By Abbie Bernet
3-17-2025

The University of Miami School of Communication hosted its inaugural Career Week, a three-day series of events designed to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and industry connections needed to jumpstart their careers. Organized by the Stein Family Career Office, Career Week expanded upon the school’s long-standing Communication, Media & Entertainment Fair, incorporating interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and an influencer panel. With over 200 students in attendance, the events underscored the school’s commitment to preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

The week began with Career Kickoff, an interactive event that provided students with one-on-one career guidance based on their major. Attendees received professional resume and portfolio reviews, LinkedIn optimization tips, and headshots to help enhance their professional presence. Students also participated in two engaging workshops. The first, How to Build a Portfolio, provided essential strategies for crafting a standout personal website. The second, Powerful Storytelling in Television News, was led by alumna Stephanie Bertini, now a News Reporter for FOX 5 NY. Her session covered how to craft compelling news stories by combining strong interviews, impactful soundbites, and visuals, as well as refining on-camera delivery.

“The goal was to give students real-world guidance from professionals who understand the industry,” said Audrey Carballo, Programs Manager of the Stein Family Career Office. “Career preparation isn’t just about knowing your craft; it’s about learning how to present yourself, make connections, and confidently step into the job market.”

The second day of Career Week featured the Navigating the Influencer World panel, where SoC students and alumni turned-influencers shared insights into building personal brands. Moderated by Erika Mayor, Public Relations lecturer and Founder and CEO of Grupo Mayor, the panel featured current students Ximena Ponce and Nellie Johnson as well as alumni Abby Gendell, Hadieh Zolfaghari, and Max Jenkins. Together, they represented different niches, from fashion and travel to food and lifestyle.

The discussion covered the realities of building a career in the influencer space, from the equipment needed to get started to strategies for securing brand deals and staying consistent with content. Panelists also shared how they think about their audience, including the responsibility of creating content for younger viewers, as well as handling challenges like online criticism and controversy. The conversation sparked plenty of engagement from the audience, with students eager to ask questions and gain insights into the industry.

For Nellie Johnson, a public relations senior and longtime content creator, speaking on the panel was a meaningful experience and a moment she could proudly check off her bucket list. “Standing in front of a room full of students at my almost alma mater was such a full-circle moment,” she said. “It was amazing to connect with students who are eager to break into the industry, answer their questions, and share the realities of working in this ever-evolving space.”

The panel also underscored the growing power of influencer marketing, with industry facts highlighting its impact. One statistic shared during the event noted that 92% of consumers trust influencer recommendations over traditional advertising (Nielsen).

The final day of Career Week featured the annual Communication, Media & Entertainment Fair, which connected students with more than 25 employers, including CBS Miami, Cox Media Group, Brain Labs, Little Local, Verse, and Zapwater Communications. Many of the companies in attendance were actively looking to hire communication students for internships and entry-level positions.

“It’s really important to be here today and talk to these students face to face,” said Shane Hinton, a CBS Miami meteorologist and double Cane. “Networking in person allows [students] to ask the burning questions they have on their mind and helps give them the edge they need to break into the industry.”

In addition to networking with recruiters, students had another opportunity to take professional headshots, with more than 75 headshots taken throughout the week.

The success of Career Week marks the beginning of a new tradition at the School of Communication, reinforcing the school’s commitment to career preparation and industry connections. Associate Dean for Student Development Programs, Dr. Luis Herrera, explained, “The enthusiasm and engagement we saw throughout the week was incredible. Our goal is to give students the tools and experiences they need to feel confident as they enter the workforce. Whether through networking, portfolio building, or hearing directly from alumni, Career Week was about empowering students to take charge of their futures.”