Skip to main site navigation Skip to main content

Thrive On: The Campaign for Utica University →

Utica University Logo
  • Academics
    • Programs
      • Utica at Florida
    • Utica at Florida
    • Online Study
    • Graduate Study
    • International Ed & Study Abroad
      • Study Abroad
    • Exceptional Faculty
    • Research & Experiential Learning
    • Student Support and Success
    • Core Curriculum
    • Schedules and Resources
    • Institutes and Centers
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
    • Understanding Financial Aid
      • Value
      • Excelsior, Explained
      • University Scholarships
      • Endowed Scholarships
      • Annual Awards
      • Utica Enhanced Tuition Award
    • Applying For Financial Aid
    • Tuition and Fees
      • Tuition and Fees - Undergraduate Campus
      • Undergraduate Online Tuition and Fees
      • Florida Programs Tuition and Fees
      • ABSN Program Tuition
      • Graduate Tuition and Fees
    • Net Price Calculator
  • Admissions
    • First-Year Admissions
    • Transfer Admissions
      • Articulation Agreements
    • Florida Admissions
    • Graduate Admissions
    • International Applicants
      • International Inquiry Form
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Visit
      • Utica University Campus
      • Virtual Tour
    • Apply Now
    • Contact Us
    • Accepted Student Info
    • High School Counselors
    • High School Bridge Program
  • College Community
    • Living on Campus
      • Student Living
      • Campus Engagement and Student Activities
      • Dining
      • Greek Life
      • Campus Safety
      • Utica University Campus
    • Satellite Locations
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
      • Bias Incident Reporting
      • Community Connections
      • DEI Collaborative
      • DEI Events
      • Dialogue on Race and Equity
      • LACRELA
      • Our Staff
      • Pronouns
      • Readings on Race and the Black Experience
      • Utica University Stance Statement
      • Wilcox Center
    • The Utica Area
      • Hotels and Restaurants in the Utica Area
    • Utica Stories
    • About Utica
  • Athletics
  • News & Events
  • Alumni
  • Giving
  • Apply Now
  • Directory
  • About
  • Library
  • Logins
  • 75th
  • COVID-19
Utica University

Internship at Watkins Glen International puts Robert Stevens '22 at the starting line

  1. College Community
  2. Utica Stories
  3. Internship at Watkins Glen International puts Robert Stevens '22 at the starting line
Robert Stevens '22 stands next to trophy at Watkins Glen international racetrack.

Student
Program

Sports Communication & Public Relations - Communication and Media

Story Topics
  • Communications
  • Experiential Learning
  • Student

"Utica College hires some great people – people who care about you and push you to do better and achieve more than you thought was possible."

Robert Stevens ‘22 has loved the sport of race car driving ever since he can remember. A senior majoring in Communication and Media, with a concentration in Sports Communication and Public Relations, Rob also carries a journalism minor.

We caught up with Robert to talk about how his internship at Watkins Glen International Raceway, known as the Mecca of North American road racing, put him close to the action of the race track, and how his time at Utica College had him ready to cross the starting line from day one.
 

A racecar at Watkins Glen International Racetrack.

We understand that you had an internship with Watkins Glen this past summer. Can you tell us what you did there?

While I interned at Watkins Glen International Raceway as a corporate sales representative this past summer, much of my job was to ensure that the sales team was meeting contract requirements. I also planned and executed an entire social media plan for our sponsor, Evans Bank. Being a part of the event specialist team was interesting because we would dive into ways to keep the fans engaged via social media and while at the track. It was a remarkable experience to help put on shows that entertained thousands of fans.
 

How did your classes and professors at UC prepare you for this experience?

My classes and professors were huge in my journey. Each one taught me something not only about the industry but also about myself and what I wanted to do. Some classes were the highlight of the semester and I knew it was something that I wanted to keep doing. Others were not, but I still needed them in order to figure out that it wasn’t for me.
 

Are there any extracurriculars that you took part in that helped in this endeavor? If so, how?

WPNR 90.7-FM was a huge stepping stone in this; the amount of personal growth I experienced over my four years with the station has been significant. I’m definitely not the same kid that walked through those doors to interview for a position at the radio station. My position as director of sports prepared me to be a leader. Watkins Glen had a lot of moments that were stressful, as all jobs do. Luckily, through my experience, I felt prepared to handle that and keep moving forward. Also, The Tangerine, UCTV and Alpha Phi Delta all helped me develop and fill my skills toolbox.


What do you think that UC does well that stands out from other colleges?

Utica College hires some great people – people who care about you and push you to do better and achieve more than you thought was possible. I came here looking for a family away from home, and I found that with a handful of wonderful professors. I’d like to give a special shout out to Professors Rosemary Bonacci, Christine Leogrande, Paul MacArthur and Doug Croft, who have all helped me personally and professionally. So many things that I was called upon to do at Watkins Glen I felt prepared for because I had hands-on experience doing them in class.


Any advice for upcoming students?

Take chances! I have learned that anything is possible, and doors will open for you. You just have to be brave enough to seize those possibilities. College is a time to have fun, but it’s also a time to outwork everyone else. How you choose to spend your time will impact the rest of your life. So yes, go have fun, hang out with friends, but know when to buckle down to put yourself ahead. Also, dress up for presentations. I speak from experience, because doing that one little thing got my foot in the door for Watkins Glen.

More Stories

NYS Supreme Court Justice Janet Malone '86 speaks at the 2022 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony.
Alumni

Making History - New York State Supreme Court Justice Janet Malone '86

In every respect, Justice Malone represents the values that define Utica University and its distinguished alumni. She is a true...
A graduate waves as members of the graduate class of 2022 exits the ceremony with their degrees.
On Campus

Graduate Commencement List 2022

Congratulations to the following students who were eligible to participate in the 2022 Utica University Graduate Commencement ceremonies. Please note...
Fishbowl view of graduates at Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, May 12, 2022.
On Campus

Undergraduate Commencement List 2022

Congratulations to the following students who participated in the 2022 Utica University Undergraduate Commencement. Please note that there are instructions...
All Stories

I would like to see logins and resources for:

For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.

Utica University Logo
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube
  • Academics
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Admissions
  • College Community
  • Athletics
1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502
Map & Directions
(315) 792-3006
Contact Us
  • Institutional Effectiveness
  • Bookstore
  • Disability Learning Support
  • Student Right to Know
2021-2022 College of Distinction2020-2021 New York College of Distinction2021-2022 Business College of Distinction2021-2022 Education College of Distinction2021-2022 Nursing College of Distinction2021-2022 Career Development College of Distinction2021-2022 Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction2021-2022 Military Friendly School

US News Award for Social Mobility