The Oakland Center’s Founders Ballroom was buzzing on Nov. 3 as Oakland University’s Department of Communication, Journalism and Public Relations (CJPR) hosted its annual Career Panel, giving students a chance to meet alumni and professionals working in communication and media.
The event brought together panelists from across the industry to talk about career readiness, job searching and even the growing role of artificial intelligence in communication-related fields. Students rotated through small-group discussions, asking questions and connecting directly with professionals.
“This semester’s panel was a group effort,” Valerie Palmer-Mehta, professor of communication and CJPR internship advisor, said. “Our primary goal is to help students successfully navigate the transition from school to work — networking with alumni and professionals, learning about career paths, understanding how AI is changing the workplace and just getting practical advice to stand out in a competitive job market.”
Palmer-Mehta said the event got overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and professionals.
“We hope the event inspired students to dream big, but also to start now,” she said. “Many students aren’t aware of the professional success of OU alumni in our department. We want them to be inspired and to start planning their own careers.”
Alumni panelist Dahlia Kamel, brand experience manager for Maserati Americas, said she returned to OU to give back.
“I thought back to when I was a senior and how valuable it would have been to have an opportunity like this,” Kamel said. “My time at Oakland shaped my career and gave me my first job opportunity. I wanted to give that opportunity back to the students here.”
For Steve St. Germain, media and digital manager at Jeep, the panel was just as helpful for him as it was for the students.
“Just like students here are building their networks, I’m still building mine,” St. Germain said. “It’s definitely a two-way street. I get a lot out of coming back — sharing my experience and helping others if I can.”
Students agreed the panel gave them a boost of confidence about their career paths. Rachel Jackson, an OU MBA student who earned her undergraduate degree in Integrative Studies in 2023, said the advice she heard was invaluable.
“A lot of them had the same sentiment: it’s important to try different things and be open to experiences,” Jackson said. “They emphasized starting small if you need to and working your way up. It was also great to hear how open they were to connecting on LinkedIn.”
This semester’s event also included a keynote spotlight on AI’s impact in the workplace, led by the distinguished panel of professionals:
- Steve St. Germain, Media and Digital Manager at Jeep
- John Perich, Director of Public Relations at Rocket Companies
- Sarah Smith, Area Vice President at Gallagher
- Dave Sanabria, VP of Partnership Engagement for the Detroit Pistons
- David Cesefske II, Sports Director at ABC 12
- Dahlia Kamel, Brand Experience Manager at Maserati
Palmer-Mehta explained the department plans to keep hosting the CJPR Career Panel every fall and winter semester.
“Our department is deeply invested in your success,” she said. “You’re not just another number to us — you truly matter here. We have a dynamic team dedicated to these panels and we’re constantly exploring new ways to enhance the student experience.”
By the end of the night, students left with more than just business cards — they had advice, new connections and a clearer sense of what’s next after OU. The CJPR Career Panel reminded everyone that your next opportunity might start with just one conversation and that Oakland’s alumni network is full of professionals ready to help you get there.
