It’s not uncommon for students to start college feeling uncertain about what they want to do with their lives. Kathryn Phillips, Class of 2025, arrived at The Catholic University of America with her own questions about how to choose a college major and what she hoped to achieve.
“I came to Catholic not knowing which way was left or right in terms of what I wanted to do in my life,” she confessed. “I came in as an undecided major and now I’m leaving as a double major with a minor.”
As a Media and Communication studies and business student with a minor in Marketing, she’s using the skills she gained in the classroom to foster her growth as a video production intern for Catholic University’s Athletics Department.
Kathryn credits much of her success to her mentor, Media Studies Associate Professor Glenn Østen Anderson. He introduced her to video production in one of his courses and encouraged her to pursue a budding interest in sports media, all of which she said was a “turning point” in her education toward choosing her path.
“He has been really instrumental to my growth as a creative, and I think that he really does a great job of pushing you to be more creative and giving you the space to do so,” she said.
Since then, she’s dived into everything the University has to offer to help her grow into the savvy videographer she is today. Over the past two years, she has captured content for over 20 varsity teams. Whether she was on the field, at court side, or on the pool deck, Alexis has captured highlight reels that have generated over 100,000 views across multiple social media channels.
It’s hard to believe that just four years ago, Kathryn was unsure of her future career aspirations. The opportunities she has had here will no doubt set her up for success in an ever-changing media landscape after she graduates this spring. Now, she reflects on how Catholic University has given her the space she needed to grow and dream.
She has advice for any incoming Cardinals at the crossroads of such an important decision: “Open yourself up to the opportunity and all the experiences that you can have here.”
