Student Profile: McKenna DiRienzo
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the Chatham experience is the community here. As a student, I (Abigail Kneuss ‘22) have learned to lean on and learn through its members. In an effort to showcase just a few of these great people, I’ll be doing a series of student interviews in the coming weeks. These highlights are for students, about students, and by students. This week features McKenna DiRienzo ‘23.
During her time at Chatham, communication major McKenna has done lots of work in her focus area— public relations. She is the Publicity Editor for The Minor Bird, a fellow student worker in the Office of Marketing and Communications, and just started a job as the Community Relations Intern for the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.
Q: Why did you decide to study at Chatham?
A: I really liked the campus and the idea of being in Pittsburgh. I liked the idea of having career opportunities in a bigger city at a small liberal arts school. Additionally, I liked the way the communications program was arranged when I was coming in as a first year student.
Q: What’s been the favorite part of your Chatham experience so far?
A: I would have to say the faculty. They really care about you and want to see you go as far as you can. They are so willing to make connections with you. I haven’t had a bad professor yet and they genuinely care about the work that you’re doing.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I am really looking forward to using my time at Chatham to narrow down what I want to do. My internship is in the nonprofit sector and I’m feeling out if that’s the path for me. Communications is a really broad field and finding my niche within it is my goal for my last 2 years at Chatham. I’m excited to explore my talents and narrow them down to a specific career path!
Q: Outside of your studies, what do you enjoy doing?
A: When I’m not in school, I love being outdoors and hiking. I also like thrifting with my friends, baking, cooking, reading, and writing a bit if I have time.