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It’s a typical question asked to a particular group of students: “So, what are you going to do with a degree in communications?”

Fortunately, Lisa Waite has made it her mission to help communication studies majors on the Stark Campus show that such a degree can open doors to an almost endless list of career opportunities. She is a senior lecturer of communication studies at �Ը������� Stark, where she leads a well-developed internship program, and has been teaching at the university for 30 years.

Students majoring in communication studies are required to select either an internship or take a senior seminar course before graduating. To qualify for a communications internship, students must have 60 credit hours completed as junior/senior status, a strong GPA and academic maturity, indicating they are prepared to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting.

“Each student meets with me individually so we can evaluate readiness, discuss expectations and ensure the experience will be developmentally appropriate and beneficial,” Waite explained. “My role is to help students think strategically about where their communication skills can be applied and how each experience supports their long-term career path.”

She noted that students are typically responsible for securing their own internships, which helps them develop professional initiative and job search skills, but she is always ready to help guide them if needed. “When students need additional support, I help them identify and connect with organizations that can provide meaningful field experience,” Waite said.

Over the years, she has developed strong relationships with a wide range of industries including aviation, food and beverage, manufacturing, banking, healthcare, education, government, entertainment, legal and nonprofit organizations. Students have also completed international internship experiences through study abroad opportunities.

“Communication internships provide powerful experiential learning,” Waite said. Students move beyond theory to practice real-world skills such as marketing strategy, digital media creation, public relations, human resources, writing, public speaking, event planning, and training and development. These experiences help students build professional confidence, develop a portfolio of applied work and learn how communication functions within complex organizations.

“Internships also expand professional networks, clarify career goals and help students understand workplace culture and expectations before graduation,” she continued. “Many students find this work deeply satisfying because they see their ideas implemented; their messages reaching real audiences; and their contributions making a tangible impact.”

Waite added that internships provide “transformative experiences” for students.

“(Internships) provide clarity, confidence and a sense of professional identity that is difficult to replicate in the classroom alone,” she said. “It is incredibly rewarding to watch students connect their academic learning to meaningful work and begin to see themselves as emerging professionals. I often say it is a privilege to usher our students into their futures.”

Meet the Interns

Here are the stories of four communication studies students who have participated in internships with various organizations. Despite the differences in work settings, there is a common theme to their messages: internships help students make connections.

Reese Sandford

Reese Sanford is set to graduate with a degree in applied communication studies in May. She lives in Canal Fulton and is an account executive with TQL, and it was the three months she spent last summer as an intern with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce that opened her eyes to the possibilities that await her once that degree is in her hands.

Through the Canton Regional COC, Sanford’s internship provided her opportunities to work on several projects associated with the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, including the fashion show luncheon and Civic Center events.

“I worked closely with the event manager and event team assisting with model fittings, email communications, scheduling and event coordination to help deliver memorable, high-quality experiences for attendees and participants,” she explained. “This internship gave me valuable hands-on experience in event planning, community engagement and professional communication. I’m passionate about learning, growing and making meaningful connections as I supported two of Canton’s most respected organizations during one of the city’s biggest annual events.”

Sanford said that the benefits of an internship are valuable and meaningful for any career following graduation, especially when it comes to building relationships. “Forming those connections with new and great leaders was an inspiration for me and gave me a wonderful reference for the job I have today,” she shared. “The people I met along the way made a lasting impact on me.”

Her advice for other students considering an internship?

“Do it! It will seem scary and you may be hesitant, but the people you meet along the way will be so worth it. Getting yourself out there and finding out your likes and dislikes will get you ready for when you graduate.

James Paulis

James Paulis knows exactly what he will be doing once he graduates from �Ը������� Stark in May: donning the uniform and working at Cedar Point as a new team lead in the Guest Experience Department.

The job offer came after he spent eight weeks last year as a guest experience intern at the Sandusky amusement park. He explained that the real-life work environment not only taught him how to navigate Cedar Point as an employee but also included a substantial amount of professional training.

