Taralyn Naslonski MCM’22, SAS’21, a Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient, earned her B.S. in Public Health, minored in Human Resources, and excelled at women’s lacrosse for Rutgers. An all-star on and off the field, two-time team captain Taralyn is the program’s all-time leading point and goal scorer. She was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, 2021 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, played the most games in the program’s history, and the accolades go on. She comes from a proud Rutgers sports family—her father and uncle lettered for the men’s lacrosse program, while her mother was a cheerleader for the Scarlet Knights. Taralyn shared her thoughts on the Master of Communication and Media (MCM) program.

SC&I: What led you to pursue the MCM?   

TN: The world of communication is comprehensive and provides a broad spectrum of career opportunities. When I looked at different graduate programs offered at Rutgers, I discovered that the MCM program and its teaching faculty have excellent reputations, and the program offers seven specializations. Being able to dive into a large realm of study areas, I knew that I would be able to find my likes, dislikes, and passions.

 SC&I: Congratulations on your many success on the lacrosse field and in the classroom! How did playing your sport at such a high level impact your studies? 

TN: My ability to face challenges on the field and in the classroom gave me a strong desire to succeed. I believe in leading by example and strive to be a positive role model. Because my schedule was so busy, I mastered efficient time management, which helped me complete my MCM coursework. I am determined to be the best I can be in whatever role I play.

SC&I: Tell us about your internship experience. 

TN: One of my favorite things about the MCM program is the ability to pursue an internship while receiving credit. I have been interning for the last two years with Soft Bones, Inc., a nonprofit patient advocacy organization dedicated to patients, caregivers, and families living with hypophosphatasia. Hypophosphatasia is a rare, genetic disorder that causes low levels of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP). This impairs the mineralization of bones. I could apply many things I learned throughout the program to my internship and vice versa.  

SC&I: What MCM courses resonated with you?  

TN: All of the MCM courses provided me with the knowledge to be successful in my current work. The first class I took with Michael Bzdak and Richard Dool, “Creating Social Impact,” stays with me. Being the first course I took in the program, I wasn’t sure what to expect. This course taught me all about corporate social responsibility (CSR). It led me to research the CSR initiatives of my favorite companies and gave me a completely different viewpoint on how companies give back to communities internally and externally. In my final semester, I took “E-Portfolio” with Leo Bottary. This class helped me fine-tune my resume, create my e-portfolio, better prepare for interviews, and understand what work environments and positions best fit my personality. It allowed me to take a step back and understand my strengths and areas to improve. 

SC&I: How do you see the MCM helping you achieve your career goals? 

TN: My future career goal is to work for a communications agency where I can hone the skills I learned through the MCM program. Ideally, I would like to work for a company that matches my beliefs and values of recognizing success for hard work. A company that promotes from within is very attractive to me because it demonstrates that you’ll be recognized and rewarded if you work hard. 

SC&I: Do you see lacrosse in your future?

TN: Lacrosse has given me success both in the classroom and on the field. It has also taught me skills that will allow me to succeed in my future endeavors like teamwork, time management, discipline, and communication. I plan on staying connected to lacrosse through coaching leagues, playing on women’s open teams, and continuing to be an advocate of the game.

SC&I: What advice do you have for someone just starting the MCM program?  

TN: Take advantage of the program’s diversity of classes. Being able to familiarize yourself with the different facets of communication and media allows you to narrow down areas that hold your interest. Studying what you enjoy makes you a well-rounded and knowledgeable candidate when applying to jobs.

Photo: Courtesy of Taralyn Naslonski MCM’22, SAS’21