From Clicks to Careers: Past Interns of the Web Communications Office Share Their Experiences

The Web Communication Office plays a vital role in shaping JCU’s online presence, aligning it with the University’s strategic goals and best practices in higher education. The office oversees the maintenance and ongoing development of the University’s website, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and brand consistency. In addition, it serves as a central hub for news and storytelling, producing articles, features, and interviews that showcase the voices of the JCU community.

Director Berenice Cocciolillo, who has been managing the office since 2007, emphasizes the value of for-credit internships at JCU. "Through the Center for Career Services, our office provides an internship program that offers students hands-on experience working on the University's website while developing practical skills in digital communication," Cocciolillo explains. "Student interns gain expertise in news article writing, content editing, event photography, SEO, and more."

Alumni shared what they have been up to since graduation and how interning at the Web Communication Office prepared them to enter the workforce. Read about Gea, Kayla, Samantha, and Peter’s stories.

Gea Villa – Teleperformance, Rome

Fall 2023 Intern
After graduating from JCU, I started working at Teleperformance Italia, a multinational company that deals with customer care. I began as an internal communications intern, then I put together the editorial team for two magazine projects for the company. I am currently an employee experience and engagement analyst, while continuing to oversee the editorial team and other human resources projects. This job has given me the opportunity to travel extensively around Italy, give talks on various topics, and professionally train myself.

Studying at JCU was significant in helping me enter the work world and stand out right from the start! The internship at the Web Communications Office taught me many important skills that I utilize in my professional life. It gave me the opportunity to put into practice what I had only studied theoretically up to that point. I began to understand how the editorial publication process works and what it means to follow it from the start. I’ve learned to prioritize tasks, which is essential for me because I have so many activities to complete with different deadlines. During my internship, I met so many students, teachers and staff members, in a safe environment that allowed me to work in a new role while building my self-confidence.

Kayla Bonfiglio – Future Business Leaders of America, Richmond, VA

Spring 2022 Intern
After graduation, I started working in Washington DC as a communications specialist for a US Government contractor. I am currently a marketing professional for Future Business Leaders of America, a non-profit career and technical student organization. My internship at the Web Communications Office played a crucial role in shaping my career. It was my first time working with WordPress, copyediting, and performing SEO, which I leveraged to get my first web marketing role. As a marketing professional, I still use all the skills that I have been building upon for over three years.

I am grateful to the Web Comm team for their guidance and mentorship. They have supported me in attaining roles after the internship, and these connections have been very helpful. I am thankful for this experience and highly recommend getting involved if you have a passion for digital communications.

Samantha Abear – Oregon Employment Department, Portland, OR

2015-2016 Intern
I worked as a student worker at the Web Communications Office during my time as a student at JCU. I was able to develop great skills in the role that I would apply later in my career. Since graduating from JCU, I interned at the JCU Admissions Office before becoming a staff member and working briefly in the JCU Marketing Office. I've also worked in higher ed, international development (UNFAO), nonprofit, and local government.

After 10 years of working in marketing and communications and getting my master's in strategic communication, I recently decided to pivot. I am now working in Portland as a Business and Employment Specialist for the Oregon Employment Department. It's a great pleasure and honor to be able to help and give back to my community, and I am utilizing the customer service skills I learned at JCU.

JCU has been a springboard for my life and career in so many ways, and I couldn't be more grateful. My year at the Web Communications Office was especially helpful in my career in communications. The opportunity gave me exposure to taking event photography, updating webpages and using content management systems, and writing according to a style guide.These are all skills that served me as I moved into full-time roles.The Web Comm team has continued to be there for me since my days at JCU, as friends and mentors.

Peter Donaldson – Booz Allen Hamilton, Washington DC

Summer 2021 Intern
Since graduating, I did a Fulbright Scholarship for two years in Tenerife, Spain. Then, I came back to Rome and taught Philosophy and English at St. Stephen's School, an international high school near in the city.

Now, I am working in the Washington, DC area as a Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, a firm that provides technology and strategic services primarily to government clients.The internship at the Web Communications Office helped hone my creative brainstorming process and writing skills. These skills have been particularly useful in the problem-solving and communications aspects of the work that I currently do.