciariello said, “The courses and professors I had at Rutgers definitely helped prepare me for my career. One aspect I really value from my experience at SC&I was the immersion in professional experiences. Many of my professors were former marketing and media executives who shared raw, unfiltered insights, which were invaluable as a student. They incorporated real-life examples and projects into their curriculum, which prepared me for the workforce far more than any textbook could.”

Also crediting her involvement in the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, and the internships she had, as experiences that helped prepare her and pave the way for her full-time role, Mucciariello said, “With hard work and diligence, I was able to land my first internship at Barnes & Noble as a Digital Marketing Intern. This experience expanded my resume and led to internships at Fox Business, and NBC Universal during my senior year. These internships predominantly took place during the semesters, which meant I was commuting into NYC three days a week while taking a full course load. This was not easy, but it allowed me to learn so much and truly prepared me for the career I have now.”

In our Q&A with Mucciariello, learn why she chose her major, her secrets to success, and advice for current students aiming for a career in the media.

Why did you choose to major in Communication at SC&I? Was it a degree you always wanted to pursue?
CM: When it came to choosing a major, I always knew I wanted it to be something media-related but never truly knew to what extent or which route I would want to take in the field. I wasn’t that informed about Communication as a major or what it would entail until my first semester at Rutgers when I took Intro to Communication and Information Processes.  The course exposed me to the major, and all that it had to offer. From guest speakers in the field and other professors to introducing us to the PRSSA organization and learning about the different specializations within the major, I quickly realized all the opportunities the major had to offer and how it aligned with my future career goals. I knew Communication at SC&I was the path I wanted to take during my time at Rutgers.

Do any SC&I courses stand out as particularly helpful for preparing you for your career?
CM: A specific course that I feel helped prepare me the most for my career was Media, Marketing, and Communication, taught by Mark Beal. I’ll never forget the RFP project we were assigned, where we helped Rook Coffee expand its business on college campuses. I’ve spoken about that experience many times in job interviews, and the interviewers always love hearing about it!

My biggest piece of advice to current SC&I students is to not limit yourself and to try as many new opportunities as possible! Apply to a ton of internships, participate in clubs, and expose yourself to as many different opportunities and paths as you can while in school.

Have you experienced a particularly defining moment or experience in your career that contributed to your professional or personal growth?
CM: A key experience that significantly contributed to my professional growth was earning my promotion after a year of hard work at The New York Times. Throughout that year, I focused on honing my sales planning skills, tackling challenges, helping out team members, and working efficiently in my role. When I was promoted, it validated the effort I had put in and boosted my confidence in my abilities. This experience showed me the direct impact of dedication and reinforced my belief in my skills, giving me the confidence to take on even more in my role.

What does the future look like for you within and beyond your current position?
CM: After hitting my one year working at the company, I had the chance to reflect on the last year and what I would like to see in the near future. I believe that I am in the right place right now, learning both technical and interpersonal skills that I will continue to build upon. Working at the NYT allows me to work with both agencies and brands, exposing me to both ends of the media spectrum. In the future, I see myself working for a fashion brand or a similar client-side company where I can work on long-term strategies on behalf of something I am really passionate about.

What is your secret to success in the industry?
CM: My secret to success in the industry is always being open to learning something new and growing with the ever-changing industry. The media industry is always changing as new products/processes are being developed. Working in the industry means you always have to be open to these changes and ready to work with and grow with them. Another secret to success is being able to accept feedback both good and bad. Receiving constructive criticism is the only way to learn and grow in any role.

Can you offer any advice to current undergrads who want to follow in your footsteps?
CM: My biggest piece of advice to current SC&I students is to not limit yourself and to try as many new opportunities as possible! Apply to a ton of internships, participate in clubs, and expose yourself to as many different opportunities and paths as you can while in school. It will help you learn what you like and don't like in a potential career path, but it will also give you exposure to learn and grow as a professional before graduation. You never know what you will learn or who you will meet along the way!

Learn more about the Communication major at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website. 

Photo: Courtesy of Chelsea Mucciariello COM’23