Ryan Arruda ’26, journalism and political science, is passionate about the intersection of media, technology, and communication. Arruda has gained hands-on experience through campus roles and a marketing internship with Workplace Options. After graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s in Technology Management at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with the goal of becoming an IT/tech project manager.
What is your major and graduation year?
I am a double major in journalism and political science, with a minor in general business. I am a senior and am graduating this Spring of 2026!
Where are you from, and why did you choose URI?
I am from Dartmouth, Massachusetts! My path to URI is a little out of the ordinary! I originally applied to all my schools as a computer science/cybersecurity major, but changed to journalism when deciding on schools! I had toured URI previously and was very impressed with the Chafee studio, and since it was close to my hometown, I found it to be the perfect fit!
You are a classroom media assistant and teaching assistant. How have these opportunities shaped your college experience?
My time here at URI has shaped my college experience very positively. The connections and knowledge I gained from my time as a classroom media assistant have made me switch paths and continue down this tech-centered path! Being a TA has been great, and I’ve had an amazing opportunity to work with Prof. Mandy Zhang on a highly important research project! Both have supported me during my time here at URI, and the lessons they taught me for my future are priceless.
What has been your favorite course, and why?
My favorite course at URI has to be between PSC465 – US Political Parties (Prof. Peter McLaughlin) and JOR330 – TV News (Prof. Kendall Moore)! In the first, I learned so much about our political system and had the opportunity to write a research paper based on my own independent findings! In JOR330, I recorded and edited news packages and hosted my very own mock TV newscast! Both provided invaluable experiences, leaving me with real pieces of work that can go toward my portfolio.
Tell us about your internship experiences. How did you get these internships, and how did they prepare you for your future?
My internship experience was very interesting, and it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t met Prof. Mandy Zhang! She connected me with URI’s Social Media Lab and Prof. Joon Kim, and I was chosen to serve as a global marketing and communications intern for Workplace Options in the summer of 2025. There, I learned so much about the basics of marketing and the internal structure and operations of a global company, and was fortunate to co-host my own podcast about Gen Z in the workplace! It prepared me for my future by showing me what it takes to run a large-scale multinational company and how internal communications work with employees around the world.
What are your career goals and future plans?
I hope to one day be an IT/tech project manager, and I will be going for my Master’s in Technology Management this fall at UMass Dartmouth!
This story was written by Rebecca Minichino, intern for the Harrington School Social Media Agency.