Slippery Rock University graduates like Alyssa Mascolo, ’24, are entering the workforce with the expertise and capability to accelerate as young leaders in the industries that personify the Pittsburgh area.
Mascolo, who graduated with a degree in strategic communication and media, was a guest speaker and panelist at the SRU Haverlack College of Business’ Ready to Lead Symposium last week.
“My confidence came from seeing other Slippery Rock graduates doing exactly what I wanted to do, and knowing they wanted to help,” Mascolo said.
Mascolo switched her major from exercise science while at SRU after noticing she enjoyed writing research reports more than any of her classmates.
This realization ignited her shift to communications with a concentration in public relations.
“When I went to change my major, I didn’t realize how great the department is,” she said. “We have so many faculty who have been professionals in the field for years before they became professors.”
Following this transition, Mascolo quickly became involved in organizations meant to position students for post-graduate success. Most notably, she served as vice president and student account executive for Rock PRSSA, the public relations student organization at SRU. She was also the PR and social media chair for the National Honor Society for Dance Arts as well as a member of College Dress Relief.
On campus through Rock PRSSA and in her degree program, Mascolo noted that skills like project management, leadership and strong writing can set candidates apart in the job search.
Most of all, she credits her involvement in Rock PRSSA with giving her the opportunity to apply and strengthen these skills. The organization is a prominent champion of professional growth through networking and relationship-building.
“You get to see how the tactical information you’re learning in class translates into real life, and you’re hearing it straight from the professionals,” she said.
Through connections made at SRU, Mascolo began her career as a public relations fellow at HAVAS Red, a global PR and media agency with an office in Pittsburgh. Today, as an account executive, she serves clients with exceptional skill in media relations, content creation, thought leadership and more.
Mascolo also serves as social media chair for the Public Relations Society of America’s Pittsburgh chapter, where she promotes its membership and programming while working to provide students with the same exposure and opportunities that helped her land her first role. She recently received the 2026 PRSA Pittsburgh Member of the Year award.
Mascolo advises students to engage with professionals early on, noting that the connections she made through SRU helped ease her transition into the workforce and played a key role in getting her to where she is today.
More information about strategic communication and media at SRU is available on the program’s webpage.
