Forty-six Fellows participated in the annual Sunshine State trip, visiting communication companies, meeting industry professionals, and honing their networking skills.
Standing before the rows of tennis courts at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus in Orlando, Florida, Justin Spencer ’27 was in awe. But the first-year Communications Fellow from Bel Air, Maryland, wasn’t just seeing a sports facility – he saw an opportunity to explore the different facets of the sport management field.
At its core, the Communications Fellows program is designed to expose Elon students to diverse career paths within the communications and sport management industries. The Fellows Experience course, which includes an annual trip to Florida, provides students with hands-on exposure to media outlets, communication organizations and sports facilities. This year, Spencer was among 46 students who participated in the Winter Term trip, spending eight days in the Sunshine State and gaining an inside look at eight companies.
Before embarking on the trip, Spencer learned a key phrase from Assistant Professor of Strategic Communications Karen Lindsey: “Be authentic with polish.” The students’ hosts at the USTA reinforced this idea.
“One of the things (discussed) at that first visit was being authentic and outgoing in the networking process,” Spencer said.
Due to the large class size, the Winter Term course was held in Turner Theatre, where students were co-taught by Senior Lecturer in Strategic Communications Hal Vincent and Lindsey. Vincent provided insights into Florida’s history and career landscape, while Lindsey emphasized leadership and professionalism.
“It’s so important to first be self-aware before you can consider yourself ready for the real world,” Lindsey said,
From teaching students how to execute a proper handshake to guiding them in building a personal brand, Lindsey and Vincent helped prepare them for the trip – and the future. Supporting the Fellows course was Alison Doherty, associate director of career services for the School of Communications, who planned the trip and accompanied the cohort.
During their time in Florida, students visited &Barr, Digital Brew, Disney Live Entertainment, Visit Orlando, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Push, WKMG-TV, and the USTA National Campus.
“Every company in the world needs communications, and I learned a lot about what I could possibly do with my major when I graduate,” Kaitlyn DiCataldo ’28 said.
DiCataldo’s favorite visit was to WKMG, where students sat in on a live noon broadcast. While majoring in strategic communications and cinema and television arts, she found herself captivated by the role of the station’s meteorologist.
For journalism major Alice Morrissey ’28, WKMG felt like home and reaffirmed her decision to pursue journalism. These moments of realization are what Lindsey finds most rewarding.
“For me, that was so powerful and so meaningful and what’s truly important about that is this idea of when you see it, when you experience it, now you know,” Lindsey said.
Beyond the professional experiences, students enjoyed connecting with each other outside of the company visits. Spencer recalled his favorite memories of bonding with his hotel roommates. DiCataldo and Morrissey echoed this sentiment, noting that the trip brought the Communications Fellows cohort closer together. A surprising highlight was a newfound love for hacky sack, introduced by Vincent, which became a favorite pastime among the group.
“I feel like I got a lot closer with my fellow Fellows because we got to spend a week together,” DiCataldo said.
“I’m just grateful and appreciative that I got this opportunity,” Morrissey added. “I know a lot of people – like my friends that go to other schools – don’t get to do what I’m doing.”