Finding Community, Opportunities and Inspiration: Francesca Giani ’24

Imagine transforming a passion for languages into a career in compelling narratives. That's exactly what Francesca Giani did! This bright 2024 graduate of the MAPC program took a leap from linguistic mediation and landed squarely in the exciting world of strategic communication. Her story? It's a heartwarming reminder of how a supportive community, a knack for pursuing opportunities, and a program that fits you can really change the game.

Prior to joining USF, Francesca’s academic background lay in linguistic mediation. However, her passion for strategic communication became a burning flame during her bachelor’s degree, where she explored marketing and media classes. This pivotal moment revealed her desire to leverage her language and communication skills in a professional setting, prompting her to pursue a master’s degree in communication. When considering her options, Francesca was drawn to USF’s MAPC program for its unique blend of flexibility and personalized learning. The program’s ability to be tailored to individual interests and career aspirations, coupled with the strong sense of community and inspiring testimonials from current students and alumni, solidified her decision.

Francesca chose the strategic communication concentration, driven by her passion for storytelling, persuasive messaging, and strategic thinking. She sought to refine her ability to apply critical thinking to communication strategies in a meaningful way. The curriculum provided her with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve this goal. One piece of advice from a USF professor, “learn how to lead by influence,” resonated deeply with her, as someone who aspired to be in a leadership position, shaping her approach to leadership and professional development. This guiding principle continues to influence her daily work and career aspirations.

The MAPC program fostered a collaborative environment, allowing Francesca to form strong bonds with her classmates. Memorable experiences included developing a strategic communication plan for the nonprofit Strong Girls United, alongside classmates. This project, her first full communication plan, aimed to strengthen the organization’s presence and empower young girls in the Bay Area. Another standout project was creating an executive summary for a Spotify campaign launching its AI tool, in collaboration with her classmate Iklim Uluca. Their project was awarded “Best in Class,” a testament to their hard work and the program’s rigorous academic standards.

Francesca credits USF’s strong sense of community, diverse opportunities, and international atmosphere for her personal and professional growth. She found mentors, friends, and sources of inspiration through her engagement with the program and the university. One significant connection was with Donna Uchida, Adjunct Professor, who became a crucial supporter and inspiration. Francesca also valued the collaborative spirit of her classmates, recognizing their impact on her development.

The MAPC program played a pivotal role in launching Francesca’s career. Through USF and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), she secured a dream internship at Zeno Group in New York, expanding her professional network and industry knowledge. Currently, she works at TED as a Licensing Assistant, further developing her communication and event management skills. The skills and connections she gained at USF have been instrumental in her career trajectory.

Francesca remains connected with her USF community, emphasizing the importance of giving back and maintaining those valuable relationships. She wholeheartedly encourages prospective students with similar profiles to consider USF’s MAPC program, emphasizing that it is an incredible opportunity that they won’t regret. Her journey is a shining example of how USF’s MAPC program empowers students to achieve their dreams and build a fulfilling career.