Newhouse Trailblazer Career Committee Provides Alumni Mentorship to Students

When you think about graduating college, the immediate reaction might be of excitement, uncertainty, or perhaps, somewhere in between. Now what if you had a supportive mentor to guide you through that time, someone who helped you prepare for the future when you were still a student?

At the Newhouse School, the Newhouse Trailblazer Career Committee (NTCC) is a new resource which works in tandem with the Career Development Center (CDC) to give current students direct access to mentors, who also happen to be successful Newhouse alumni.

The volunteer-based committee was created by Newhouse alumni Samantha Bash ’23 and Sammy Schneider ‘23, birthed from a “genuine want to help future communications professionals,” said Bash.

Schneider and Bash share how the program—which has more than 40 alumni mentors and over 100 students signing up in 2024-25—bridges the gap between college and the professional world, the impact they hope it will have and more.

What went into making this committee come to life?

Schneider: I cannot take all the credit here, Sami came to me and asked if I wanted to be a part of this committee she was starting to bring alumni mentorship to the students. The second Sami began explaining the concept behind the committee, the decision was easy. Once Sami brought me on to the team, we started having regular meetings with [CDC director] Bridget Lichtinger, where we spoke through the different methods we could employ to ensure that the committee was as successful as it could be.

Bash: We brought this committee to life by driving forward with our core force—passion. Everything we do is fueled by our genuine want to help future communications professionals at our alma mater. Looking back on my time as a student, I remember the uncertainties I faced while learning how to network and navigate real-life scenarios. It was through these challenges that I realized the incredible potential of a committee focused on connection and a passion for helping others. Because we led with this passion, we were able to find some of the most dedicated and like-minded mentors—individuals who want to help because they understand where students are, having walked that path themselves.

How does the Newhouse Trailblazer Career Committee differentiate from the CDC or the Newhouse Alumni connections database?

Schneider: The Newhouse Trailblazer Career Committee is different because it gives students direct access to mentors, who also happen to be alumni. The Newhouse Alumni Connections database is a system where you may be able to get in contact with alumni to get their mentorship. Our committee identified the alumni who were interested and had a passion for mentoring students and the future leaders in the communications industry. 

Bash: The Newhouse Alumni Connections Database is owned by the CDC. The NTCC works closely with, but is separate from the CDC. Bridget is a huge help when we need assistance connecting with students or the alumni network, whether it’s to share application opportunities or brainstorm ideas that help us better understand the needs of the student body.

Why did you, as alums, feel that this committee would be beneficial for current students?

Schneider: This is a committee that I would have loved to have as a student! Now that I am an alumnus and have been working in the communications industry for just over a year, the best way to ensure that another student was not going to wish they had this, was to just create it and give it to the students.

Bash: I believe this committee would be incredibly beneficial for current students, especially as the world undergoes significant shifts in how we work and interact. With the rise of hybrid work environments post-pandemic, the rapid advancement of AI technologies, and the ongoing evolution of social media, it’s clear that students need to be prepared for these changes. While some topics may be addressed in class, it’s through additional one-on-one time and mentorship that students can gain clarity on things they may be uncertain about. This approach offers real-time insights, helping students better understand what life is like during an internship or after graduation.

What does the NTCC do?

Schneider: We are a volunteer-based mentorship program designed to connect professionals with current students. As mentors, volunteers will share their experiences, insights and practical advice to help students understand the dynamic world of the communications industry. This initiative is not just about providing guidance; it’s about creating a supportive community that empowers the new generation of young professionals.

Bash: We carefully select passionate mentors and pair them with enthusiastic, committed students based on their major. This pairing allows students to receive guidance on essential career skills such as interview preparation, resume reviews and networking—areas that may be unfamiliar to many. Additionally, we plan to host monthly meetings where we explore valuable topics, like how to leverage  [LinkedIn] for networking. We are also organizing a mock interview session, giving students the opportunity to practice with someone other than their mentor, offering a real-life scenario and constructive feedback.

What impact do you want it to have?

Schneider: It’s hard to apply what you’ve learned to your job, as many students could feel unprepared for the realities of the professional world. It’s even harder to understand the unconventional work lifestyles that have emerged post-COVID, such as technological advancements, office etiquette, and hybrid/remote work environments. Our program aims to demystify these challenges by offering real-world perspectives and advice from those who have made the transition themselves. We hope that the relationships built between mentor and mentee continue past the student’s graduation. We want to ensure that the Newhouse family/community is sticking together and benefitting from each other, even once a student’s time at Newhouse is over.

Bash: We want the NTCC to provide students with the opportunity to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with mentors who can offer guidance throughout their academic journey. It brings students closer to alumni while giving alumni the chance to give back by helping others as they progress in their professional careers. This cycle of support can empower many students to navigate their future with confidence.

How does NTCC bridge the gap between college and the professional world, and what’s some advice for Newhouse students post-graduation?

Schneider: By providing students mentors, we hope to provide clarity on what the professional world is like, during a time where there are so many unknowns about the future and what it holds. The best advice I have for someone post-graduation is to embrace the unknown and remember that everyone else is also new at the post-graduation thing. It is ok if people are getting jobs around you while you struggle to get one. Everything works itself out, and eventually, you will be the one giving the advice to the young student on the same things you were scared of when you first left college.

Bash: The NTCC helps bridge the gap by connecting students with someone in the communications industry who has already navigated this phase of their life. The best advice for Newhouse students post-graduation is that there is no race to the finish line—everyone has different experiences and challenges when figuring out life after graduation. Stay confident and true to yourself, and you’ll end up with the job that’s the best fit for you.

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Alumni seeking to become mentors in 2025-26 or students looking for more information can email nhtrailblazercareercommittee@gmail.com.