Students Get Behind-the-Scenes Look at USA TODAY Co.

Students met with professionals across departments including sports journalism, investor relations, and entertainment, gaining insights into career paths at one of the nation's leading media companies.

by Bryan Terry '12, Assistant Director of Content Marketing and Communications
Video and imagery by Bobby Oliver '21, Assistant Director of Digital Production

April 14, 2026 — Ben Leeds '26 had done his homework. When he saw the itinerary for the Road to the Workplace trip to USA TODAY Co., a name immediately jumped out to him: Paul Myerberg, the company's college sports reporter.

"That's what I want to do when I graduate — to be a sports writer covering professional or college sports," said Ben, a communication major from Connecticut. "So I knew I wanted to be here and ask him a few questions just to learn how he got his position and what that position actually entails."

Ben was one of 30 Marist students who traveled to the company’s New York offices for the event, organized by the Center for Career Services.

Through the Road to the Workplace program, students regularly visit organizations in cities including New York, Albany, Hartford, Jersey City, and Washington, D.C., gaining access to behind-the-scenes experiences, professional mentorship, and face-to-face networking opportunities designed to accelerate career readiness.

The most recent visit was coordinated by Lark-Marie Anton '99, Chief Communications and Brand Officer for USA TODAY Co. and a member of the Marist Board of Trustees.

“I had an infinite amount of mentors, partners, and opportunities that came from my experience at Marist,” Anton said. “I've always been very cognizant of the fact that I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for Marist, and the opportunities that led to this trajectory of my career, so I want to give back.”

The day featured presentations from professionals across multiple departments, an office and studio tour, and plenty of face-to-face networking time.

"I could email these writers and set up a phone call," Ben said. "But to be here and to talk to them face to face, in person, shake their hand, and really get to know them — it's really valuable in my opinion."

Following Your Passion

The sports journalism presentation with Myerberg also struck a chord with Rechee.

"It was nice to hear him talk about if he wasn't doing sports, then that's something that he wouldn't love," Rechee said. "He was talking about how he gets paid to go to the games, so it's like a two in one deal that you can't beat — that's something I would like to have myself."

Myerberg even made time to chat one-on-one with Ben.

"Almost everyone who spoke today talked about how important it is to network and to have a phone call with someone," Ben said. "It might not lead to a job, but it leads to expanding your reach and the people you know who could one day help you and maybe one day you end up helping them."

The Art of Networking

Kaitlin La Du '26, a communications major with dual concentrations in advertising and public relations from Connecticut, came to the event prepared.

She had researched the speakers and was one of three students who connected with Ralphie Aversa on LinkedIn before the event.

Her proactive approach paid off when Aversa acknowledged her during his presentation.

“I was actually so shocked by that," Kaitlin said. "It's so important to be able to differentiate yourself, and so I was really excited when he started mentioning people's names."

“It just is a moment that you feel very seen and appreciated for your efforts,” she said.

Kaitlin emphasized the importance of attending networking events regardless of whether they directly align with immediate career goals.

"Any opportunity that you can seize is always a lesson, no matter whether or not it applies to directly what you want to do or what you think that you want to do," Kaitlin said. "It's just an amazing opportunity to be surrounded by industry professionals, and everybody has a story to tell and a lesson to speak about."

"I think a lot of people don't understand that it's about understanding that you may not get a job from this, but it's an opportunity to get inspired from and understand other people's stories," said Rechee.

A Broad Network of Opportunity

The USA TODAY Co. visit represents one of many initiatives through which the Center for Career Services connects students with professional opportunities and alumni mentors.

“Career services events turn introductions into opportunities—bringing students and alumni mentors together to share guidance, open doors, and build meaningful connections for the future,” said Mary Jones, executive director of the Center for Career Services.

In February, students traveled to Goldman Sachs Ayco in Albany for a similar experience, meeting with Sheri Lyons, Managing Director and Head of Talent Strategy, and participating in panel discussions, case studies, and rotating roundtable conversations.

The Center for Career Services also hosts on-campus events that leverage Marist's alumni network.

In March, Ron Marz '87, a narrative designer at Blizzard Entertainment who spent more than three decades writing for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, spoke to students about building a career in game development. In February, the Spring VIP Networking Event brought over 30 alumni professionals across various industries back to campus for one-on-one conversations with students.

A Broad Network of Opportunity

For Anton, facilitating connections between current students and the professional world remains deeply meaningful, rooted in her own Marist experience.

"I had professors that deeply cared, not just about the academics, but about me as a student, and that's what resonated for me the most," she said.

As a mother of three, including one who just started college, Anton understands the importance of career preparation for the current generation.

"I don't think there's anything more important for this generation, especially working in media, than to really help them advance their careers," she said. "And wouldn't it be great to have other Marist alums join us here at USA TODAY Co? To me, that's the greatest gift that we can give them."