Pace University Students Gain Real-World Experience Through Immersive Internships
New York, NY – – Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences is providing students with valuable hands-on experience through a robust internship program, placing students in prominent organizations like Madison Square Garden, CNN, and Sirius XM. These opportunities, a requirement for all majors within the Media, Communications, and Visual Arts (MCVA) department, are proving instrumental in launching students’ careers.
Olivia Vella, a graduating senior in , exemplifies the program’s success. Vella is pursuing a dual major in Art and Communication and Media Studies, a combination she says allows her to blend artistic skills with the possibilities of technology and visual storytelling. Currently, she serves as a Motion Graphics Student Associate at Madison Square Garden Sports.
“I help support the Motion Graphics team by making graphics for all MSG sporting events including the Rangers, Knicks, and Westchester Knicks,” Vella explained. “It’s incredible to see something you created on a Jumbotron played for 20,000 people. The graphics are just as vital to the game as the game itself!”
Vella’s path to this role was directly influenced by coursework at Pace and mentorship from Professor Jillian McDonald, MFA. She credits Professor McDonald with helping her develop the skills necessary to secure the internship. Vella also participated in the Amelia A. Gould Undergraduate Research Assistantship, assisting Professor McDonald with animation and video elements for her artwork, including Total Eclipse and the Heart, a project exploring themes of glitch and the natural world.
The Value of Experiential Learning
Pace University’s commitment to experiential learning extends beyond high-profile placements like Madison Square Garden. Students have recently completed internships with organizations as diverse as the Berskshire Theatre Group, Bushwick Film Festival, CNN Documentary Unit, and the City of Yonkers Mayor’s Office. The university also highlights partnerships with Pleasantville Community Television, People’s Television, Inc., TEMPO Networks, and the Queens Film Festival.
The MCVA department requires all students to complete a minimum of three internship credits, ensuring a broad range of practical experience. This emphasis on real-world application is a key differentiator for Pace, preparing graduates to enter a competitive job market.
Beyond Madison Square Garden: Diverse Opportunities
Vella’s experience isn’t limited to Madison Square Garden. She also spent the past summer as a Pace community impact intern at the Downtown Community Television Center (DCTV) in Chinatown, a non-profit media art center. This experience, she says, solidified her desire to pursue a career with a social impact component.
The university actively promotes resources to aid students in their internship search, including the New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) job and internship portal, the Center for Communication, and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media, and Entertainment. Pace also hosted a Fall Career Fair, connecting hundreds of students with over 100 employers offering internship and job opportunities.
Preparing for the Future
Looking ahead, Vella hopes to secure a position within the entertainment industry that allows her to continue combining her artistic talents with storytelling. She encourages current students to embrace their individual journeys and believe in their abilities.
“Everyone is on their own journey and path,” Vella advises. “It’s so easy to compare yourself to others but it’s important to never stop believing in yourself. Small wins are still wins, so celebrate every achievement and don’t be afraid to reach out when things get challenging. Trust yourself and your abilities as a student and professional.”
Pace University’s dedication to providing students with practical, real-world experience through its internship program appears to be paying dividends, equipping graduates with the skills and connections necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