“I was given a lot of great opportunities,” the Canton native shared. “Through my internship, I was able to connect with park leadership; do mock interviews within an amusement industry context; get a free professional head-shot photo; and received mentoring for resume building and networking. I also participated in a program called ‘Intern Innovations’ where interns from all departments put forward project pitches, with the winning idea implemented by the park. I didn’t win, but I was a top finalist.”

Paulis was one of several interns at the park and explained that Cedar Point allows students to schedule “shadow shifts” so that they can spend time in various departments and learn about other employment opportunities. “I met so many amazing people over the summer,” he said. “There were intern-exclusive bonding events, associate ride nights, movie nights and all types of engagement activities.”

Obviously appreciative of the internship and the resulting outcome, Paulis said he recommends all students consider being an intern.

“Internships allow you a vital sneak peak into your field of study. They allow you to network within your desired field or industry while gaining valuable resume material along the way,” he offered. “My best performances at work happened when I just took a moment to look around me and realized that I was standing in the country’s best amusement park. My biggest takeaway is to live in the moment. Find an opportunity that really excites you and work will never feel like work.”

David Rankin

Sometimes finding that dream job means traveling and moving closer to opportunities. That’s exactly what David Rankin has done over the last year and it’s beginning to pay off in exciting ways.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Rankin graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 2020 and became a �Ը������� student through the Trumbull and Stark campuses, from where he will graduate in May with a degree in communication studies. He, too, sought an internship per the requirements to graduate and found his fit with Hormel Foods.

His internship led him to Hormel Foods’ Cincinnati sales office last May through August, which then led to an offer for a full-time job as a foodservice sales representative in the company’s Charlotte, North Carolina, facility. He begins his new role in June.

His internship kept him moving,  leading him on trips throughout Ohio and into Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia territories. “This was a great experience that gave me real sales practice, hands-on learning, and allowed me to discover new areas of the country,” Rankin shared. “I made a lot of lasting connections during my time there. My job was to support the sales team with visits to customers, food shows and researching new prospects. By the end of my internship, I was making solo sales calls to new customers. I also had a project where I researched the best pizza topping operator opportunities in the area.”

Rankin credits being an intern with preparing him for success after graduation. “The benefit of having this internship was all of the experience I gained and the connections I made,” he said. “You learn so much about yourself and others from participating in an experience like this. …It’s definitely worth it. Internships will put you in a position to succeed and grow at a faster rate than you would without one.”

He said that studying communications definitely helped him through the process because he learned strategies for communicating and building relationships, as well as proper conversation etiquette. “I am better at having authentic, true connections with people now,” he shared.

“My advice for students looking for internships is to be very proactive and to always be on the lookout for opportunities. You have to really want it for yourself and your future. Also, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and look for opportunities away from home. I had a lot of fun exploring a new city.”

Deanna Egan

Although Deanna Egan has another year of studies before she graduates, she is staying busy this semester through an internship in the office of U. S. Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, who serves Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.

Egan is seeking a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with minors in English and women’s studies, making this opportunity be mentored by a female political leader even more meaningful. It also helps that Sykes is a �Ը������� graduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 2007. She continued her education by earning a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Florida in 2011, as well as a master’s in public health.

“This internship confirmed that I want to pursue law school and follow a similar path taken by several of my colleagues,” Egan said. “It also reinforced my priority of helping others in any future career I pursue.”

As an intern, Egan assists with the day-to-day tasks in the office that include assisting with constituent case work and fielding phone calls. She also helps create content for Sykes’ social media pages, as well as assist with student programming initiatives and event planning.

Egan said she is grateful for the internship experience and encourages other students to do the same. “Internships give you the opportunity to obtain real work experience that goes hand-in-hand with your degree,” she said. “You can also foster connections and receive opportunities that you wouldn’t get from a classroom. Say ‘yes’ to every opportunity presented to you and be a sponge. Absorb and learn everything you can!”

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