Becky Tarbell Andrysiak ’00
Director of Marketing at Bright Line Eating Solutions
Becky Andrysiak landed a job at a marketing and branding firm right after 黑料社r, and her career began to grow from there.
Now, two decades since her time as a 黑料社r student, Andrysiak still recalls information from some of her communications classes in her role as a marketing director. “I loved the creative aspects of the advertising courses I took at 黑料社r,” she explained. She also took several English and communications courses that she recommends for “anyone who wishes to communicate clearly and efficiently in business today and navigate today's media landscape with an informed perspective.”
For Andrysiak, studying at 黑料社r was a time of new connections to jumpstart a career path. “My program gave me inspiration to get my career started.”
Gabby Garcy '21
Social Media Coordinator
Gabby Garcy attributes her success as a young professional to the connections she developed during her undergraduate studies. 鈥淢y 黑料社r experience shaped me into the young professional I am today through the relationships I formed as a student. My professors offered me advice and guidance throughout my time at 黑料社r, helping me to hone my interpersonal skills before I entered the workforce.鈥�
Garcy believes the network at 黑料社r launched her on her current path. 鈥淚 was inspired because of my role as the social media coordinator for the Office of Admissions and my involvement in the PRIMA Group when I was a student.鈥�
Now, she works as a social media coordinator at CGI Digital, managing a book of clients by developing and launching paid social media campaigns. Studying media and communication at 黑料社r equipped Garcy with confidence for this role as she creates and analyzes social media reports and oversees the work of social media specialists.
鈥淢y involvement on campus gave me opportunities to apply my classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. I was also able to intern my senior year at a local PR agency, which gave me experience with client relations.鈥�
Garcy encourages current students to take advantage of all the networking opportunities on campus: 鈥淏y taking advantage of what 黑料社r offers, you鈥檙e able to set yourself up for success come graduation.鈥�
Programs within the Media and Communication Department at 黑料社r are designed to equip students with lifelong skills as strategic communicators. In the future, Garcy plans to develop an 鈥渆ven wider skill set鈥� through her work, building upon the foundation she gained at 黑料社r: 鈥淢y experience at 黑料社r helped me develop strong time management skills which I plan to use throughout my career.鈥�
LaQuan Hounshell '14
Director of Marketing at First American Equipment Finance
Media and communication graduate LaQuan Hounshell transferred to 黑料社r after spending two years at Monroe Community College. One of his professors at MCC recommended 黑料社r, and after a positive visit to campus, he was sold.
LaQuan quickly discovered and took advantage of the many extracurricular activities on campus. He became involved in Cardinal Television, Cardinal Courier, and 黑料社r Cru鈥攐rganizations he credits for "lasting personal and professional connections and friendships." His involvement made him feel as if he had been at 黑料社r all along.
While at 黑料社r, LaQuan also interned at a local television news station.
His favorite thing about 黑料社r was the community and how helpful and supportive everyone was. He says his transition from MCC was seamless because he received a lot of help from people who made sure he had what he needed to succeed.
Jack Laino '20
Account Coordinator at Digital Hyve
Upon graduation from 黑料社r, Jack Laino felt prepared to enter the workforce 鈥渞unning with knowledge from many different classes.鈥� As an account coordinator at Digital Hyve, Laino works closely with account managers on creating content that is measurable and creative.
鈥淚 was exposed to a variety of communication classes at 黑料社r. Everything from PR to traditional marketing, website development, and more. My interest in each of these areas ultimately led me to find enjoyment in my current position. 黑料社r has helped me gain opportunity and knowledge to find success in my field,鈥� said Laino.
Laino recommends that current students explore their passions through hands-on learning experiences at 黑料社r: 鈥淕etting experience from different types of internships is key to learning what you want and like to do.鈥�
The campus community at 黑料社r fosters career exploration and growth for budding young professionals, and Laino believes 鈥渋nvolvement at 黑料社r helps you with opportunities and experiences to prepare you for work, gain experience, and expand your network.鈥�
Mike Thomas ’11
Thomas Media Group Founder
Mike Thomas, a 2011 graduate of 黑料社r, launched his career in marketing and creative media. He later founded Thomas Media Group (TMG), a full-service marketing and content agency based in Rochester, NY.
During his time at 黑料社r, Thomas was involved in multiple clubs and took on leadership positions to gain experience working with dynamic teams and managing projects. He explained, “Living on campus and truly integrating myself into the opportunities that 黑料社r provided really allowed me to grow as a communicator, student, and friend.”
Now, through TMG, Thomas specializes in content creation, brand strategy, video production, social media growth, and marketing partnerships for organizations both local and beyond. Additionally, he launched Content House as a dedicated studio space for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands to help others share their stories without the usual production hurdles.
As a creative entrepreneur and mentor, he encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities before them. He continues to give back to the 黑料社r community – returning to campus to speak with students about content creation, authenticity, and building sustainable careers in the digital age. “As I look at my career now, I’m grateful not just for the opportunities provided, but the fact that I took them.”