“The MCM program helped me build on the skills and passions I discovered as an undergraduate, deepening my understanding of communication and media,” said Dylan Russo. “It became the foundation for my growth, both personally and professionally.”

Growing up in Summit, New Jersey, Russo never imagined that Rutgers, so close to home, would play such a transformative role in his life. Initially attending a smaller university, he struggled to connect and find a sense of belonging. Seeking a change, he transferred to Rutgers. On his first visit, he was struck by the university’s diversity, energy, and abundance of opportunities.

“I had always thought Rutgers was too close to home, but I completely overlooked its vibrancy. It felt like a city of its own, with so much to explore and experience,” he shared.

At Rutgers, Russo thrived academically and personally. He joined the volleyball team, formed meaningful connections in his classes, and participated in organizations like Enactus and the National Society of Leadership and Success. His decision to transfer provided a supportive environment where he could focus on his goals, ultimately graduating summa cum laude.

Russo’s academic journey took a pivotal turn when he pursued a minor in Digital Communication and Information Media (DCIM). The program ignited his passion for website production, digital storytelling, and virtual collaboration.

“The DCIM program encouraged me to think critically about digital tools and their impact on communication,” Russo said. “It opened my eyes to the potential of digital environments.”

Inspired after completing his undergraduate degree, Russo continued his studies, earning a Master of Communication and Media (MCM) degree at Rutgers, maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

In our Q&A, Russo shares how his experiences at Rutgers and within the SC&I community shaped his career path.

SC&I: What’s your current position and how is it both rewarding and challenging?
DR: I am currently a senior account executive at The Bliss Group, a marketing communications agency that integrates analytics and audience insights with the art of storytelling. In this role, I collaborate with Fortune 100 clients, including one of the nation’s largest healthcare companies, to drive strategic initiatives across paid, earned, shared, and owned media channels.

What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that merge creativity with data-driven insights. Each day presents a chance to contribute to meaningful work that influences industries. Additionally, working alongside such talented and passionate colleagues has been invaluable. The team at The Bliss Group cultivates a culture of innovation, collaboration, and support, creating an environment where I feel both challenged and inspired to grow.

The challenges are mostly rooted in the fast-paced nature of client-facing work, which requires constant adaptability and top-notch problem-solving skills. Balancing competing priorities while maintaining precision and quality under tight deadlines can be intense, but these pressures create massive growth opportunities. The lessons I’ve learned—both in resilience and in refining my speaking, writing, and strategic thinking skills—have been transformative.

SC&I: How have your studies at SC&I prepared you for your career?
DR: My digital media classes were invaluable in preparing me for my career, teaching me to think critically about the evolving landscape of this technology. These classes equipped me with essential skills: writing, creating, and leveraging research and analytics tools to drive meaningful insights.

I also want to thank Mark Beal, assistant professor of professional practice, communication, whose PR History class brought foundational principles to life—from Ivy Lee and Edward Bernays to modern frameworks like the PESO Model. Beyond teaching, he introduced me to industry professionals, offering real-world insights that were invaluable to my development. Professor Beal goes above and beyond to guide, advise, and help students network and learn, and I am deeply grateful for his dedication and impact.

SC&I: What advice do you have to offer current or prospective students?
DR: My advice is simple: prioritize building connections. Whether with professors, peers, or industry professionals, relationships open doors to opportunities you never thought possible.

Engage with your community—talk to your professors, who are a wealth of knowledge and eager to guide you. Connect with classmates both inside and outside of your courses, and branch out into different organizations and communities. Building a strong network takes effort, but it’s the most valuable investment you can make for your future. So, get out there, make waves, and be intentional about the connections you create.