Why We Chose Newhouse: Students Reflect on Moving to Syracuse
When choosing a communications program, it’s easy to be swayed by the glamour of big cities like New York and Los Angeles. But for students who come to Newhouse, the city of Syracuse offers the chance to be a big dog in a much smaller pool, all while getting a top-notch education.
Still have your doubts? Here are some reasons alumni and current students chose to make the move to Syracuse:
Xander Gamble, G’15, Television, Radio and Film
Member of the U.S. Navy
I graduated from the TRF program in 2015. Right now, I manage a multimedia conglomerate for a primary local audience of 5000, and an active global secondary audience. As the Media Chief on board USS Ronald Reagan, I manage 20 people creating content for our daily newspaper, monthly magazine, semiweekly video news magazine, and our social media platforms.
I’ve gone to college at seven institutions, in small towns and large cities. I can honestly say Syracuse was my favorite city to study.
As it is a small market, it is easier to get the opportunities you are looking for. In a place like New York City (which is only a few hours away anyway) or Los Angeles, you are competing against students from a dozen schools or more, and young professionals trying to make a name for themselves. There may be more opportunities numerically, but the percentage of opportunities will be seriously reduced. Syracuse is your best chance of getting your foot in the door.
As for entertainment, Syracuse is the perfect blend between small town homey and big city convenience and arts. You’ve got staples like Dinosaur Barbecue, Funkin’ Waffles, and Insomnia Cookie as well as an easily accessible night scene downtown. You can get around easily without a car, but if you have one, it’s not overly burdensome to find parking.
Within fifteen minutes’ drive of the school, you can find great hiking trails and state parks with beautiful nature. I personally loved getting out to Green Lakes and Chittenango Falls. Additionally, Canada is just a few hours drive away, where you can check out Niagara Falls.
The size of the classes are great for interactions with the professors. You can easily get one-on-one time with them, and pick their brains for the professional experience each has had.
Kimberly Norton, G’13, Public Relations
Originally from Mexico, NY
The TRF program introduced me to people in the television industry, which was great. I wasn’t able to get a job through those connections but being an SU graduate tends to raise eyebrows when speaking with potential employers. So far I’ve worked with two news stations and Newhouse alumni were at both. It helps to have that connection when meeting people for the first time.
Being from Los Angeles, the thought of moving northeast made me cringe. But I took a step out on faith. Once I got to Syracuse, there was such a sense of pride and camaraderie among students. It was like I had been accepted into an exclusive club. The “Newhouse Mafia” alone is probably a good selling point. Small program means more attention.
