Five Questions for a Digital Communications Major

Maggie Kraus '22 transferred to GMercyU this fall and has found the Digital Communications program to be exciting and rewarding. After graduation, she plans to launch her career as a digital marketer for a food/beverage company, with the long-term goal of using those skills to promote her own Irish pub one day.

Check out how she's developing hands-on skills in podcasting, social media, and more below.

1. What drew you to GMercyU's Digital Communications program?

"It was important to me to find a program that would teach practical skills that will be useful in the digital media space. GMercyU's Dig Comm program teaches podcasting, video editing, social media marketing, and more skills that will be extremely useful in the future. During my search for a college, I noticed many other communications programs focus almost entirely on the theory, which is very important, but they didn't seem to focus on as much hands-on material.

Secondly, GMercyU offers incredible scholarships for transfer students that greatly assist in affording college. GMercyU also offered me more support than any other college that I applied to throughout the whole transferring process."

2. What skills have you been excited to learn so far?

"I have been especially excited to learn the basics of podcasting in COMD-115: Intro to Digital Communications, and I'm excited to expand on that knowledge in COMD-301: Podcasting. I am also excited to learn more about social media marketing and video production/editing in their respective courses."

Check out sample of Maggie's podcasting work below! Weaving her personal interests with her class work, she interviewed a local chef on the impact that COVID-19 has had on the hospitality industry.

3. Can you tell us about your internship experience?

"I interned at a local non-profit adoption agency where I served as the Marketing and Events Intern. I helped with scheduling and creating social media posts, organizing fundraising events, and created materials (brochures, emails, social media posts, etc.) for the annual Gift Card Drive fundraising event.

It was a wonderful experience and it was the perfect supplement to my education as it allowed me to acquire more experience doing the skills I learned in class. I was also able to get credit for the internship."

4. What else have you been involved with at GMercyU during this very unusual year?

"This year I am a part of the Evolving Leader Certificate Program, which is the second tier leadership program of the Griffins Student Leadership Institute. I am also joining the new AAUW (American Association of University Women) club."

5. What advice would you give to an aspiring college student?

"The first year of college can be scary and overwhelming, especially if you're at a big school that doesn't make much effort to connect you to faculty. GMercyU is unique because of its tight-knit community. You'll become close to all of your professors and advisors, and they'll be there to support you through any conflicts you may have. At GMercyU, there's always a team of people ready to help you."