Fall break takes students coast to coast for industry and networking experiences

by Kaitlin Van Loon | College of Journalism and Mass Communications

November 6, 2024

Students at Peloton headquarters during the NYC Media Tour
Students at Peloton headquarters during the NYC Media Tour

Over fall break, College of Journalism and Mass Communications students learned firsthand about the trends shaping the media and communications industries while on the college’s New York City Media Tour and while attending the Content Marketing World conference in San Diego, California.

In NYC, students spent two days touring a variety of media outlets, marketing agencies and companies—including Bloomberg, HUNTER, Peloton and NYC Public Schools. Students engaged with industry professionals while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the creative spaces that drive modern media in the city and worldwide.

New York City Media Tour students outside the NYC Public Schools building.
New York City Media Tour students outside the NYC Public Schools building.

“The insights I gained into digital strategy, PR trends, and brand storytelling have given me a new perspective on where I’d like to take my career,” Natalie Duncan, junior advertising and public relations major, said. “Meeting professionals in the field and connecting with my peers has left me feeling motivated and ready for the next steps.”

One evening, students and alumni met up for a connections event hosted by the college. Students had the opportunity to make connections, network and ask questions about living in NYC. CoJMC alumni got to reconnect and reminisce with fellow alums, as well as talk with students about the latest updates at the college.

Media tour students connecting with alumna Mary Lou Luther during the NYC Connections event.
Media tour students connecting with alumna Mary Lou Luther during the NYC Connections event.

“The two-day tour allowed me to see the day-to-day life of many organizations, as well as talk one-on-one with many University of Nebraska-Lincoln alums to make connections within the industry,” Grace Malcom, sophomore broadcasting and advertising and public relations double major said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain insight.”

Another group of students from the Jacht Agency executive team attended the Content Marketing World conference in San Diego, California, over fall break. The conference brings in top leaders in content creation, branding and digital strategy to lead workshops and seminars over the course of three days.

Jacht Agency exec and CoJMC faculty/staff members attend the World Content Marketing conference.
Jacht Agency exec and CoJMC faculty/staff members attend the World Content Marketing conference in San Diego, California.

The students attended various sessions and panel discussions on topics ranging from using AI in content creation and storytelling strategization to the best practices for engaging diverse audiences across digital platforms.

Through hands-on sessions, the students had the opportunity to build their content strategy skills and explore what it means to create a brand in today’s industry. The students also had the chance to connect with marketing leaders at the Port of San Diego, Electra Bikes and The Associated Press through tours, networking dinners and presentations.

With their return to campus, the students who spent their fall break in NYC and San Diego bring back new knowledge, expanded networks and an enthusiasm to apply what they’ve learned to their coursework and career ambitions.