First SJMC Travel Group of 2026 Explores Media Careers Through SIA New York
January 22, 2026
Elizabeth Hayek
The SJMC had its first travel program of 2026 with a Study in America trip to New York City, giving students direct access to the media industry through reporting, networking and hands-on professional work.
The Jan. 11–17 program was part of MC 3114: Career Exploration Destination America New York, led by faculty Chuck Kaufman and Jessica James. The course combined professional meetings with required student projects, including news-style stories, meeting summaries, photography, reflections and enterprise features.
Learning Through Direct Industry Access
Throughout the week, students met with alumni and media professionals at major organizations, including Condé Nast, CNBC, United Nations, The New York Times, FleishmanHillard, Edelman and CNN.
At Condé Nast, Texas State alumna Allie Horton discussed digital publishing, advertising operations and audience strategy. Students later visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, where faculty emphasized journalism’s role during moments of national crisis.
Texas State alum Chris Eudaily, deputy tech editor at CNBC, spoke about newsroom expectations, writing discipline and career progression. At the United Nations, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric led a daily press briefing and stressed accuracy, patience and fact-based reporting in global journalism.
Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Brian Rosenthal of The New York Times discussed investigative work, editing standards and legal review, comparing large national newsrooms with regional outlets. At FleishmanHillard, senior vice president and general manager Rachel Catanach outlined global public relations strategy, while Edelman hosted a panel of early-career professionals, including Texas State alumna Joyce Venema, who shared insight into agency life in New York.
The program concluded with a visit to CNN at Hudson Yards, where Texas State alum Polo Sandoval, reporter and anchor for CNN International, spoke about broadcast journalism, ethics and preparation.
My experience in New York was unforgettable and full of moments that connected everything I’ve learned in school to real life. New York was an amazing experience. I got to see places I had never been before, learn from people in the industry, and step outside my comfort zone.
Student Work
In addition to professional meetings, students produced original content throughout the week. Projects included meeting coverage, alumni interviews, photography, eyewitness reflections and enterprise stories exploring topics such as newsroom culture, branding in New York, investigative reporting, global media systems and career pathways in journalism, advertising and public relations.
Students also documented cultural experiences across the city, using New York’s museums, neighborhoods and public spaces as reporting environments that informed their storytelling. Student work from the trip is featured below.
Kya Cox
Ari Blanco Perdomo
Eli Fehr
Julianna Moreno
Annika Quesada
Sabrina Sneed
Quotes from Presenters
Alum Chris Eudaily, Deputy Tech Editor at CNBC
“You don't know where early steps will take you, but you should grow with each step and take them one at a time.”
Rachel Catanach: SVP Senior Partner & GM with FleishmanHillard
"Today is an interesting time in the public relations industry. It all means we connect to world markets that build on the collaboration we already experience, which also enables us to see how business operates in different parts of the world."
Stephane Dujarric: Spokesman for the United Nations
“We have to have facts, and it takes time to get facts, we have to be right. This is a very dangerous place to do guessing,”
Alum Polo Sandoval: Anchor with CNN International
"Journalism comes with a code of ethics. Know how to go about doing it properly and honestly."
Building Professional Experience
The New York Study in America program reinforced SJMC’s emphasis on experiential learning by connecting classroom skills with real-world media practice. Faculty organizers said the relationships built with alumni and industry leaders will continue to support future cohorts as the program grows.