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With determination like no other, senior journalism student Laura Whittier landed an all-star internship with the Providence Bruins.



While finishing her last semester at Salem State, the North Attleboro native is working as a communications intern for the professional hockey team in her first-ever internship.



Every game day, she makes her way from Salem to Providence to bring her classroom experience to life by managing the team’s social media presence, writing press releases, operating the control room, and acting as a media liaison between the team’s marketing office and local broadcast personalities.



Growing up, Whittier never considered herself the “college type” but knew if she wanted to succeed in the communications industry, she needed to take action and advance her skills by attending a university that let her embrace her passions. Knowing Salem State would provide her with that ability, it was the only university she applied to–the oceanic views were just an added bonus.



In her junior year, Whittier’s career began to unfold. She registered for COM 470: Feature Writing, a course focused on long-form writing that blended her love for journalism and photography. Using this course as a platform to discover her own strengths, she wrote features and took photos that painted a captivating story for readers. “In my feature writing class, I really learned about the kind of writer I am and saw where I want to go, while, at the same time, realizing ‘I can actually do this,’” explained Whittier.



Little did she know, this was a turning point in her career. Not only did this class allow her to establish herself as an innovative and dynamic writer, but helped her find a mentor in her professor Peggy Dillon.



“Peggy’s class was hands-on and let me experiment and do my own thing. She acted as a guide but let me do all of the pedaling on my own. I turned to her for wisdom, but she encouraged me to believe in myself and take action, which is exciting because it was the first time I felt like a real journalist,” said Whittier.



So with new-found confidence from her feature writing course and support from her mentor Peggy Dillon, Whittier set out on a mission to intern for the Providence Bruins. “I was drawn to this internship because of the excitement, and as a journalism student, I was hungry for a creative risk and to dive into an industry I'd never experienced before–sports communications."



Now, as she braces for commencement in a few short weeks, Whittier is delighted to know that her persistence and desire to try new things has paid off. Though her internship is sunsetting, there is light on the horizon–in April, Whittier accepted her first post-college job as a professional photographer for Fenway Park.



With her future in arm’s reach, Whittier reflects on her Viking career with words of wisdom for current and future communications students: “ Remember, internships are essential in gaining experience–it shows you made the most of your time as a student, by applying your coursework. Be involved! Take chances! And don’t let nervousness get to you. If you want to do something, do it, because this is college and it goes by too fast.”