A conversation with Michele Edelman ’89 and Tori Frank ’24, public relations and sports media & communication.

Michele Edelman ’89, communication studies, looks back fondly on her time at the University of Rhode Island. As a self-described “career-driven individual,” Edelman used her experience at URI to pursue a career in entertainment while working as a Worldwide VP at Warner Bros. Entertainment before landing her job as Head of Growth at Premiere Digital Services, a digital media distribution and software services company. Michele has been instrumental in realizing Premiere Digital’s vision and strategically positioning it for sustained success in the realm of digital distribution. 

Why did you choose to study at URI?

I didn’t know if I wanted to go into journalism or advertising, but the College of Arts and Science at URI really fit well. I wanted to be in New England. Although I grew up in New York, right outside New York City, and I always felt like I was a New Englander more than I was a New Yorker. I remember not knowing much about URI, and a few people from my high school went there. My advisor said to look atthe  University of Rhode Island, and I realized it was a diamond in the rough. The moment I got there, I felt like I was home.

What made you choose your major? 

I originally wanted to study journalism, which was part of the communication studies program. The Harrington School was founded afterward. I remember thinking this major could take me down any route: It could take me down a path to business, medicine, or psychiatry. I eventually steered myself towards wanting to work in advertising but luckily ended up at a Hollywood studio in a business marketing role.

How do you use the skills you learned at URI today?

I’ll never forget the first class I went to, CMS 101 and a class on various forms of communication. They taught us how to truly speak, how to present, and more. That is the first thing employers look for is how you present yourself. I remember being in class with the professor and having this revelation: “Wow, this is what the rest of my life is going to be about. It’s how I communicate with people and how I engage with others. This class will truly help me succeed in the future.” There are so many different variations of public speaking. I remember my professor telling us, “Public speaking is everywhere.  Simply think of yourself in a store surrounded by people in line, engaging with a cashier. Even this is public speaking.”

What was your favorite memory from URI?

I loved the comradery of my sorority sisters, who I am still friends with to this day. I loved being in an environment where we were trying to build our future’s and dream’s together; I enjoyed the environment.

My other favorite memory was from the second semester of my senior year, but it didn’t have to do with being at school. I finished up all of my major classes, and I was going to take it easy. Tennis was an option, but my father caught word and said in a stern voice: “Are you kidding me?” So, I ended up doing my internship in New York and got my credits through that. I then ended up getting a job [because of that]. That internship helped me with my career today. I got in early, and from there, I just kept going.

What one piece of advice would you give students who are preparing to enter the workforce?

Try not to take just a job; take something with purpose and something you can really sink your teeth into to add value. Enjoy it. Have a full day where the hours go by, and you have no idea. Make it your job to find your job while you’re in college. Do a lot of listening and also know there will be many jobs. Not just one.

Also, evaluate the people you are working with and for because those are who you want to learn from. This is very important. You are going to find some great people, and you’re going to find some not-so-great people. Take from them what you want to learn and also remember, what you don’t want to learn will be there too….and also a learning experience.