Junior communication, journalism and media major (CJM) Megan Sawka recently earned first place in the Stukent Social Media Simternship. She was also named the new managing editor of The Slate, the university’s student-run news outlet.
The Student Social Media Simternship is a competition within Professor Mohammad Rhaman’s social media marketing course. The competition was hosted by the education technology company Stukent, which challenged students to take on the role of a social media assistant for a fictional bag company named Buhi. Participants manage paid and organic social media posts, negotiate with influencers and create advertising budgets.
“I really enjoyed completing this assignment. Not only did it allow me to practice making social content, I was also able to analyze the results week after week and adjust my content based on that feedback,” Sawka said.
Sawka credited her success to Dr. Rhaman and her fellow classmates. “Dr. Rahman was a great resource along the way. Katelyn and I swapped tips and compared our results, allowing us each to improve. She earned second place and it’s great to work with her, whether in the classroom or the Honors College Office,” she said.
Beyond her success in the Simternship competition, Sawka was recently appointed managing editor of the Slate for the 2025-2026 academic year.
“I’m so excited to start my position at The Slate in the fall,” she said. “I’m looking forward to upholding the legacy of the paper and all of the past management that have come before me.”
She will work closely with the incoming Editor-in-Chief, Jadyen Pohlman and faculty advisor, Michael Drager. “We have big plans, and by combining our strengths, I know we can make the paper as amazing as the people who have come before us have,” Sawka said. “The chance to work with Dr. Michael Drager as our advisor is a great opportunity to learn and grow as students and professionals.”
Previously serving as the 2024-2024 Ship Life Editor, she emphasized the value of teamwork. “The opportunity to work with writers to cover various campus events was a great leadership experience. I learned how to be a leader and work with writers on stories and deadlines.
As the new managing editor, she hopes to maintain the strong reputation of the Slate while also making it more accessible and welcoming to new students. “As a freshman, it can be intimidating to join an organization like The Slate, she said. “Things like workshops and shadowing can allow new Ship students who may not have journalism experience to grow and become more confident in themselves as writers.”
Sawka is honored to continue to advance at The Slate and encourages students across all majors to consider joining The Slate by reaching out to her or Jayden Pohlman directly or at the Activities Fair this Fall.
From earning first place in the Simternship competition to becoming the new managing editor at The Slate, Sawka’s drive and dedication to teamwork inspires students looking to leave their mark at Ship and beyond.
