School of Communication and Information and Rutgers Athletics Host “Women in Business” Panel
Five SC&I alumnae who were former NCAA student-athletes participated in a panel aiming to empower Rutgers female undergraduates who will soon enter the business world.
Five SC&I alumnae who were former NCAA student-athletes participated in a panel aiming to empower Rutgers female undergraduates who will soon enter the business world.

On Friday November 11, at the Rutgers University Rodkin Academic Center, SC&I faculty and students gathered for the “Women in Business” panel. The goal of the event was to empower female student-athletes in attendance who intend to enter male-dominated business fields. The panelists were SC&I alumnae who majored in Communication, were on the Rutgers women’s tennis, rowing, or lacrosse teams, and have built successful careers in marketing.

The panel was hosted by Rutgers Women’s Tennis Coach Hilary Ritchie, Assistant Athletic Director Carissa Conroy, and SC&I Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Communication Mark Beal.

Beal said providing the student-athletes with the chance to meet and learn from successful SC&I alums is beneficial because Gen Z employees aspire to be heard and valued by the organizations they work for. He said, “They are looking to receive opportunities to demonstrate their thought leadership and their strategic and creative approach to problem solving and not simply just completing tasks. Today’s entry-level executives, Gen Z, have an innovative entrepreneurial mindset. Empowering Gen Z includes inviting them to exercise this mindset to develop transformative ideas, initiatives, and programs."

Over 30 current SC&I student-athletes on the women’s lacrosse, tennis, and softball teams attended. Courtney Wilde, a senior who is majoring in Communication and a softball player, was one of the students present. As she is expected to graduate in May 2023, Wilde said the panel provided her with useful advice as she starts to apply for post-graduate jobs. “I was so inspired. The panelists gave me new ideas to think about from a career standpoint,” she said. 

On Friday November 11, at the Rutgers University Rodkin Academic Center, SC&I faculty and students gathered for the “Women in Business” panel. The goal of the event was to empower female student-athletes in attendance who intend to enter male-dominated business fields. The panelists were SC&I alumnae who majored in Communication, were on the Rutgers women’s tennis, rowing, or lacrosse teams, and have built successful careers in marketing. The panel was hosted by Rutgers Women’s Tennis Coach Hilary Ritchie, Assistant Athletic Director Carissa Conroy, and SC&I Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Communication Mark Beal. Beal said providing the student-athletes with the chance to meet and learn from successful SC&I alums is beneficial because Gen Z employees aspire to be heard and valued by the organizations they work for. He said, “They are looking to receive opportunities to demonstrate their thought leadership and their strategic and creative approach to problem solving and not simply just completing tasks. Today’s entry-level executives, Gen Z, have an innovative entrepreneurial mindset. Empowering Gen Z includes inviting them to exercise this mindset to develop transformative ideas, initiatives, and programs." Over 30 current SC&I student-athletes on the women’s lacrosse, tennis, and softball teams attended. Courtney Wilde, a senior who is double majoring in Communication and Journalism and Media Studies and a softball player, was one of the students present. As she is expected to graduate in May 2023, Wilde said the panel provided her with useful advice as she starts to apply for post-graduate jobs. “I was so inspired. The panelists gave me new ideas to think about from a career standpoint,” she said. Photo 2 Panelists included Lindsay Balsamo COM’15, Vailey Eberhard COM’18, Monica Dresnin COM’20, Maya Jacobs COM’21, and Grace Lewis COM’21. The panelists shared career experiences, insight, lessons learned, and advice. Balsamo, former captain of the Women’s Tennis team and current NBC UniversalPanelists included Lindsay Balsamo COM’15, Vailey Eberhard COM’18, Monica Dresnin COM’20, Maya Jacobs COM’21, and Grace Lewis COM’21. The panelists shared career experiences, insight, lessons learned, and advice.

Balsamo, former captain of the Women’s Tennis team and current NBC Universal Advertising, Sales, and Marketing Manager spoke about the importance of female representation in male dominated spaces. “If you can see her, you can be her. Show up and use your voice. Make your presence known,” said Balsamo. 

Dresnin, former lacrosse player and current Sales Manager for Poppi Beverages, encouraged  students to utilize the alumni network. “Network and do extra things while you are here at Rutgers. Each day, spend an hour on LinkedIn and don't be afraid to connect with people."

Eberhard, former rower and current Territory Manager at Milwaukee Tool, also said women need to use their voices. “Advocate for yourself. When you leave Rutgers, you need to advocate for yourself in your career. No one else will do it for you,” said Eberhard.

Jacobs, former tennis player and current Program Strategist at Youth Marketing Connection, spoke about using stereotypically negative female traits to one’s advantage. "As women, you have strong competitive emotions. Leverage those emotions in your career. It will help you stand out,” said Jacobs. On Friday November 11, at the Rutgers University Rodkin Academic Center, SC&I faculty and students gathered for the “Women in Business” panel. The goal of the event was to empower female student-athletes in attendance who intend to enter male-dominated business fields. The panelists were SC&I alumnae who majored in Communication, were on the Rutgers women’s tennis, rowing, or lacrosse teams, and have built successful careers in marketing. The panel was hosted by Rutgers Women’s Tennis Coach Hilary Ritchie, Assistant Athletic Director Carissa Conroy, and SC&I Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Communication Mark Beal. Beal said providing the student-athletes with the chance to meet and learn from successful SC&I alums is beneficial because Gen Z employees aspire to be heard and valued by the organizations they work for. He said, “They are looking to receive opportunities to demonstrate their thought leadership and their strategic and creative approach to problem solving and not simply just completing tasks. Today’s entry-level executives, Gen Z, have an innovative entrepreneurial mindset. Empowering Gen Z includes inviting them to exercise this mindset to develop transformative ideas, initiatives, and programs." Over 30 current SC&I student-athletes on the women’s lacrosse, tennis, and softball teams attended. Courtney Wilde, a senior who is double majoring in Communication and Journalism and Media Studies and a softball player, was one of the students present. As she is expected to graduate in May 2023, Wilde said the panel provided her with useful advice as she starts to apply for post-graduate jobs. “I was so inspired. The panelists gave me new ideas to think about from a career standpoint,” she said. Photo 2 Panelists included Lindsay Balsamo COM’15, Vailey Eberhard COM’18, Monica Dresnin COM’20, Maya Jacobs COM’21, and Grace Lewis COM’21. The panelists shared career experiences, insight, lessons learned, and advice. Balsamo, former captain of the Women’s Tennis team and current NBC Universal

The “Women in Business” panel demonstrated SC&I’s strong alumni network, Beal said, noting, “SC&I graduates are eager to help our current students network, learn, and secure internships and jobs. For a current SC&I student, that is a powerful network of influencers that they can engage with and leverage as they transition from college to career.”

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

Discover more about SC&I’s alumni network here. 

Photos: Courtesy of Mark Beal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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