These days, it doesn’t matter what your career goals are; you’ve got to be social media savvy no matter what! Luckily, Briana Rotello has #hashtagging down. After handling all social media for Fordham’s Fashion For Philanthropy and running Fordham’s newest fashion mag, Mode, there’s no way Briana will have trouble navigating her way through NYC to reach her ultimate dream job at a major magazine. Find out how she juggles campus activities, internships, and class #LikeABoss.
Where are you from? I am from Rockville, Maryland
What year are you? I am a senior!! EEK!
What is your major? Communications and Media Studies
What activities are you involved in? My weeks make me feel like I am the energizer bunny. I am the Vice President of Fashion for Philanthropy, Editor in Chief and founder of Mode Magazine, and I am a USG Rose Hill 2014 senator.
How did you decide to come to Fordham? At first, I didn’t even want to look at Fordham! My dad had gone to college here, and I am already so much like my dad and I seriously didn’t want to add another thing to the list (sorry dad). But all my family lives in New York so while we were visiting, my dad said why not just look. I fell in love instantly. It was the perfect fit because of how focused the school seemed to be on writing which is my favorite thing to do. It was also so close to the city, which is where I always knew I was meant to be.
Do you have any tips for students who are trying to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars, and other obligations like internships? PLAN AHEAD. I can’t even tell you how important that is! I have an assignment book and tablet that both hold my life. Of course I am being dramatic, but if I ever lost either I would not know what I have coming up. Keeping an assignment book not only helps me to plan ahead but it also helps keep me organized. By writing my tasks and obligations down, I can prioritize, which makes it easier to complete everything on time and give it my all at the same time.
What’s your favorite thing about New York? The food. Oh gosh, of course it is the food. I’ve gone to eat at a rice pudding shop, I have eaten the best sushi, I have eaten vegan food, I have had Asian food, and I have experienced the best appetizers with cured meats at Quality Meats. I am a serious foodie, and while the shopping is amazing, I would spend an entire day exploring the different restaurants the city had to offer.
Have you crossed anything off your New York City bucketlist? I stayed at the Plaza hotel! That was one of my dreams. For my best friends 21st birthday, she took us to stay overnight in the most beautiful room. It was a great night. She had a limo and everything. I felt so famous! I took a lot of pictures that night. And I might have stolen the slippers and soaps the hotel gives you. Maybe…
Do you have a favorite NYC memory? I have a ton, but one of the most memorable was seeing The Chew last year (2013) during their Oscar’s themed episode. I went through Fashion for Philanthropy and most of my friends were going too. We dressed in our old prom gowns and traveled through the city that way! The best part was that Fashion Week had just happened, so we went to Lincoln Center all dressed up and took pictures. A couple of families who were traveling asked to take pictures with us and were having fun watching us. It was so cool- it made for my favorite Instagram selfie. From the episode, we were filmed and got on TV which is always exciting. Then after the show my girlfriends and I went, still dressed in our gowns and heels, and got Chipotle. Best. Day. Ever.
Do you have a favorite Fordham memory? My favorite Fordham memory is a small act but a huge accomplishment. It was last semester and we had just released the full fall issue of Mode. It came out amazing and I couldn’t have done it without all the help from the wonderful group of editors and writers. We were passing the issues out in the residence halls and I was walking to my class with a pile in hand and Father McShane is about to pass me and I think I was so caught up in the moment that I said, “Father McShane! Would you like an issue of Mode Magazine?” And he said yes and took it! That was probably my biggest accomplishment. The smile on my face after that was definitely ear to ear.
Where’s your favorite spot on campus? The church. I am not as active of a church goer as I should and wish I was, but when I am in that church, I feel so at peace. It is the most beautiful church I have seen. If you haven’t yet attended the Guadete Sunday mass, I truly recommend going. The church gives candles to everyone in attendance and turns off the lights while the choir sings, and to me it defined the Christmas season this year.
What’s the best thing about being a senior? Senior nights! The last senior night was 100 nights which was sad, but it was also Old Hollywood Glam which I am pretty sure is the time period I should have been born into. My roommate (and luckily best friend/stylist/therapist/everything else) curled my hair and I got to wear my big faux fur coat and layer on all my pearl accessories. It was perfect.
If you could give one piece of advice to a Fordham collegiette, what would it be? I tell everyone the same thing- whether or not you are a freshman or a senior, get involved. I think if I had been more involved my freshmen year, my experience in college would have been totally different. It is so important to join clubs- even if you just attend the interest meeting! Get out there, join the ski club, take a different work out class, go to Greek night. Whatever you do, push your comfort zone and get to know the people around you. I met some of my greatest friends through the activities I have participated in and it has made my time here at college even greater.
What’s your dream job? My dream job is to be the PR girl for Chanel. Erika Bearman, PR girl for Oscar de la Renta, is my role model. I love all she does with the brand on social media. I am a huge fan of releasing the runway collections on Instagram- I think that is perfect marketing. I hope to one day have a job similar to hers. Running social media platforms for influential luxury brands is what I would really love to be doing.
What do you think the best part of a Jesuit education is? I took a really great class that was part of the core and it was Intro to the Old Testament. I was skeptical about this class because as bad as it sounds, I don’t really know much about the bible. I knew the general stories, but I didn’t really understand what it was about until I took this class. It was an eye opener, and I think being able to learn about the bible and Christianity outside of church made being Catholic more interesting to me. For once I paid attention to the stories instead of just listening during mass. Being part of a Jesuit education gives me the opportunity to explore my religion in my own time and in my own way, helping me to better relate and integrate it to my life.
Who is your favorite professor at Fordham? I have been lucky to have many great professors. There have been two however who I felt I have connected with the most, and that is Dean Parmach and Professor Paul Levinson. I have taken many classes with Professor Levinson, he is my sponsor for my internship course this semester, and he is also the advisor for Mode Magazine. I have learned so much from him and I really feel he has made me a stronger writer and person in general.
Pick one!
Bronx Zoo or Botanical Gardens? Botanical Gardens- I could get lost in there (literally) every day and still find something I haven’t ever seen before.
Arthur Ave/Fordham Road? Arthur Ave- Dominick’s is my all time favorite restaurant. I recommend Chicken Scarpariello and the linguini with clam sauce. Bring it on. Oh and get the starter salad!
Cafeteria or Grille? Grille, especially when they have crispy fries.
RamVan or Subway? I love the Ram Van!
Met or MoMA? Is it bad I haven’t been to either one yet?? I know, I know!!
Hot Dog or Bagel? Hot dog! Unless the bagel is a cinnamon crunch bagel from Panera.
Broadway or Off-Broadway? Definitely Broadway. My grandma would always take my family to see plays and once she took us to see Wicked. That was the best play I have ever seen. My next goal is to see Cinderella on Broadway.
Radio City or Madison Square Garden? Radio City. I love the Rockettes and last year we took a tour and saw behind the scenes of the building, including the production of the Christmas Spectacular. We even met one of the Rockettes. My dreams came true! But then quickly faded when I learned I could never be a Rockette because I am only 5’1”.
Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge? I have not yet been to The Brooklyn Bridge but it is one of my goals. Central Park would always be my go-to though, especially in the spring. I love walking around the little ponds. I want to take a row boat out once. Is that still a thing? I hope so.