Point Park Internships: Carson Folio '26 Turns Childhood Dream into a Role at 90.5 WESA Student Profile

Why did you choose Point Park University’s digital journalism program?

Journalism was something I always wanted to study, but I never had the chance to try it in high school. I knew I wanted to go to school here at Point Park, so I did some extra research and saw how qualified the faculty are here and knew it was the right pick.

Which faculty and courses have had an impact on you?

Where do I even start? I will never forget how much fun and how much I learned in a short span of time in Media Storytelling with part-time Instructor Chet Wade and in Honors Media and Society with Professor Helen Fallon. They both taught me how to write well and provided a better understanding of the industry. Plus, Professor Aimee Marie-Dorsten has always been a great mentor for me, along with Professor Chris Rolinson, The Globe’s faculty adviser.

Tell us about your internship at 90.5 WESA and why this opportunity means so much to you.

I have listened to 90.5 WESA since I was in elementary school. It was on during the car ride to school and back home, which made me appreciate and be fascinated by how easy it was to understand and visualize these stories, even as a kid. One day, I saw the position available on Handshake via the university's Professional Career-Readiness Center, applied and now I’m a newsroom production assistant intern!

Now that I’ve had my full-circle moment working at the station, making my own radio and online stories, and reporting and producing them under tight deadlines, it's been exhilarating. My story assignments have varied a lot so far, ranging from writing a story about goats eating donated live Christmas trees to predicting what’s going on with winter weather while talking to area meteorologists. Every day there’s something new for me and I’m so grateful to my editors and the WESA staff for being so helpful, making me feel incredibly welcomed and motivating me to do my best work at the station every time.

You can read all of my published stories on WESA's website. 

What’s it like living and learning in Downtown Pittsburgh?

Before going to Point Park, I’d only visit Downtown to catch the bus to the South Side or to hang out in Mellon Square Park with my friends. I still bus all around the city from Downtown, but I have my fun here by going to restaurants such as Siam Thai Restaurant and Apollo Café, checking out what’s new at Amazing Books and Records on Smithfield Street or even going to the arcade. It's easy to stay entertained Downtown, especially given the ample number of performing arts theaters; the Arcade Comedy Club and the Harris Theater are close to each other.

Why would you recommend Point Park’s School of Communication to a high school student?

You’d have a tough time finding a better communication program than what Point Park has to offer. Whether you’re already a seasoned writer thanks to your high school paper or you have no experience at all, the student media opportunities and helpful faculty will shape you to be the best you possibly can.

What are your career goals?

I’d like to continue working as a news reporter, whether that looks like spot news or larger, multi-part enterprise reporting. To me, there are so many stories that need to be told, so I want to be there to make this happen.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take advantage of every opportunity you’re given. Getting involved with student media is an absolute must, as your classes can only teach you so much. There’s lots of hope for journalism in the region despite recent media closures, so I say there’s still no better time to pursue a career in the news industry than now.

More About: Career Development Center, digital journalism, The Globe, faculty, School of Communication, internships, Honors Program