Western Sydney University students take a bite of the Big Apple
Last month, 12 Western Sydney University students from the School of Humanities and Communication Arts touched down in New York City, to immerse themselves in one of the most creative places in the world.
After the long journey, the group arrived for their two-week stay at Pace University where they got a taste of campus life and enjoyed workshops exploring critical media topics such as ‘Barbie culture’ and ‘Media, Culture and Society in the US’.
Throughout the program, students were exposed to leading Media and Public Relations agencies including Red Havas and WE Communications where they learnt directly from industry experts about pitching, social media, design, and the future of the industry.
The exposure to Media and Public Relations firms was a highlight for Brayden Gennari, a Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Creative Industries (Advertising) student.
“It was eye-opening to see how the many communication firms work, learning how to approach the process of creating a campaign and how the many specialisations are helping hands in creating major campaigns,” said Brayden.
“The experience showed us what our careers might look like after we complete our degrees, which is a great insight as emerging communicators.
“The entire trip gave us access to the professionalism of the industry that we might not learn through the classroom.”
The group also toured the purpose-built public space Little Island, designed for play, communication connection and performance, hearing from the initiative’s Communications Manager. They also enjoyed a vibrant Broadway performance of ‘Six the Musical’ where they were invited to hear from the Director in Residence after the show.
Reflecting on the experiential study tour, Bachelor of Communications and Bachelor of Creative Industries student, Tully Jackson feels as if the trip has unlocked a world of possibilities.
“The places we visited on the trip were incredibly insightful and rewarding, from visiting the SoundLab at Arup, the stages of the Jazz at Lincoln Centre, to meeting with Ping Chong and Company and the director of Six the Musical; I was truly inspired,” said Tully.
“I didn't realise there were so many niche careers not only in existence but completely achievable for me.”
The mix of work and play allowed students to immerse themselves in all that the Big Apple has to offer including walking the world-famous High Line, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, catching the Staten Island ferry, and more. Students also took time to visit and pay their respects at the 9/11 memorial.
For Bachelor of Communication (Advertising) student, Allegra Lopes Potamianos, the trip amplified her desire to chase her dreams.
“I was able to step out of my comfort zone and really mature in a way throughout the trip,” said Allegra.
“This program was really hands-on and eye-opening and something that I felt has really increased and improved my overall educational experience.”
Academic leader of the trip Dr Nicole Bridges, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, joined the students on their adventures in New York City.
“The trip was designed to expose students to the professional opportunities within the creative and communication industries, in a diverse and culturally rich city,” said Dr Bridges.
“These immersive, international experiences are pivotal for our students. Allowing them to broaden their depth of knowledge and learning on a global scale.”
The students also enjoyed a tour of the United Nations Headquarters, visiting various chambers and learning about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The group were proud to tour the SDGs chamber in the same year that the University has been named number one in the world for its social, economic, and environmental impact in the prestigious 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for the second time in a row.
ENDS
4 August 2023
Lauren Austin, Senior Media Officer
Image: supplied
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