Ryan Gorneault '22 is enrolled in UHart’s School of Communication’s accelerated degree program which allows high-performing undergraduate communication students to take courses that count toward both an undergraduate and graduate communication degree. Ryan, who is pursuing a major in communication with an emphasis in media studies, and minors in creative writing, and digital media and journalism, started his academic journey in Hillyer College where he says his professors helped him cultivate his interests in writing and communication.
Ryan explains Professor of English Michele Troy encouraged him to consider writing professionally, and Associate Professor of Communication Rebecca Townsend helped guide him by suggesting he choose a major based on the classes he enjoys. “I think the fact that my Hillyer professors encouraged me to follow my passion prepared me to enter the College of Arts and Sciences,” he says. “Hillyer professors consistently tell their students to advocate for themselves and cultivate relationships with their professors. I took that advice and applied it to my experiences at A&S.”
Outside of the classroom, Ryan has completed several internships and worked as content strategist in the School of Communication’s student-run agency Crested Communications. Last summer he also worked two content marketing internships simultaneously at Gateway Financial Partners and Reverb Digital which were in the same office. This gave him brand audit, competitor analysis, social media, and web content experience.
Ryan previously worked as an entertainment writer and entertainment editor of the student-run newspaper The Informer. He also works in the Hillyer College study center where he helps students enrolled in English and Humanities courses. "Just like my Hillyer professors have encouraged me to seek help and take advantage of the many resources at my hands, I encouraged Hillyer students to do the same,” he says.
Ryan says he is unsure of what career he wants to pursue when he completes his MA in Communication next year. "I think graduate school will help me better make that choice while I gain workplace experience through internships, but I'm keeping my mind open to careers within the communication and marketing fields that allow me to write and flex my creative muscles."
When asked what advice he would give to first-year Hillyer students, Ryan says, "Take advantage of the available resources, cultivate relationships with the staff and faculty, and put yourself out there!"
Ryan Gorneault, CommunicationI think the fact that my Hillyer professors encouraged me to follow my passion prepared me to enter the College of Arts and Sciences. Hillyer professors consistently tell their students to advocate for themselves and cultivate relationships with their professors. I took that advice and applied it to my experiences at A&S.