Image of graduate students working together

Alumni Testimonials

Miranda Cali, MA
Graduation Date: May 2023
Job Title: Brand Marketing Specialist at Sharp Electronics

This master’s program was the best decision I could’ve made for myself and my career. Through hands-on learning, I learned more information than I thought possible, all while growing as an individual/professional and meeting amazing people along the way. Since obtaining my degree, I was able to secure positions that aligned with my passion. As a member of the Sharp Electronics Marketing team, I find myself consistently applying the valuable insights acquired during my academic journey.

Miranda Cali


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Nia Yagublu, MA
Graduation Date: May 2023

As an international student from Azerbaijan, it was difficult to adapt being this far away from home. With the support of the professors and friends from the cohorts, I was able to adjust and feel comfortable in this new learning environment. I learned some of the most valuable knowledge, such as fundamental theories, and connect them to real-life case studies. I loved that the program had people from different backgrounds and enjoyed being able to exchange ideas and conversations. I know my future is bright both professionally and socially!


Therise Sheridan, MA
Graduation Date: May 2023

As the co-founder of a record label, this program has been invaluable to my professional and personal endeavors. Whether through research, content creation or communication strategies, I was able to apply what I learned in my classes directly to my company. Today, I continue to apply the same skills and knowledge to publicize music artists and build relationships in both the music and media industry.

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Rayane Yamout, MA
Graduation Date: May 2023

This program has revolutionized my professional skills and action-oriented capabilities, shaping me into a resilient leader, creative thinker, proactive doer, and lifelong PR student. This unique experience has prepared me for a wide range of work environments and I am excited for what’s to come. I owe my success to the unwavering support of my colleagues and professors who work hard to help you succeed.


Paulette Gando-Duenas

Paulette Gando-Duenas, MA
Graduation Date: May 2023

I am profoundly grateful in participating in a program with an exceptional program coordinator, faculty, staff, and colleagues. Its outstanding curriculum empowers and equips students to navigate the intricacies of the communication and public relations fields. Providing me with the top-caliber tools to drive organizational success and continue my passion for teaching the world of communications. I am forever thankful for this program’s commitment to building its students a solid foundation to master the academic and professional world.


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Dragana Oborina, MA
Graduation Date: May 2023

As an international student and Fulbright Scholar from Serbia, this program allowed me to grasp the wide world of communications. The mix of different courses allowed me to explore both theory and creative work, which is a perfect preparation for working in the industry. One of the highlights of the program, was the opportunity to connect with professionals in the field. Through networking, I secured an internship upon graduation, which was a valuable step toward launching my career.

Dragana Oborina

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Akosua Sonia Boateng

Akosua Sonia Boateng, MA
Graduation Date: May 2023

From the perspective of an international student from Ghana, I appreciated the sense of community established in and out of the classroom. The support system I received from my cohort and professors was the best and made me feel at home all while being in a new environment. Academically, the program enhanced my communication skills and ability to think strategically.


Derek Dalonges, MA
Graduation Date: May 2020

I find joy in collaborating with clients to develop tailored websites that align with their precise requirements.

Derek Dalonges


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Danielle Pransky

Danielle Pransky, MA
Job Title: Product Marketing Associate for Fetch Pet Insurance

Getting my MA in Public and Organizational Relations at the MSU Graduate School not only helped me advance in my professional marketing career, but set me up with the conceptual and applied skills I use to navigate both external and internal facing plans and initiatives. Each pillar of the program truly helps you develop a well-rounded approach and it applies to all aspects of communications and marketing. It really has made such an impact on core areas of my work and in my career.

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Livia Lazzaro, MPH, MA, CHES®
Job Title: Public Health Internship Coordinator, The College of New Jersey

Completing the master’s program in Public and Organizational Relations at Montclair State University was one of the most transformative experiences in my professional life. It brought awareness about so many intricacies of the organizational life happening locally, nationally, and globally, and it equipped me with essential skills to successfully join the workforce. The most valuable thing for me was that the program allows for these skills to be applied in a wide range of settings and so it allows for alumni to pivot as their explore their career paths: every discipline needs strategic thinkers, great communicators, inspiring leaders, and tech-savvy media users who are ethical, collaborative, and authentic. To learn all this from expert faculty at MSU who were always encouraging and motivating, was an experience I’ll always cherish! I use everything I learned in the classroom daily whether it is with my own students in the classes I teach, in research projects with my colleagues, in managing social media accounts for our Department, or in public health interventions in the communities we serve.

Livia Lazzaro


Matthew DiBartolomeo

Matthew DiBartolomeo, MA, SHRM-CP
Job Title: Manager, Academic & Community Recruitment at Hackensack Meridian Health

The 4 pillars of the Public and Organizational Relations program has helped me immensely throughout my career: To think strategically in developing recruitment strategies and plans for current students and new graduates in a variety of health care fields; to utilize effective communication skills and media savvy when working with and speaking to different audiences (from college students to corporate executives); and finally to lead and support my recruitment team by fostering a collaborative mindset to successfully face the challenges we encounter on a regular basis. In short, I would not be where I am today without the Public and Organizational Relations program.