Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Great Barrington, Western Massachusetts
Maggie D'Aniello hails from a small mountain town in the Berkshires, where she is part of a large family that means everything to her. She is the oldest of four, with a thirteen-year age range between her and her youngest sibling.
Currently a senior communication studies major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she shares the unique twists and turns she took to discover her precise degree path.
"I originally started college pre-med but quickly learned that I didn't want to be in school the rest of my life, so then I switched to a major in business, but that wasn't the right fit either," says Maggie.
Conversations with her professor while taking COMM 286: Business and Professional Communication led her to consider Communication Studies, which ultimately was the perfect match. "It took a while for me to find my major, but it was a process I had to go through to discover how much I love COMM," says Maggie.
It also led her to an ideal internship at the Center for Communication Excellence (CCE). Maggie serves as assistant director at the Center and is highly involved in mentoring students with their public speaking skills, working on social media and public relations tasks for the Department of Communication Studies, and helping to revamp and expand the Center's services.
The experience has taught her a lot. "I think the most impactful thing I have learned so far is the importance of a team. I have loved working with the CCE team," says Maggie. "Creating a positive team environment and making close connections actually makes the work more efficient, and you get a lot more done, leaving more time for projects to be accomplished."
She also appreciates that the opportunity has helped her hone her communication, public relations, organizational, leadership, and mentorship skills.
"I have learned much about mentorship during this internship and how to best address each individual who enters our door," says Maggie. "Each student has different learning styles, and their own personal experiences affect how they respond to feedback. So, it is important to build rapport with each student to make them feel more comfortable."
With the conferral of the degree she was always meant to have just around the corner, Maggie is prepared for the next twist or turn in her path.
"I am still unsure exactly what I want to do after my undergrad experience at UNL, but thanks to my internship and the education I have received, I know that I have transferable skills that would make me a standout candidate in any career I pursue," says Maggie.
