Study-away experience helps recent RIT graduate feel career-ready

Hitting the post-graduation job market can feel daunting, but Shannon Lesch ’26 (photographic and imaging arts – visual media) feels prepared to succeed thanks to her experience with the RIT in NYC study-away program.

Open to any students enrolled in a BFA program in RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences, the RIT in NYC program offers the opportunity to live and work in New York City for a semester alongside a cohort of their peers.

Lesch, from Binghamton, N.Y., spent her time in the city taking classes and working as a digital and social media intern at Rachel Harrison Communications. She said the real career experience she gained through the program was invaluable, and that living on her own in a new city helped grow her confidence both personally and professionally.

What was your typical schedule during your study-away semester?

I think all of us had such a different experience. How busy we were was entirely determined by where we had an internship. I had one of the more demanding schedules because I worked from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which ended up being about 36 hours a week. Then, on Friday we had classes all day until around 5 p.m. So, I was pretty busy between those commitments, completing my capstone, and doing homework for my classes. My friends and I really took advantage of the weekends to explore the city.

What kind of projects did you work on at your internship?

Rachel Harrison Communications is a public relations firm that specifically caters to clients in the hospitality industry and related businesses. As the digital and social media intern, I was given a set of accounts that I worked on. By the end of my time there, I worked with about seven different clients and brands. My role was really focused on how I could assist other people on our team who were working on the same accounts I was assigned to cover. I did a lot of social media clipping, I would draft captions and stories, and I made some Instagram reels for the company. I would also draft shot lists and make mood boards for client photoshoots.

One of the hallmarks of the program is the excursions where students can meet and learn from working professionals. How did meeting these creatives and learning about their careers inspire you?

We talked to a lot of RIT alums, so it was kind of awesome to have that confirmation that I could end up in a role like theirs. Meeting them is proof that it can really happen—that I could work for companies like Netflix or Aperture or Coach. We met some people who have super high positions in their company, and it was cool to talk with them and hear what steps they took to get to where they are now. Everyone was really nice and very honest about their experience, which I think all of us were very grateful for.

It was so helpful for us to make these connections before being launched into the post-graduation job market. We were really encouraged to reach out to alumni and form connections, and, through that, I discovered that our alumni network is so strong. I’ve found that people who graduated from RIT are honestly happy to hear from me, and happy to share their personal experiences because they remember what it was like trying to land their first job or internship.

What lessons will you take from this experience as you lay the foundation for your own career?

When you’re in a photo program, I think an obvious path that people expect you to take is to become a full-time photographer. But I came to a point in my college career where I realized that I love photography, but I didn’t know that I wanted to be a photographer. Truthfully, I struggled with that for a while, but I really think this program helped me move past that concern. Talking to people who graduated with a photography degree and are immersed in the world of photography, but in slightly different roles, was validating. It showed me that I can still thrive in the industry even if I’m not the one behind the camera taking photos.

In general, I feel so much more confident and better equipped with knowledge about what it takes to work in the industry. I have a better understanding of what I want out of my career and what questions I should be asking potential employers.