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Name: Michaela Alfano '25
Hometown: Haledon, New Jersey
High School: Manchester Regional High School
Majors: Communication and Sports Management
OWU Connection Experience: Internship in the Athletic Communications Office at New York University
Alfano is spending the semester in New York, completing an NYU internship that has offered the OWU junior "many incredible experiences." Her experience is part of the Ohio Wesleyan-administered New York Arts Program.
"I got to work at NYU women's volleyball, women's and men's soccer, and women's and men's basketball events. I had the opportunity to work the NCAA DIII women's soccer first and second rounds of the tournament, where I conducted post-game media and articles, and was one of the main communication contacts.
"At the events, I would help record stats, learn the new system, and help NYU launch its new athletic facility. I also got to do a lot of writing post-game stories, even getting to interview the coaches post-game. In the office, I got to update records, create athlete of the week graphics, and curate photo galleries from games."
"This experience spoke to me because I understand the world of college athletics, but I was curious to see how it operated in a city. There are a lot of things that I have not learned that need to be in balance in order for sporting events to go smoothly because NYU uses a lot of facilities that are rented.
"The thought of working with such a notable name school like NYU was such a cool opportunity I couldn't turn it down. I knew I would have resources and support, and learn a lot while also getting to engage in sports in a different sense than OWU. This experience spoke to me … because I know the environment is more fostered to students, meaning I would get that one-on-one personalized experience."
"My favorite moment of the experience has to be when I got to work at the NCAA women's soccer tournament that NYU was awarded the bid to host. As one of the main points of contact for the soccer team all season, it was so rewarding to see the team not only make the tournament but excel. It was also one of those rewarding moments where it felt like all the work had paid off and was so cool to see that through the end."
Everyone should have an experience like this because it really does help better prepare you for the world ahead.
"Experiences like this are so incredibly crucial. We learn so much in the classroom, but this learning is hands-on and beyond anything a book can teach.
"Being in New York, I have learned how to better manage my time, meal prep for myself, balance enjoying life but also working a 9-5, and essentially how to live in the real world. It also gave me the perfect opportunity to take my classroom lessons on how to create a communication strategy, market a new brand, or even the basics of journalism into a real profession.
"This experience has also challenged me to think more about what I specifically want to do. I have come to realize that I enjoy the college athletics landscape, something I did not think I did prior, but I also got a real taste of what the hours are like. I spent most weekends working at NYU Athletics events after having worked three days a week in the office. It was a real shock how many hours actually go into a job in this industry. It was something people had told me, but to experience it firsthand was crucial to see if I am cut out for this.
"Everyone should have an experience like this because it really does help better prepare you for the world ahead."
"Dr. Ashley Kennard in the Communication Department has been a big mentor for me. She wrote me a letter of recommendation for the program and has helped me several times with assignments for my internships that I felt I needed a bit more guidance on. She is always willing to answer and email, check-in, or even hop on a call to support me, which means the world." (Kennard, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Communication.)
"I am a member of the Department of Communication Student Board and a member of Delta Zeta Sorority."
"I chose Ohio Wesleyan because I liked the idea of being in a close tight-knit community for school. I knew I would do best with a more personalized education, which OWU provides. The location allowed me to be close to some family who live in Ohio, but still experience life away from my home in New Jersey. Overall, it was just the perfect combination of offering me both majors I am currently pursuing, as well as organizations and resources."
"Right now, my plans for after graduation are to attend graduate school in Ohio or New York. I have roots and connections in both of those places thanks to OWU and the programs I have done through OWU.
"I really want to end up working in the professional sports sector, specifically for a women's soccer team, so wherever that takes me I am happy to explore, but until then I know I want to spend some time in New York, whether for school or a post-grad internship."