In the ever-changing entertainment and communications industries, it’s important to stay open to learning new skills while also being able to manage a multitude of responsibilities, Renee Oliver MCM’19 said, and as a communications professional, she knows this all too well.

Oliver has gained a lot of experience within the entertainment industry, as she previously interned at Sony Music Entertainment, worked at NBC News as an administrative coordinator, and for MTV Entertainment Group as a communications coordinator and later as a publicist.

Today, Oliver works as a Corporate Communications Manager at The Orchard in addition to serving as president of the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association, which is a private, non-profit, non-partisan charitable organization, committed to empowering underserved communities and educating and developing young women of color who are interested in government, public policy, and community organizing.

Oliver earned her Master of Communication and Media (MCM) at SC&I, and she holds a bachelor's degree in communication from Cabrini University.

Read our Q&A with Oliver and learn more about why she chose to pursue an MCM at SC&I, how the knowledge she gained through the program has benefited her, her advice for students, and more.

"The MCM program offerings were extremely robust and I felt that I would be able to gain a wealth of knowledge from the many different areas of comms and media. In the end, I left the program as a more well-rounded communications professional."

Why did you choose to attend SC&I’s MCM program?
RO: As a born and bred Jersey Girl, being able to attend The State University of New Jersey was a no-brainer. More specifically, the MCM program offerings were extremely robust and I felt that I would be able to gain a wealth of knowledge from the many different areas of comms and media. In the end, I left the program as a more well-rounded communications professional.

Did any classes and/or instructors have a profound and lasting impact on you, and if so, why?
RO: One course in particular that still remains at the forefront for me today was a class on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Before taking this course, I did not realize the impact CSR had/could have on organizations and entities of any size. I learned why it was so necessary for companies to incorporate CSR into their core mission and how storytelling plays a part in that. Fast forward to today, CSR is a major passion of mine and I find that the CSR work that I’m able to do, is the most rewarding for me.

Did your studies at SC&I and/or other experiences, such as any internships you may have had, help prepare you for your career? If so, how?
RO: Throughout my entire time at MCM I was also working a full-time job, which was a challenge in itself. Especially since this job was one of my first real “big-girl” jobs post-undergrad. Obtaining my master’s and working full-time prepared me for the future roles I would have in my career. Being able to balance multiple projects/responsibilities, time-management, remaining focused, and prioritizing schoolwork along with my career, all helped me grow into a professional that is now able to juggle many important projects at once. It is never easy, however, it is possible.

Can you tell us about your non-profit work as President of the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association and what this means to you?
RO: My family and I launched the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association towards the end of last year in honor of my late aunt, the former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and political icon, Sheila Oliver, who passed away in August 2023. My aunt was like a second mother to me, so being able to keep her legacy alive in this way through a non-profit means everything to me. She impacted the lives of so many here in New Jersey and beyond, so it is imperative to carry on her mission. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver pioneered a successful career in public service advocating for social justice, women’s equality, and education, ultimately becoming the first woman of color to serve in a statewide elected office in New Jersey history.

Can you tell us more about your time working for entertainment companies such as Sony, Paramount, and The Orchard and what these experiences have taught you?
RO: Getting the opportunity to work in the television, entertainment and music industry is a dream come true. Ever since I was young I had a strong passion for pop culture and media overall. I’ve held various roles as an assistant, coordinator, publicist, and manager. Each experience has taught me something valuable. I would say one overarching theme is that the landscape and industry itself is ever-evolving and changing. What worked 5-10 years ago may not be suitable today, with the advancement of technology and where society as a whole is headed. However, I’ve learned that it is essential to stay grounded, stay true to myself, and continue to rely on the core skills and knowledge that has brought me thus far. It is important to remain curious and open to learning new things so that I may continue to grow as both a professional and individual.

What is some of the advice that you received at SC&I, Rutgers, or elsewhere that has served you well and/or advice you'd like to share with current or prospective SC&I students about how to succeed at Rutgers and professionally?
RO: Be sure to show yourself grace while you’re on your journey and trust the process. Just because something does not happen when you want it to happen, does not mean that it will not happen. Keep the faith, keep applying yourself and putting your best foot forward and in time you will reap the rewards of all of your hard work.

Learn more about the Master of Communication and Media Program on the Rutgers School of Communication and Information website.

Photos: Courtesy of Renee Oliver